A. Rahman
Catherine O’Hara, the Emmy-winning actress whose career brought laughter and unforgettable characters to generations of fans, has died at the age of 71, her representatives confirmed Friday night.
O’Hara’s passing was confirmed by her manager and Creative Artists Agency. She died at her home in Los Angeles after a brief illness, ending a remarkable five-decade career in film, television and comedy.
O’Hara first gained widespread attention as part of the sketch comedy series SCTV in the 1970s and 1980s, where her sharp improv and comic range helped launch a long career. She became a familiar face in Hollywood with iconic roles in films including “Beetlejuice” and “Home Alone,” where she played Kevin McCallister’s loving but frazzled mother.
In later years, O’Hara reached new heights of acclaim as Moira Rose on the hit sitcom “Schitt’s Creek.” Her performance won her a Primetime Emmy Award in 2020 and cemented her status as one of the most beloved comic actresses of her generation.
Her work spanned genres and generations, from mockumentaries such as “Best in Show” to voice roles in beloved animated films and recent television appearances in acclaimed series. Fans and fellow actors across Hollywood have been paying tribute since the news broke.
Among the heartfelt tributes was a message from Dan Levy, her “Schitt’s Creek” co-star and creator, who described O’Hara as family and said it was “hard to imagine a world without her.”
Her influence extended beyond entertainment. Fans around the world grew up with her performances every holiday season and through the many roles that showcased her versatility, heart, and exacting comic timing.
O’Hara is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, whom she met on the set of “Beetlejuice,” and their two sons.
Her death marks the loss of one of comedy’s most original voices and a cherished figure in television and film history.
