Beloved ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and ‘Home Alone’ Star Catherine O’Hara Has Died at 71

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of a comedy legend after Catherine O’Hara passed away at the age of 71. Her management confirmed that the actress died peacefully at her home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, on Friday, January 30, 2026. She had been suffering from a brief illness prior to her passing. O’Hara was a prolific talent known for her incredible range and her ability to bring eccentric characters to life. She leaves behind a legacy that spans over five decades of film and television.

Her husband Bo Welch and their two sons Matthew and Luke were by her side. The couple met on the set of ‘Beetlejuice’ in the late eighties and married in 1992. They established their life in California where they purchased their longtime family home for 1.25 million dollars in 1994. O’Hara was a devoted mother and wife who often spoke fondly of her family in interviews. Her representatives have asked for privacy for the family during this difficult time.

O’Hara first rose to prominence as a key member of the improvisational comedy troupe Second City in Toronto. She starred alongside fellow legends like John Candy and Eugene Levy on the sketch show ‘SCTV’ in the late seventies. Her work on that series earned her a Primetime Emmy Award for writing. This early success established her as one of the most gifted comedic performers of her generation. She frequently collaborated with Eugene Levy throughout her career and their partnership became a defining element of her professional life.

She transitioned seamlessly into film with unforgettable roles in movies such as Martin Scorsese’s ‘After Hours’ and Tim Burton’s ‘Beetlejuice’. However, she became a household name globally for her role as Kate McCallister in the blockbuster hit ‘Home Alone’. Her performance as the frazzled but loving mother of Macaulay Culkin’s character became a holiday staple. Culkin paid tribute to his on-screen mother shortly after the news broke. He shared a touching message on social media stating that he always thought they would have more time together.

Her career saw a massive resurgence in recent years thanks to her portrayal of Moira Rose in the sitcom ‘Schitt’s Creek’. The character’s unique accent and outlandish wardrobe made O’Hara a viral sensation and earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress. She also continued to work in voice acting for animated films like ‘The Wild Robot’ and ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’. Her final television appearances included roles in ‘The Last of Us’ and the Apple TV series ‘The Studio’.

Fans and colleagues alike are devastated by the news of her sudden departure. She was a singular talent who could make audiences laugh and cry with equal ease. Her contributions to comedy and culture will be celebrated for generations to come.

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