Catherine O'Hara, the beloved Canadian-American actress and comedy legend, has died at age 71 on January 30, 2026. O'Hara was confirmed to have passed away at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness, according to her agency. No official cause of death has been released yet.
She won two Primetime Emmys - one for writing on SCTV Network 90 early in her career and another for her iconic portrayal of Moira Rose on Schitt's Creek.
O'Hara's career spanned more than 50 years across film and television. Highlights include:
• Schitt's Creek, where her eccentric Moira Rose became a cultural phenomenon.
• Home Alone and Home Alone 2, as Kevin McCallister's resilient mom.
• Beetlejuice and its sequel, where she played Delia Deetz.
• Christopher Guest mockumentaries like Best in Show and A Mighty Wind.
• Acclaimed dramatic and comedy roles in The Last of Us and Apple TV+'s The Studio (receiving Emmy/Golden Globe nominations).
Tributes from Co-Stars & Fans
Macaulay Culkin, who played her son in Home Alone, posted a heartfelt tribute writing: "Mama. I thought we had time ... I love you. I'll see you later."
Actors like Pedro Pascal and Beetlejuice co-stars also honored her memory, praising her talent, warmth and influence on generations of performers.
O'Hara was known for her unique blend of sharp comic timing, emotional depth, and unforgettable characters - from sketch comedy beginnings to Emmy-winning TV and classic films that became holiday favorites around the world.
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