The entertainment world mourns the loss of beloved actress Catherine O’Hara, best known for her iconic role in Home Alone, who passed away at the age of 71. The sad news of her death was confirmed by her manager, sending shockwaves through Hollywood and among her legions of fans.
According to a statement released to Variety by her agency, CAA, O’Hara peacefully died on Friday, January 30, at her residence in Los Angeles, United States, after a period of illness. Her passing marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned five decades, leaving an indelible mark on comedy and film.
A true titan of comedy, O’Hara began her illustrious journey in Hollywood with the Canadian sketch comedy series Second City Television. She not only starred in but also co-created this groundbreaking show alongside longtime collaborator Eugene Levy, laying the foundation for her enduring legacy as a comedic genius.
Her exceptional talent on Second City Television earned her a well-deserved Emmy Award and a subsequent nomination, highlighting her early impact. Following this success, O’Hara captivated audiences with memorable performances in classic films such as Martin Scorsese’s After Hours and Tim Burton’s gothic masterpiece, Beetlejuice, showcasing her versatility across genres.
However, it was her unforgettable portrayal as Kate McCallister, the frantic yet loving mother of Kevin (Macaulay Culkin), in the first two Home Alone films that cemented her status as a global icon. Her on-screen chemistry with Culkin translated into a cherished real-life friendship, a testament to her warm and genuine spirit.
Beyond her mainstream hits, O’Hara was celebrated for her frequent collaborations with director Christopher Guest, gracing his acclaimed mockumentary films. Her nuanced performances in comedies like Best in Show, For Your Consideration, Waiting for Guffman, and A Mighty Wind underscored her unique ability to blend humor with heartfelt characterizations.
Her distinctive voice also brought beloved characters to life in popular animated features, including Sally in Tim Burton’s cult classic The Nightmare Before Christmas and the title character’s mother in Disney’s Chicken Little, further demonstrating her broad artistic range.
Catherine O’Hara Leaves Behind Husband and Two Children
Later in her career, O’Hara experienced a phenomenal resurgence with the critically acclaimed series Schitt’s Creek, earning her a second Emmy Award for her portrayal of Moira Rose. This role not only garnered her widespread adoration but also paved the way for exciting new projects, including appearances in the hit series The Last of Us and The Studio, proving her enduring appeal and talent.
Born in Toronto, Canada, Catherine O’Hara’s contributions to the arts were recognized in 2021 when she was honored with the title of honorary mayor of Brentwood. She is survived by her devoted husband, esteemed production designer Bo Welch, and their two loving sons, Matthew and Luke, who will undoubtedly cherish her memory alongside the countless fans she touched throughout her extraordinary life and career.
Summary
Catherine O’Hara, the beloved actress best known for her iconic role in Home Alone, has passed away at the age of 71. Her manager confirmed the sad news, and her agency stated she died peacefully on Friday, January 30, at her Los Angeles residence after a period of illness. Her passing marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned five decades, leaving an indelible mark on comedy and film.
O’Hara’s illustrious journey began with the acclaimed sketch comedy series Second City Television, earning her an Emmy Award. She later gained widespread adoration and a second Emmy for her role as Moira Rose in the critically acclaimed series Schitt’s Creek. She is survived by her devoted husband, Bo Welch, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke.