Beloved Actress Catherine O'Hara Passes Away at 71
The entertainment world is in mourning following the death of acclaimed actress Catherine O'Hara, who passed away on Friday at her Los Angeles home. She was 71 years old. According to her agency CAA, her death followed a brief illness, marking the end of a remarkable career that spanned over five decades and brought joy to millions of fans worldwide.
A Career Defined by Iconic Roles and Unforgettable Characters
O'Hara's versatile talent shone through in numerous beloved roles that became cultural touchstones. She achieved international fame as Kate McCallister in the 1990 Christmas classic Home Alone, playing the mother of Macaulay Culkin's character Kevin. Her portrayal of the eccentric, vocabulary-loving Moira Rose in the hit television series Schitt's Creek earned her both an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe, cementing her status as a comic genius. Her filmography also includes memorable performances in the Beetlejuice films, where she played Delia Deetz, a role she reprised in the 2024 sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
Heartfelt Tributes from Co-Stars and Colleagues
The news of O'Hara's passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and admiration from those who worked alongside her. Meryl Streep, who acted with O'Hara in the 1986 comedy Heartburn, described her as someone who "brought love and light to our world" through her "whipsmart compassion" for the eccentric characters she portrayed. Macaulay Culkin, her on-screen son in Home Alone, shared an emotional tribute, writing: "Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more... I love you. I'll see you later."
Michael Keaton, her co-star in the original Beetlejuice, reflected on their long friendship, stating: "She's been my pretend wife, my pretend nemesis and my real life, true friend. This one hurts. Man am I gonna miss her." Alec Baldwin praised her as "one of the greatest comic talents in the movie business," while Seth Rogen, who worked with her on Apple TV+'s The Studio, called the news "devastating" and credited O'Hara with inspiring his own career in filmmaking.
Recognition as a Canadian Icon and Lasting Legacy
Beyond Hollywood, O'Hara was celebrated as a national treasure in her home country. Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hailed her as a "beloved Canadian icon," and current Premier Mark Carney noted that "Canada has lost a legend" whose work earned her "a place in the canon of Canadian comedy." Her recent role in the second season of The Last of Us alongside Pedro Pascal further demonstrated her enduring appeal and versatility across genres.
Catherine O'Hara is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke. Her family has announced that they will hold a private celebration of her life, honouring a woman whose talent, kindness, and unique comedic spirit left an indelible mark on audiences and colleagues alike. Her legacy of laughter and heartfelt performances will continue to resonate for generations to come.
