Catherine O’Hara the Canadian-American actress and comedian who performed for five decades died on January 30 2026 at the age of 71. Creative Artists Agency (CAA) confirmed her death after she became sick and needed emergency medical treatment at a hospital in Los Angeles. O’Hara achieved great popularity through her exceptional talent to create complex, unusual, and authentic comedic characters who connected with viewers in movies and television and theater productions.
Her career started in Toronto when she joined The Second City improvisational comedy group as an understudy for Gilda Radner. She became a main actor on SCTV from 1976 until 1984 and won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Variety Series through her celebrity impersonations and original character performances. Her early television work established a foundation for her career which included multiple acting roles and creative work and her ability to make people laugh.
Breakthrough in Film: 1980s and 1990s
O’Hara moved into movies after her time on SCTV because she wanted to become a successful comedic actress. She became famous after playing Delia Deetz in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice 1988 because her performance showed her ability to act out an eccentric self-centered character through perfect comic timing. She became a major star after playing Kate McCallister in the worldwide successful movies Home Alone 1990 and Home Alone 2 Lost in New York 1992 because her performance showed a mother who loved her children while losing her composure.
O’Hara established herself as an accomplished voice actress through her work in The Nightmare Before Christmas, Monster House, and Frankenweenie. Her ability to bring animated characters to life further showcased her versatility and wide-ranging talent.
Critically Acclaimed Collaborations
Catherine O’Hara received multiple awards for her performances in mockumentary films created by Christopher Guest, which depended on actor improvisation and character performance. She appeared in Waiting for Guffman (1996), Best in Show (2000), A Mighty Wind (2003), and For Your Consideration (2006). Her performances demonstrated her ability to improvise, which established her as one of the most skilled comedians in the industry.
Career Resurgence: Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020)
The CBC/Pop TV sitcom Schitt’s Creek brought O’Hara back to the spotlight when she played the character Moira Rose, who used to be a soap opera actress. Her performance combined strange behavior with intelligent humor and deep emotional feelings that won her the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (2020), the Golden Globe, and several Canadian Screen Awards. The role showed her exceptional talent to new viewers who discovered her talent and became a lasting television legend.
Recent Work and Recognition
O’Hara kept acting in movies and TV shows and online streaming services throughout her final career years, which included her role in Apple TV+’s The Studio with Seth Rogen. She made her final public appearance at an Emmy party in September 2025, celebrating her enduring influence and continuing relevance in the industry.
Personal Life and Legacy
The Canadian actress O’Hara, who was born on March 4, 1954, in Toronto, Ontario, established a successful career while maintaining her responsibilities as a mother. She married production designer Bo Welch in 1992 and had two sons named Matthew and Luke. She became a beloved figure in comedy and entertainment because of her warm personality, her creative abilities, and her modest nature.
Tributes have poured in from fans, co-stars, and industry colleagues worldwide, including Macaulay Culkin, who fondly remembered her as “Mama” from Home Alone. Catherine O’Hara created a lasting impact through her extensive work, which included her portrayal of memorable roles and her ability to make people laugh throughout multiple generations. She will forever be remembered.
