KEY POINT
- Catherine O’Hara, internationally recognized for her comedy roles in film and television, has died at 71.
- Her career spanned over five decades, including sketch comedy, feature films, voice acting, and award-winning television work.
- O’Hara’s death represents the loss of a highly influential figure in both North American and global comedic performance.
LOS ANGELES — Catherine O’Hara, the Canadian-American actor and comedian celebrated for her performances in Home Alone, Schitt’s Creek and numerous acclaimed film comedies, died Friday at the age of 71, her manager confirmed. She passed away at her home in Los Angeles on January 30, 2026. No cause of death has been disclosed.
O’Hara’s career was marked by versatility, moving seamlessly between ensemble sketch comedy, feature films, voice acting and television.
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Her work earned her global recognition, with audiences remembering her for both family-friendly roles, such as Kevin McCallister’s mother in Home Alone, and her Emmy winning portrayal of Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek.
Industry observers note that her comedic style combined sharp timing with layered character work, a combination that influenced generations of performers.
Born on March 4, 1954, in Toronto, Ontario, O’Hara began performing comedy with Toronto’s Second City troupe in the mid 1970s.
She later became a core member of Second City Television (SCTV), gaining attention for her writing and performances on sketches that blended satire, parody and character driven humor.
O’Hara transitioned to film in the 1980s, appearing in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice (1988) and lending her voice to animated classics including The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993). She reached mainstream recognition through Home Alone (1990) and its sequel, playing the role of Kate McCallister.
Later, her role as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek brought critical acclaim, earning her both a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. (en.wikipedia.org)
Entertainment experts have highlighted O’Hara’s unique ability to combine comic timing with emotional nuance. Dr. Sarah Whitfield, a professor of film and media at the University of Southern California, stated, “O’Hara’s performances were notable for their intelligence and depth. She could make audiences laugh while simultaneously giving them fully realized characters to connect with.”
Mark Johnson, senior analyst at the Film and Television Arts Institute, said, “Her influence is evident in both comedy and television. Many performers cite her improvisational background as shaping how they approach character and timing on screen.”
Eugene Levy, O’Hara’s frequent collaborator and Schitt’s Creek co star, said in a statement, “Catherine was a remarkable talent and a cherished friend. Her humor, her generosity and her brilliance made every project she touched better.”
Macaulay Culkin, who played her son in Home Alone, shared, “Working with Catherine was inspiring. She brought warmth, precision and joy to every scene.”
Tributes to O’Hara’s work are expected across media and entertainment platforms in the coming weeks. Streaming services and networks may feature retrospectives of her performances, ensuring that her influence on comedy and acting continues to be recognized by both existing fans and new audiences.
Her passing may also lead to renewed scholarly attention on Canadian comedy’s impact on global entertainment and the role of women in shaping television and film comedy.
Catherine O’Hara’s death marks the loss of a foundational figure in modern comedy. Her work spanned decades, mediums and generations, leaving a legacy that continues to influence performers and delight audiences worldwide.
- Who was Catherine O’Hara?
Catherine O’Hara was a Canadian-American actress and comedian, known for Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek. - How did Catherine O’Hara die?
Her manager confirmed her death on January 30, 2026, at age 71. The cause of death has not been released. - What awards did Catherine O’Hara win?
She won multiple Primetime Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Awards for her film and TV work.