Catherine O'Hara, the celebrated Canadian-American actress, comedian, and screenwriter, has died at the age of 71. O'Hara passed away on January 30, 2026, at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness, according to a statement released by her agency, Creative Artists Agency (CAA).
Born on March 4, 1954, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Catherine O'Hara's career spanned over five decades. She began her journey in the entertainment industry with sketch and improvisational comedy, gaining prominence in the late 1970s with Toronto's Second City Theater and the sketch comedy show "Second City Television" (SCTV). Her work on SCTV earned her an Emmy Award for writing.
O'Hara's career expanded into film, where she delivered memorable performances in a string of successful movies. She captivated audiences with her roles in "After Hours," "Beetlejuice," and the "Home Alone" franchise, solidifying her status as a comedic icon. Other notable film credits include collaborations with Christopher Guest in mockumentary films like "Waiting for Guffman," "Best in Show," "A Mighty Wind," and "For Your Consideration". She also lent her voice to animated characters in "The Nightmare Before Christmas," "Chicken Little," "Over the Hedge," "Monster House," "Where the Wild Things Are," "Frankenweenie," and "Elemental".
While O'Hara consistently worked throughout her career, she experienced a significant resurgence with her role as Moira Rose in the CBC sitcom "Schitt's Creek" (2015–2020). Her portrayal of the eccentric and flamboyant Moira earned her widespread acclaim, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy.
In addition to her work in comedy, O'Hara also took on dramatic roles in television series such as "Six Feet Under," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," and "Temple Grandin". Most recently, she appeared in the Apple TV+ comedy "The Studio" and HBO's "The Last of Us".
O'Hara held dual Canadian and American citizenship and was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2017. In 2021, she was named honorary mayor of Brentwood, Los Angeles.
O'Hara is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, whom she met on the set of "Beetlejuice" and married in 1992, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke. A private celebration of life will be held by her family.
O'Hara had situs inversus, a condition where major internal organs are reversed from their normal positions. In 1983, O'Hara told Rolling Stone that she was "pretty much a good Catholic girl at heart". She also maintained a close friendship with her "Home Alone" co-star Macaulay Culkin and was present when he received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Tributes have poured in from fellow actors, comedians, and fans alike, celebrating O'Hara's remarkable talent and contributions to the world of entertainment.
