The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Catherine O’Hara, the multi-award-winning actor celebrated for her versatility across comedy and drama, who passed away on Friday at her home in Los Angeles at the age of 71 following a brief illness. Tributes from colleagues, friends, and admirers have poured in, reflecting on her extraordinary talent and beloved personality.

O’Hara's extensive career left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide with a range of memorable characters. She was widely recognized for her role as Delia Deetz in Tim Burton’s iconic film “Beetlejuice” and its 2024 sequel, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” Her distinct voice brought to life characters like Sally and Shock in the beloved 1993 animated classic “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” For many, she was the quintessential on-screen mother, Kate McCallister, in the first two “Home Alone” movies, a role opposite Macaulay Culkin.

One of her most celebrated performances was as the eccentric and extravagantly dressed Moira Rose in the critically acclaimed Canadian sitcom “Schitt’s Creek,” which aired from 2015 to 2020. Her portrayal of the once-affluent matriarch forced to adapt to a new life earned her numerous accolades, including a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, a Golden Globe, a SAG-AFTRA’s Actor Award, a TCA Award, and a Critics Choice Award. Variety TV critic Alison Herman noted that Moira’s "impractical outfits and fish-out-of-water frenzy helped crystallize the comedic contrast that was the series’ creative engine."

O’Hara frequently collaborated with her longtime friend and colleague Eugene Levy, who co-created “Schitt’s Creek” with his son Dan Levy, and director Christopher Guest. This creative partnership led to a series of beloved mockumentary films, including “Waiting for Guffman,” “Best in Show,” “A Mighty Wind,” and “For Your Consideration.” Her performance in “For Your Consideration” garnered her the 2007 National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actress. Guest expressed his profound sorrow, stating, "I am devastated. We have lost one of the comic giants of our age."

The news of her passing elicited heartfelt messages from across the industry. Macaulay Culkin, who played her son Kevin in “Home Alone,” shared an emotional tribute on Instagram: “Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more... I love you. I’ll see you later.” Their bond was evident during an emotional reunion in December 2023, when O’Hara delivered a touching speech at Culkin’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, reflecting on his child star career and "sweet, yet twisted, yet totally relatable sense of humor."

Her “Beetlejuice” co-star Michael Keaton remembered her as "my pretend wife, my pretend nemesis and my real life, true friend. This one hurts. Man am I gonna miss her." Director Tim Burton shared a behind-the-scenes photo, writing, "Catherine, I love you. This picture shows how much light you gave to all of us. You were a special part of my life and after life."

The cast and crew of “Schitt’s Creek” also shared their grief. Eugene Levy, reflecting on their fifty-year collaboration from Second City to SCTV, the Guest films, and "Schitt's Creek," remarked, "I cherished our working relationship, but most of all our friendship. And I will miss her." Dan Levy commented, "What a gift to have gotten to dance in the warm glow of Catherine O’Hara’s brilliance for all those years... It’s hard to imagine a world without her in it." Co-stars Jennifer Robertson and Chris Elliott remembered her as an "absolute star" and a "warm hearted, generous and humble human being" respectively.

Seth Rogen, who recently worked with O’Hara on Apple TV’s “The Studio,” hailed her as "the funniest person I’d ever had the pleasure of watching on screen," adding, "She was hysterical, kind, intuitive, generous… she made me want to make our show good enough to be worthy of her presence in it. This is just devastating." Pedro Pascal, her co-star in the second season of HBO’s “The Last of Us,” described her as "genius to be near you. Eternally grateful. There is less light in my world."

Apple TV and Lionsgate TV issued a joint statement calling her "An undeniable legend, icon and incomparable talent," emphasizing that "Her artistic accomplishments will forever bring humor, light and love for generations to come." CBC Television honored her as "a beloved Canadian icon whose brilliance lit up screens and stages around the world." Tributes also came from numerous other figures including Justin Trudeau, Ron Howard, Brooke Shields, Michael Bublé, Hank Azaria, Michael Chiklis, and Michael McKean.

Beyond her most iconic roles, O’Hara's filmography included titles such as “After Hours,” “Heartburn,” “The Life Before This,” “Penelope,” “Away We Go,” “Where the Wild Things Are,” “A.C.O.D.,” and “The Right Kind of Wrong.” She is survived by her husband, Bo Welch, and their two children, Matthew and Luke. Catherine O’Hara’s immense talent, unique comedic timing, and genuine warmth will be deeply missed, but her legacy of laughter and unforgettable performances will continue to inspire and entertain for generations.