Catherine O’Hara, Emmy-Winning Comedy Icon, Dies at 71/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Catherine O’Hara, Emmy-winning star of Schitt’s Creek and SCTV, has died at 71. The Canadian-born actress passed away in Los Angeles after a brief illness, her agency confirmed. She leaves behind a legacy of iconic roles in film and television spanning five decades.
Quick Look: Catherine O’Hara (1954–2026)
- Career Highlights: Emmy-winning roles in Schitt’s Creek, SCTV, Home Alone, and acclaimed mockumentaries like Best in Show and A Mighty Wind
- Signature Role: Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, which earned her multiple major awards including an Emmy and a Golden Globe
- Origins: Born in Toronto, O’Hara began her career at Second City and helped define a generation of Canadian-American comedy
- Film Credits: Notable performances in Beetlejuice, Home Alone, Nightmare Before Christmas, and For Your Consideration
- Legacy: Revered for her unique comedic voice and ability to bring complexity and charm to eccentric characters
- Personal Life: Survived by husband Bo Welch, sons Matthew and Luke, and six siblings
- Death: Passed away in Los Angeles after a brief illness at age 71
Catherine O’Hara, Emmy-Winning Comedy Icon, Dies at 71
Deep Look
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Catherine O’Hara, the beloved comedic actress whose iconic performances in SCTV, Home Alone, and Schitt’s Creek defined generations of laughter, passed away Friday at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness. She was 71.
The Canadian-born entertainer and Emmy winner left an indelible mark on screen and stage, celebrated for her razor-sharp wit, expressive performances, and unforgettable characters—from the eccentric Moira Rose to the frantic mother of Kevin McCallister.
A Comedy Legacy That Shaped Pop Culture
O’Hara launched her career in the 1970s with Toronto’s Second City troupe before rising to fame on SCTV, alongside longtime collaborator Eugene Levy. The sketch show helped launch some of the most celebrated names in comedy, including Martin Short, John Candy, and Andrea Martin.
On film, O’Hara delivered scene-stealing turns in Beetlejuice, Home Alone and its sequel, and Christopher Guest’s cult mockumentaries like Best in Show and A Mighty Wind.
Most recently, she reprised her role as Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and earned critical acclaim with Emmy-nominated performances in HBO’s The Last of Us and Apple TV’s The Studio.
Her portrayal of Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek became a late-career triumph, earning her an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a SAG Award.
Tributes and Personal Life
O’Hara is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, and their sons, Matthew and Luke. She also leaves behind six siblings. The family will hold a private celebration of her life.
Fans and peers alike mourn the loss of one of comedy’s most distinct voices—an actress who brought style, grace, and absurdity into every role.
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