Hollywood legend Catherine O’Hara, known for her unforgettable roles in Home Alone, Schitt’s Creek and numerous iconic films, has died at the age of 71. The Canadian-American actress passed away at her home in Los Angeles on January 30, 2026, after a short illness, her representatives confirmed.
O’Hara’s career spanned more than five decades, during which she won critical acclaim and worldwide admiration for her versatility in comedy and drama. She first came to prominence in the 1970s as a cast member of the influential Canadian sketch comedy series Second City Television (SCTV), known for its sharp wit and ensemble cast.
Her breakthrough film roles included Beetlejuice (1988), where she played Delia Deetz, and The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), for which she provided the voice of Sally. However, it was her role as Kate McCallister, the resourceful mother in Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), that became beloved by generations of fans around the world.
O’Hara’s television work reached new heights with the hit comedy series Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020), where she portrayed the eccentric and dramatic Moira Rose. Her performance garnered universal praise and earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, along with a Golden Globe Award and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
In recent years, O’Hara continued to shine. She played memorable roles in the Apple TV+ comedy The Studio and the HBO drama The Last of Us, earning further Emmy nominations for both performances.
News of her death sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow entertainers alike. Macaulay Culkin, who played her on-screen son in Home Alone, wrote emotionally on social media: “Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more. I love you. I’ll see you later.”
Tributes also came from other stars, including Pedro Pascal, Michael Keaton, Amy Sedaris and Meryl Streep, who celebrated her genius, warmth and impact on generations of performers and audiences.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau honoured her as “a beloved Canadian icon with a rare gift for comedy and heart,” while his predecessor Mark Carney noted that fans around the world were mourning her loss.
Born March 4, 1954, in Toronto, Ontario, O’Hara became a dual Canadian-American citizen and was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2017 for her contributions to the arts. She met her husband, production designer Bo Welch, on the set of Beetlejuice in the late 1980s, and the couple shared two sons.
Catherine O’Hara’s legacy as one of comedy’s most beloved and enduring performers will continue to inspire audiences, actors and writers for years to come.
