Catherine O’Hara, Iconic Star Of Home Alone And Schitt’s Creek, Dies At 71

Renowned actress and comedian Catherine O’Hara has died at the age of 71. The Canadian-born performer passed away at her Los Angeles home “following a brief illness,” according to a statement released by her agency, CAA. Further details surrounding her death were not immediately disclosed.

O’Hara’s passing marks the end of an extraordinary career that spanned over five decades, during which she became one of the most recognisable and beloved faces in comedy. She was celebrated for her work across film and television, earning acclaim for iconic roles in Home Alone, Beetlejuice, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Best in Show, and the Emmy-dominating series Schitt’s Creek.

From Second City to Comedy Royalty

O’Hara’s rise began in the 1970s at Toronto’s famed Second City, where her sharp

instincts and fearless improvisation quickly set her apart. Her time there led to the creation of the influential sketch comedy series S.C.T.V., where she starred alongside John Candy, Rick Moranis and Eugene Levy. The show became a breeding ground for Canadian comedic talent, helping launch the careers of performers such as Martin Short and Andrea Martin.

After leaving Second City, O’Hara maintained a decades-long creative partnership with Eugene Levy. The two collaborated on numerous projects, including Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind and For Your Consideration. Their on-screen chemistry reached new heights with Schitt’s Creek, where O’Hara played the unforgettable Moira Rose opposite Levy’s Johnny Rose.

Reflecting on crafting Moira, O’Hara once told Vulture: “I was afraid I would lean on being a bitchy wife [with Moira] because I often did that. When in doubt, I played either insane or bitchy at Second City Theater. And I didn’t want to do that with Eugene, and I’m so happy either of us didn’t go the way of not loving each other. I think we’re a great loving couple in this.”

Awards, Reinvention and a Lasting Impact

Created by Eugene Levy and his son Dan Levy, Schitt’s Creek became a cultural phenomenon, with its sixth and final season sweeping the Emmy Awards. The show introduced O’Hara to a new generation of fans and cemented her place at the center of pop culture conversation.

Over her career, O’Hara won two Emmys, a Golden Globe, multiple American and Canadian Comedy Awards, and two SAG Awards. She also earned Emmy nominations for her dramatic turn in HBO’s The Last of Us and for her recent role as a Hollywood producer in The Studio.

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