Catherine O'Hara, Beloved Star, Dies at 71

Beloved Canadian actress Catherine O'Hara, celebrated for her iconic roles in "Home Alone" and "Schitt's Creek," has passed away at the age of 71, Al Jazeera reported on January 31, 2026. Her death marks a profound loss for the entertainment world, leaving behind a legacy of comedic brilliance and generosity.

Actors and politicians across the globe are honoring O'Hara's remarkable talent and spirit, according to elle magazine on January 30, 2026. Tributes highlight her unique ability to blend sharp wit with emotional precision, making her an unforgettable presence on screen.

O'Hara was widely recognized for her role as Kate McCallister, the frantic mother in the blockbuster film Home Alone, a performance that resonated with audiences worldwide. This iconic portrayal solidified her status as one of cinema's most memorable maternal figures, as noted by Rotten Tomatoes.

Her career experienced a significant resurgence with her acclaimed performance as Moira Rose in the hit series Schitt's Creek, a role that earned her widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards. The show became a cultural phenomenon, largely due to her eccentric and beloved character, as highlighted by The Guardian.

Spanning over five decades, O'Hara's career showcased her incredible versatility as an actress, comedian, and screenwriter, wikipedia stated. She seamlessly transitioned between sketch comedy, film, and television, earning accolades for both her comedic and dramatic work.

Throughout her illustrious career, O'Hara garnered numerous prestigious awards, including multiple Primetime Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Awards, according to carnegie Corporation of New York. She was also appointed to the Order of Canada in 2017, recognizing her significant contributions to the arts.

O'Hara frequently collaborated with acclaimed filmmakers and fellow comedians, most notably with Christopher Guest on his mockumentaries and with Eugene Levy across several projects, as detailed by Golden Globes. These enduring partnerships produced some of her most celebrated and beloved work.

• O'Hara's journey in comedy began at Toronto's Second City Theatre, where she initially worked as a waitress before joining the improvisational troupe in 1974, elle reported. Her breakthrough came as a core cast member and writer for the sketch comedy series SCTV (1976–1984), where her satirical impersonations and original characters earned her an Emmy Award for outstanding writing, according to the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards. This foundational work established her as a formidable comedic force, showcasing her early talent for character creation.

• Her collaboration with director Tim Burton yielded memorable performances, particularly as Delia Deetz in the 1988 horror-comedy Beetlejuice, a role she reprised in the 2024 sequel. HOLA magazine noted that O'Hara transformed Delia into a fully realized character, whose self-importance and artistic pretensions made the film's absurdity even funnier. Her ability to tap into dark and uncomfortable places made her a natural fit for Burton's unique vision.

• The film Home Alone, where O'Hara played the unforgettable Kate McCallister, achieved immense cultural significance, becoming a cherished holiday classic and one of the highest-grossing live-action comedies for two decades. Her portrayal of a mother's desperate journey to reunite with her son provided the film's emotional core, as Slate noted on January 30, 2026. In 2023, the Library of Congress selected Home Alone for preservation in the National Film Registry, recognizing its cultural importance, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.

• Schitt's Creek, co-created by Eugene and Dan Levy, became a critically acclaimed series that garnered a massive cult following, especially for its writing, humor, and acting, wikipedia stated. O'Hara's portrayal of Moira Rose, with her distinctive accent and elaborate wigs, was central to the show's success, earning her a Primetime Emmy, a Golden Globe, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. The show's final season received widespread critical acclaim, with TODAY highlighting its themes of "joy and love".

• Beyond her live-action roles, O'Hara was a prolific voice actress, lending her distinctive voice to numerous animated films and television shows. Her notable voice credits include Sally in Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas , as well as roles in Chicken Little , Monster House , and The Wild Robot , according to Rotten Tomatoes. These contributions showcased her versatility across different mediums and her ability to bring unique characters to life through voice alone.

• O'Hara's comedic genius was characterized by her razor-sharp wit, emotional precision, and fearless commitment to character, as described by a Substack article on January 30, 2026. She was a "shape-shifter" capable of disappearing into her roles, creating tiny worlds with each character she embodied, from the overbearing Delia Deetz to the eccentric Moira Rose, HOLA magazine noted. Her unique style made her instantly recognizable and impossible to imitate, solidifying her place as a quiet giant of comedy.

• Her passing signifies a significant loss for the entertainment industry, as she was a beloved figure who inspired generations of performers and audiences alike. The outpouring of tributes from actors and politicians underscores the profound impact she had on her colleagues and the broader cultural landscape, as observed by ELLE. Her work will continue to be celebrated and discovered by new audiences through streaming, ensuring her enduring legacy for years to come.

• In recent years, O'Hara continued to captivate audiences with her performances, including roles in the 2024 film The Wild Robot and the upcoming second season of HBO's The Last of Us, as well as the Apple TV+ series The Studio. Her enduring appeal and consistent work across various projects, even into her later years, demonstrated her unwavering passion for acting and her ability to remain relevant in a dynamic industry, ELLE magazine highlighted.