Catherine O’Hara Dies At 71 — But Do You Know Which Role She Called Her Favourite?

The

death of Catherine O’Hara at 71 has left the entertainment world stunned and heartbroken. The Emmy-winning Canadian-American actor, celebrated for her impeccable comic timing and deeply human performances, passed away on Friday at her Los Angeles home following a brief illness, according to a statement released by her agency, Creative Artists Agency. As fans across generations mourn the loss of a woman who helped define modern comedy, an old viral video has resurfaced — and it may be the most fitting tribute to her life, both on and off screen.

A Quiet Airport Moment That Spoke Volumes

The clip, originally shared by the podcast Culture Apothecary on Instagram, shows O’Hara dressed warmly in a coat, her grey hair framing a gentle, familiar smile. Filmed casually at an airport, the video captures an unexpected interaction between the actor and a fan. When asked which role she would like to be remembered for, O’Hara pauses before answering softly: “Mother of my children.” The response — unfiltered, instinctive and deeply personal — struck a chord instantly.

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Humility, Grace and a Life Beyond the Spotlight

As the fan tells her she is their favourite actor, O’Hara deflects the praise with characteristic modesty. She appears touched but never self-important, her reaction quietly revealing the humility that defined her public persona. The video ends with a tender montage of family photographs: O’Hara with her husband, production designer Bo Welch, and their sons, Matthew and Luke — a gentle reminder of the life she treasured most away from fame.

Fans Mourn: “Her Presence Felt Like a Hug”

The comments section quickly filled with grief, gratitude and affection. “She’s all of our mothers forever,” one user wrote. Another summed up her legacy poignantly: “The best way I can describe Catherine’s career is that her presence on screen always felt like a hug. She is a one-of-a-kind actress who will be sorely missed.” Others were moved by the emotion in her voice. “The way she got so emotional when she said it,” one comment read, while another added, “‘Mother of my children’ — you’re an icon. We’ll remember you as a mother first and a great actress always.”

From Toronto Roots to Comedy Royalty

Born on March 4, 1954, in Toronto, Canada, O’Hara grew up as the sixth of seven children. She was the elder sister of musician-actor Mary Margaret O’Hara and completed her schooling at Burnhamthorpe Collegiate Institute. Her career took shape with the groundbreaking sketch comedy series Second City Television (1976–1984), a defining chapter that earned her a Primetime Emmy Award and established her as a formidable comic talent.

Iconic Roles That Defined Generations

O’Hara went on to become a household name through films such as Beetlejuice, Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Her portrayal of Kevin McCallister’s frantic yet loving mother became instantly iconic. She later formed a celebrated creative partnership with director Christopher Guest, appearing in cult favourites including Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show and A Mighty Wind — performances that showcased her gift for subtle, character-driven comedy.

A Late-Career Renaissance as Moira Rose

In 2015, O’Hara experienced a career renaissance with her portrayal of Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek. Running until 2020, the series introduced her to a new generation of viewers and earned her both a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe. With exaggerated wigs, theatrical diction and surprising emotional depth, Moira Rose became one of television’s most unforgettable characters — a masterclass in comedy rooted in vulnerability.

Awards, Legacy and the Role That Mattered Most

Over the course of her career, O’Hara received two Primetime Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. She was most recently seen in HBO’s The Last of Us, adding yet another memorable performance to her remarkable body of work. She is survived by her husband Bo Welch and their sons, Matthew and Luke. Yet beyond the accolades and iconic characters, it is that quiet airport moment — her choosing motherhood over fame — that now defines Catherine O’Hara most powerfully. In her own words, her favourite role was never written in a script. And perhaps that is why the world loved her so deeply.