Actor Catherine O’Hara is best known for “Home Alone,” “Schitt’s Creek,” “Beetlejuice,” and “Best in Show.”
The entertainment world lost a comedy legend today. Catherine O’Hara, the brilliant actress who brought smiles on millions of faces through her different characters, died at the age of 71 on January 30, 2026, at her home in Los Angeles.
How Did This Happen?
O’Hara’s agency hasn’t shared specific details about what caused her death, though they said she died after dealing with a short illness. Emergency responders were called to her home early that morning, and she was taken to the hospital in serious condition before passing away.
This sudden news has shocked her fans around the world, leaving them heartbroken.
The Roles That Made Her a Household Name
In the ’90s, Catherine O’Hara’s performance as Kate McCallister, Kevin McCallister’s panicked mother in “Home Alone,” was loved by many fans. But for a whole new generation, O’Hara was Moira Rose from “Schitt’s Creek.” This character also earned her an Emmy Award. O’Hara brought layers to what could have been just a caricature, making her one of TV’s most memorable characters.
Movie lovers know her from Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries, especially “Best in Show,” where she played a dog show participant with perfect deadpan humor. She also appeared in “Beetlejuice” and reprised that role in recent years, showing she never lost her touch.
Her recent work included appearances in “The Last of Us” and “The Studio,” proving she was still very much at the top of her game.
Where It All Started
O’Hara started her comedy career with Toronto’s Second City group. She became well-known on the sketch show SCTV, where she worked with famous comedians like Eugene Levy and John Candy. This show helped people see how talented she was, because she could play many different kinds of characters in a very believable way.
A Legacy That Will Last
O’Hara passed away, but she leaves behind her unforgettable works that will keep making people laugh for generations. From anxious mothers to eccentric former soap stars, from improvised comedy sketches to carefully crafted film performances—she did it all, and she did it brilliantly.
Rest in peace to a true original. Thank you for all the laughs.
