The entertainment world is in mourning following the announcement of the death of beloved actress Catherine O'Hara at the age of 71. The star, celebrated for her iconic roles in Home Alone and Schitt's Creek, passed away at her home in Los Angeles after a brief illness, according to a statement released by her agency, CAA.
A Legacy of Laughter and Brilliance
Catherine O'Hara's career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on both film and television. She was best known to global audiences as Kate McCallister, the frantic mother in the classic festive films Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. More recently, she captivated viewers with her Emmy-winning portrayal of the eccentric Moira Rose in the critically acclaimed sitcom Schitt's Creek.
Her filmography was rich with memorable characters, from Delia Deetz in Tim Burton's Beetlejuice – a role she reprised in the 2024 reboot – to her voice work in The Nightmare Before Christmas. Her unique comedic timing and dramatic depth made her a cherished figure in Hollywood.
An Outpouring of Grief from Colleagues and Fans
The news of her passing prompted an immediate and heartfelt flood of tributes from across the entertainment industry. Fellow actor Justin Theroux, who shared the screen with O'Hara in Beetlejuice, expressed his sorrow, writing: "Catherine, you will be so missed."
Pedro Pascal, her co-star in The Last of Us, posted a moving tribute: "Oh, genius to be near you. Eternally grateful. There is less light in my world; this lucky world that had you will keep you always. Always."
Actress Rita Wilson honoured her friend, stating: "Catherine O’Hara – a woman who was authentic and truthful in all she did. You saw it in her work, if you knew her you saw it in her life, and you saw it in her family."
Director Ron Howard shared his shock, calling the news "shattering" and praising O'Hara as "a wonderful person, artist and collaborator" who was "simply growing more brilliant with each year."
Industry Recognition and Fan Adoration
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) issued a formal statement, noting her status as a two-time SAG Award winner for Schitt's Creek and a current nominee. The union highlighted her "brilliance, generosity and originality" which left a lasting legacy.
Fans worldwide took to social media to express their grief and celebrate her work. One fan reminisced: "Catherine O’Hara will be remembered most as the mom in the first two Home Alone movies. But I’ll always remember her as Delia Deetz in BeetleJuice. RIP to a legend." Another simply stated: "Catherine O’Hara was an absolute genius for the entirety of her career. She will be terribly missed."
Catherine O'Hara is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time as the industry and her legion of fans come to terms with the loss of a true comedic and dramatic icon.
