Catherine O'Hara, the comedic actress best known for her starring roles in the Home Alone and Beetlejuice films, as well as her Emmy-winning turn in Schitt's Creek, has died aged 71. The Canadian star rose to fame through Toronto's Second City improvisation troupe and on SCTV, before making a name for herself in 1988's Beetlejuice and as the matriarch in the holiday classic Home Alone.
O'Hara, whose colleagues remembered her as a wonderful person, artist and collaborator, most recently appeared in the Emmy-winning comedy The Studio and HBO's The Last of Us. In a statement, her agent noted that O'Hara died on Friday at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness.
O'Hara made a significant impact on the comedic world with her iconic performances. In the classic Beetlejuice, she played Delia Deetz, and in Home Alone, her panicked scream of Kevin! became a memorable moment in cinema history. Macaulay Culkin, her young co-star, shared a touching tribute on social media expressing his love and sorrow.
The Toronto-born actress's journey began as a waitress at the Toronto Second City theatre before joining SCTV, where she honed her comedic talent alongside legends like Eugene Levy. Her career flourished further with Christine Guest’s mockumentaries, and she gained widespread acclaim for her role in the hit series Schitt's Creek.
Stepping into her character Moira Rose, O'Hara captivated audiences with her flair and eccentric mannerisms, ultimately leading to her Emmy Award win in 2021. Known for her sharp humor, O'Hara brought laughter to many lives and will be deeply missed by fans and peers alike. She is survived by her husband Bo Welch and her two sons.
O'Hara, whose colleagues remembered her as a wonderful person, artist and collaborator, most recently appeared in the Emmy-winning comedy The Studio and HBO's The Last of Us. In a statement, her agent noted that O'Hara died on Friday at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness.
O'Hara made a significant impact on the comedic world with her iconic performances. In the classic Beetlejuice, she played Delia Deetz, and in Home Alone, her panicked scream of Kevin! became a memorable moment in cinema history. Macaulay Culkin, her young co-star, shared a touching tribute on social media expressing his love and sorrow.
The Toronto-born actress's journey began as a waitress at the Toronto Second City theatre before joining SCTV, where she honed her comedic talent alongside legends like Eugene Levy. Her career flourished further with Christine Guest’s mockumentaries, and she gained widespread acclaim for her role in the hit series Schitt's Creek.
Stepping into her character Moira Rose, O'Hara captivated audiences with her flair and eccentric mannerisms, ultimately leading to her Emmy Award win in 2021. Known for her sharp humor, O'Hara brought laughter to many lives and will be deeply missed by fans and peers alike. She is survived by her husband Bo Welch and her two sons.
