Catherine O’Hara, Beloved For Iconic Home Alone And Schitt’s Creek, Dies At 71

Los Angeles : Acclaimed actress Catherine O’Hara, known for her unforgettable performances in Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, passed away at the age of 71 on Friday at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness, her representatives confirmed. Born in Canada, O’Hara’s career spanned more than five decades, earning her admiration from fans and colleagues across film and television. 

O’Hara first rose to prominence with Toronto’s Second City Television in the 1970s, where she worked with fellow comedians including Eugene Levy, establishing a creative partnership that would last throughout her career. She went on to grace Hollywood with a wide range of roles, from her early comedic turns in films such as After Hours and Beetlejuice to her portrayal of Kevin McCallister’s caring but overwhelmed mother in Home Alone and its sequel. 

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In later years, O’Hara reached new heights with her portrayal of the eccentric Moira Rose in the acclaimed sitcom Schitt’s Creek, a role that garnered her a Primetime Emmy Award among other honours. Her versatility also saw her voice characters in beloved animated features and appear in Christopher Guest’s widely appreciated mockumentaries. Most recently, audiences saw her in productions such as The Last of Us and The Studio, earning additional Emmy nominations.

News of her passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the entertainment world, with fellow actors and collaborators remembering her wit, warmth, and immense contribution to comedy and storytelling. 

O’Hara is survived by her family, including her husband Bo Welch and their two sons. Her loss marks the end of a remarkable chapter in entertainment history, leaving behind a legacy defined by laughter, depth, and unforgettable characters.