Catherine O’Hara, Emmy-winning comic actor of ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and ‘Home Alone’ fame, dies at 71
Catherine O’Hara, the celebrated Canadian-born actress known for her comedic timing and versatile performances, died Friday at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness. She was 71 years old. O’Hara’s career spanned decades, encompassing work in sketch comedy, film, and television, and earning her widespread acclaim, including multiple Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe.
A Career Forged in Comedy
O’Hara’s professional journey began with the Second City comedy group in Toronto in the 1970s. It was there she first collaborated with Eugene Levy, a partnership that would continue and flourish with their starring roles in the hit series “Schitt’s Creek.” Both O’Hara and Levy were among the original cast members of “SCTV,” a sketch comedy show that aired in Canada and the United States, and launched the careers of many notable comedians, including Martin Short, John Candy, Andrea Martin, Rick Moranis, and Joe Flaherty.
From “Home Alone” to “Schitt’s Creek”
While gaining recognition in the comedy world, O’Hara also found success in film. She became a familiar face to many as the mother in the hugely popular “Home Alone” movies in the early 1990s. Later, she achieved a new level of critical and popular success with “Schitt’s Creek,” created by Eugene Levy and his son, Dan. The series, about a wealthy family adjusting to life in a small town, garnered numerous awards, including a best actress Emmy for O’Hara four decades after her first.
O’Hara’s portrayal of Moira Rose, a former soap opera star, was particularly lauded. She described Moira to the Associated Press as someone who married into wealth and consistently sought to remind others of her own importance. O’Hara meticulously crafted Moira’s distinctive voice, drawing from old vocabulary books to create a unique and memorable character.
A Versatile Talent
O’Hara’s career wasn’t limited to mainstream successes. She appeared in films by Martin Scorsese (“After Hours”) and Tim Burton (“Beetlejuice,” with a reprise in the 2024 sequel). She also collaborated with Christopher Guest on a series of mockumentaries, including “Waiting for Guffman” and the critically acclaimed “Best in Show.” More recently, she took on roles in “The Studio” with Seth Rogen and “The Last of Us” on HBO, earning Emmy nominations for both.
Tributes poured in from fellow actors and fans alike. Macaulay Culkin, her co-star in “Home Alone,” shared a heartfelt message on Instagram. Meryl Streep described O’Hara as bringing “love and light to our world.” Christopher Guest called her “one of the comic giants of our age.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Catherine O’Hara’s first major television role?
Catherine O’Hara’s first major television role was as a cast member on the sketch comedy show “SCTV” in the 1970s.
What role did Catherine O’Hara play in “Schitt’s Creek”?
Catherine O’Hara played Moira Rose, a wealthy and eccentric former soap opera star, in “Schitt’s Creek.”
What films did Catherine O’Hara appear in alongside Tim Burton?
Catherine O’Hara appeared in Tim Burton’s 1988 film “Beetlejuice” and reprised the role in the 2024 sequel.
As the entertainment world mourns her loss, Catherine O’Hara’s legacy as a gifted and innovative comedian will undoubtedly continue to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come.