Catherine O'Hara, the acclaimed, two-time Emmy-winning actor known for iconic roles in "Home Alone," "Beetlejuice," and her celebrated late-career triumph in "Schitt's Creek," has passed away at the age of 71. Her manager confirmed her death, which occurred on Friday at her Los Angeles home following a brief illness. O'Hara's remarkable career spanned five decades, leaving an indelible mark across comedy, drama, and voice acting, making her a versatile and cherished figure in entertainment.

Born in Toronto, Canada, O'Hara's journey in entertainment began with the Canadian sketch comedy series "Second City Television" (SCTV), which she co-created with her long-time collaborator Eugene Levy. Her groundbreaking work on SCTV not only showcased her comedic genius but also earned her her first Emmy Award and four nominations, establishing the foundation for her multifaceted acting career.

O'Hara became a household name through her memorable and diverse film roles. She famously portrayed Kate McCallister, the resourceful mother of Macaulay Culkin's character, Kevin, in the first two "Home Alone" movies. Culkin shared a deep bond with O'Hara, who honored him at his Walk of Fame ceremony in 2023. Another defining role was the quirky artist Delia Deetz in Tim Burton's imaginative film "Beetlejuice," a character she was set to reprise in the highly anticipated legacy sequel "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice."

Her filmography also includes extensive collaborations with director Christopher Guest, featuring her in his critically acclaimed mockumentary films such as "Waiting for Guffman," "Best in Show," "A Mighty Wind," and "For Your Consideration." Her performance in "For Your Consideration" earned her the prestigious 2007 National Board of Review Award for best supporting actress. Beyond these, O'Hara's diverse film credits span titles like "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."

Beyond live-action, O'Hara lent her distinctive voice to beloved animated features, bringing characters to life with her unique talent. She voiced Sally and Shock in the iconic 1993 classic "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and also contributed her vocal talents to "Chicken Little," further expanding her artistic reach.

In her 60s, O'Hara experienced a significant and widely celebrated career renaissance with her role as the eccentric, wigs-wearing socialite Moira Rose in the CBC sitcom "Schitt's Creek." Starring opposite Eugene Levy, Dan Levy, and Annie Murphy, her brilliant portrayal of Moira earned her a second Primetime Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series, solidifying her status as a comedic legend. This success propelled her into other major television roles, including HBO's "The Last of Us" and Apple TV's "The Studio," where she portrayed a seasoned Hollywood executive.

Reflecting on the entertainment industry, O'Hara shared her insights in a 2025 interview about "The Studio," noting how Hollywood had transformed over her career. She observed, "It must be a much more nervous business now, than in the past," attributing this to the "world of good and horrific possibilities" opened up by the internet and streaming. Despite the satire in "The Studio," she believed, "Most people are trying to do and want to do good work. And most people want to be entertained."

Tributes from heartbroken colleagues and fans have poured in, celebrating her immense talent and warm spirit. Macaulay Culkin shared a poignant message on Instagram: "Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you but I had so much more to say. I love you. I'll see you later." Pedro Pascal, her co-star in "The Last of Us," wrote, "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. The one and ONLY Catherine O’Hara." Christopher Guest expressed his devastation, stating, "We have lost one of the comic giants of our age." Director Ron Howard also shared, "This is shattering news. What a wonderful person, artist and collaborator. I was lucky enough to direct, produce and act in projects with her and she was simply growing more brilliant with each year."

While born in Toronto, Catherine O'Hara became a cherished figure in Los Angeles, embodying the spirit of Hollywood, even being named the honorary mayor of Brentwood in 2021. She is survived by her devoted husband, production designer Bo Welch, her beloved sons Matthew and Luke, and her siblings Michael O’Hara, Mary Margaret O’Hara, Maureen Jolley, Marcus O‘Hara, Tom O’Hara, and Patricia Wallice. Her enduring legacy as a versatile, brilliant, and beloved performer will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations.