Catherine O’Hara, ‘Home Alone’ and ‘Schitt’s Creek’ actress, dead at 71

Catherine O’Hara, ‘Home Alone’ and ‘Schitt’s Creek’ actress, dead at 71

January 31, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Entertainment

Catherine O’Hara, the celebrated Canadian actress known for her versatile performances across film and television, has died at the age of 71. Her decades-long career captivated audiences with a unique blend of comedic timing and dramatic depth.

Early Career and Breakthrough

O’Hara’s rise to prominence began in the 1970s with the Toronto-based Second City comedy troupe. She then became a founding cast member of SCTV, where her talents as a writer were recognized with an Emmy Award.

Iconic Roles

She subsequently starred in several projects directed by Tim Burton, including the cult classic Beetlejuice and providing the voice for Sally in The Nightmare Before Christmas. In the early 1990s, O’Hara achieved widespread recognition as Kate McCallister in Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.

Did You Know? O’Hara’s contributions to entertainment and Canadian culture were formally acknowledged with her appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada.

A Resurgent Career

O’Hara experienced a significant career resurgence from 2015 to 2020 with her portrayal of Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek. This role garnered her widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards, including an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild award.

Tributes and Remembrance

Macaulay Culkin, who starred alongside O’Hara as Kevin McCallister, publicly shared his grief. He posted on social media, stating, “Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you. But I had so much more to say. I love you. I’ll see you later.”

Expert Insight: The outpouring of emotion from former co-stars like Macaulay Culkin underscores the profound impact O’Hara had on those she worked with, extending beyond her on-screen presence and highlighting the personal connections forged during her career.

Looking Ahead

It is likely that O’Hara’s work will continue to be celebrated and rediscovered by new generations of audiences through streaming platforms and home video. Her performances may also inspire future actors and comedians. A possible next step could be increased interest in her earlier work, such as her contributions to SCTV. Further tributes and retrospectives are also anticipated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Catherine O’Hara known for?

Catherine O’Hara was known for her roles in Beetlejuice, Home Alone, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and, most recently, Schitt’s Creek.

Did Catherine O’Hara win any awards?

Yes, Catherine O’Hara won an Emmy Award for her writing on SCTV, and later received an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild award for her role as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek.

Where did Catherine O’Hara begin her career?

Catherine O’Hara began her career in the 1970s with Toronto’s Second City comedy troupe and later became a founding cast member of SCTV.

What is your fondest memory of Catherine O’Hara’s performances?