Catherine O’Hara, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in Schitt’s Creek and Home Alone, has passed away at the age of 71. Sources close to the family confirmed her death on January 30.
Early Career in Comedy
O’Hara launched her career in sketch and improvisational comedy through the series Second City Television. Her talent earned her two Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards over the years.
Breakthrough in 1980s Films
During the 1980s, O’Hara gained prominence in several notable comedies, including After Hours (1985), Heartburn (1986), Beetlejuice (1988), Home Alone (1990), and its sequel Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992). These roles showcased her versatile comedic timing and established her as a key figure in Hollywood.
Resurgence with Schitt’s Creek
O’Hara experienced a major career revival portraying the eccentric matriarch Moira Rose in the CBC sitcom Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020). Her performance in the role secured her an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award, cementing her status as an iconic character actress.
Recent Television Appearances
In recent years, O’Hara appeared in the Netflix series A Series of Unfortunate Events (2017–2018). She also starred in the Apple TV+ comedy The Studio (2025) and the HBO post-apocalyptic drama The Last of Us (2025), demonstrating her enduring appeal across genres.
