Comedic actress Catherine O’Hara passes at 71 – One America News Network

OAN Staff Brooke Mallory
11:00 AM – Friday, January 30, 2025

Catherine O’Hara, the Canadian-American Emmy-winning actress and chameleonic comedy icon who captivated audiences for decades in beloved movies and shows like “Home Alone,” “Beetlejuice,” and more recently, “Schitt’s Creek,” has passed away at the age of 71.

Her passing was confirmed on Friday by her manager. While a specific cause of death has not been officially released, early reports suggest she passed away following a brief illness.

O’Hara’s journey began in the mid-70s at Toronto’s The Second City, where she helped launch the groundbreaking sketch show “SCTV.”

Working closely with actor Eugene Levy, she honed a distinct style of character comedy that would eventually lead the duo from cult-classic sketches to popular shows like “Schitt’s Creek.”

She eventually became a household name through a series of iconic roles.

Playing mother Kate McCallister in “Home Alone” (1990) and its sequel, she delivered one of the most famous cinematic screams in history.

She was also a staple in Christopher Guest’s “mockumentaries,” including “Waiting for Guffman,” “Best in Show,” and “A Mighty Wind.”

Her portrayal of the eccentric, wig-wearing mother and wife Moira Rose in “Schitt’s Creek” even earned her a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in 2020 — cementing her status as a modern pop-culture legend.

Additionally, even into 2025, O’Hara remained a vibrant presence in Hollywood.

She recently reprised her role as Delia Deetz in the sequel “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” and she was also cast in the Apple TV+ comedy series “The Studio.”

The news has since prompted an outpouring of grief from the entertainment industry. Levy described her as a singular talent with a heart as big as her voice, while fans have taken to social media to share their favorite “Moira-isms” and clips of her legendary comedic timing.

O’Hara is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke.