Catherine O’Hara, beloved film and television star, dies at 71

30 January 2026

Catherine O’Hara, the Emmy-winning actress whose career spanned decades and whose comic talent touched audiences around the world, has died at age 71 following a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances in both film and television. The news of her passing was confirmed by her representatives and first reported by Page Six, which said paramedics were called to her Brentwood home in Los Angeles early Friday morning after she experienced difficulty breathing and she was rushed to a nearby hospital where she was later pronounced dead, though the exact cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.

O’Hara’s impact on entertainment was profound and multifaceted. Born on March 4, 1954, in Toronto, she began her career in the 1970s as part of the influential sketch comedy troupe The Second City before rising to international fame with a string of iconic roles in beloved films. In the late 1980s and early 1990s she became known for her comedic brilliance in movies such as Beetlejuice, where her expressive face and sharp wit made her a standout, and the Home Alone franchise, in which she played Kevin McCallister’s devoted but exasperated mother, showcasing her ability to balance humor with heart.

Her work extended beyond live-action comedy into animation and voice acting, where she brought life to memorable characters in films including The Nightmare Before Christmas and Over the Hedge. O’Hara’s range as a performer was evident in everything from voice roles to dramatic turns, and her versatility served her well as she transitioned between genres and mediums throughout her long career.

Despite her many film credits, O’Hara’s role as Moira Rose on the critically acclaimed television series Schitt’s Creek solidified her status as a cultural icon of a new era. Her performance as the eccentric former soap opera star with an idiosyncratic fashion sense and theatrical flair earned her an Emmy Award in 2020 and endeared her to a generation of viewers who came to love the show’s quirky characters and heartfelt storytelling. Her chemistry with co-stars Eugene Levy, Dan Levy and Annie Murphy helped make Schitt’s Creek a touchstone of contemporary television comedy and a showcase for her comedic genius.

In recent years, O’Hara continued to take on diverse projects, earning acclaim and nominations for her work in series such as The Studio, where her performance proved she remained a force on screen even into her seventies. Friends and colleagues remember her not only for her talent but for her warmth, generosity and presence on set, qualities that made her beloved both by audiences and by those who worked with her across the entertainment industry.

Tributes poured in from around the world in the wake of her passing, as fans, fellow actors and industry figures remembered O’Hara’s brilliance and the joy she brought to so many. Directors who had worked with her, including Tim Burton, expressed sorrow at her loss, describing her as a “special” and irreplaceable partner in creativity. Co-stars and collaborators honored her legacy and recalled her vibrancy, laughter and the unique spark she brought to every role she took on, underlining the deep personal and professional impact she had on those around her.

Just weeks before her death, those who saw her in public noted that she seemed in good spirits, even as she looked a bit frail, a reminder of her enduring commitment to her craft and her resilience as a performer. Her family, including her husband of more than three decades, production designer Bo Welch, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke, plan to hold a private celebration of her life, honoring her memory away from the glare of public attention.

Outside of her professional achievements, O’Hara spoke in interviews about the importance of her family and the role of motherhood, often sharing that being a parent was the role she valued most deeply. Her sons have followed in her footsteps into the entertainment world, contributing to projects that celebrated her life and work, further cementing her influence on both her immediate circle and the broader cultural landscape.

Catherine O’Hara’s legacy is one of laughter and love, of characters that have become part of the fabric of popular culture, and of a career that showcased her singular talent and enduring appeal. From her beginnings in comedy to her heartbreaking finale on screen, she brought an authenticity and exuberance to her work that will be remembered long after her passing.