January 30, (THEWILL) — Catherine O’Hara, the Emmy‑winning actress known for her roles in ‘Home Alone’ and ‘Schitt’s Creek’, has died at the age of 71.
She passed away on Friday at her home in Los Angeles after a brief illness, her agency, Creative Artists Agency, said in a statement. No further details were released.
Born in Canada, O’Hara began her career in the 1970s with the sketch comedy show SCTV. She went on to star in films like ‘Beetlejuice’, ‘Home Alone’, and Christopher Guest’s comedies,’ Best in Show’ and ‘A Mighty Wind.’
She became widely known to global audiences playing Kevin’s mother Kate McCallister in ‘Home Alone’ and ‘Home Alone 2’.
O’Hara’s career reached new heights with her role as Moira Rose in the sitcom Schitt’s Creek. The role earned her multiple awards, including the Primetime Emmy Award for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2020.
She remained active in recent years, appearing as high-ranking studio executive Patty Leigh in the Apple TV+ series, ‘The Studio (2025)’ and in the second season of HBO’s ‘The Last of Us’.
She received a Golden Globe nomination earlier this month for her role in The Studio.
Catherine O’Hara is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke.
Fans and fellow actors have paid tribute to O’Hara following her death, remembering her remarkable talent, her humor, and her lasting impact on comedy and television.
Many highlighted the warmth and charm she brought to her performances, as well as her influence on generations of performers.
O’Hara’s career and influence on comedy and television made her one of the most respected and beloved performers of her generation.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
