Catherine O’Hara Dead at 71: Look Back at Her Best Roles

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Catherine O’Hara had an extraordinary career.

The Emmy-winning actress, who passed away on January 30th at the age of 71, built a decades-long career and became one of the most beloved comedic performers in North America.

I first discovered Catherine O’Hara way back in the 70s when she was doing a lot of TV movies and shows in Canada. But honestly, it was in 1977 when she joined the cast of Second City TV (or SCTV as we called it) that I really fell in love with her work. Being alongside comedy geniuses like Eugene Levy, Joe Flaherty, and Harold Ramis clearly sparked something special! She was absolutely hilarious for all six seasons, and it was amazing to watch her comedic talent shine. It truly was a golden era of sketch comedy, and she was a huge part of it.

After appearing on television, Catherine O’Hara gained recognition for her role as Delia Deetz in the 1988 film Beetlejuice, alongside Michael Keaton and Wynonna Ryder. She then became a beloved figure during the holidays, playing Kate McCallister in the Home Alone movies. Throughout the 1990s and beyond, she frequently collaborated with Christopher Guest and her friend Eugene Levy, appearing in his popular comedies such as Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, and A Mighty Wind.

Catherine’s career experienced a resurgence in her 60s when she reunited with Eugene Levy and his son, Daniel Levy, to create Schitt’s Creek. She became well-known for her role as the memorable matriarch of the Rose family.

Even towards the end of her career, her talent for comedy was still clear, as demonstrated by her final appearance in Seth Rogen’s Apple TV show, The Studio. While many praised her comedic skill, she consistently acknowledged the important contributions of her fellow performers and collaborators in making her comedy successful.

She shared with Parade in September 2024 that working with supportive, skilled colleagues creates a sense of security. She explained that in such environments, people aren’t afraid to disagree with ideas, and everyone is genuinely focused on making the project the best it can be.

And after decades in the game, Catherine was always happy to land a gig, no matter when it came.

She explained that she enjoys both working and having time off. She’d be very happy if she could have a job or two each year – she feels fortunate when she does.

Keep reading for a look back at her unmatched onscreen legacy…

Catherine O’Hara’s career took off in 1976 when she joined the cast of NBC Canada’s comedy variety show. Over six seasons, she quickly became a standout performer alongside stars like Eugene Levy, Joe Flaherty, and Andrea Martin, showcasing her comedic talent. One of her most memorable characters from the show was Lola Heatherton, a hilariously over-the-top showgirl.

In a 2019 interview with the New Yorker, Catherine explained that all the other characters had distinct personalities, but she felt hers didn’t. She was known as Lola Heatherton, a name inspired by singer Lola Falana, who she’d seen on The Tonight Show and Merv Griffin. Catherine admitted to copying Falana’s signature lip quiver and adopting a playful, slightly mischievous persona – which she likened to Joey Heatherton’s – for her character.

Catherine launched her Hollywood career in Tim Burton’s beloved 1988 film, Beetlejuice. She played Delia Deetz, a somewhat selfish interior designer who is married to Charles Deetz (Jeffery Jones) and stepmother to his daughter, Lydia Deetz (Wynonna Ryder). Delia and Charles find themselves constantly frustrated by Lydia and the mischievous ghosts, including Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton), who haunt their new home and want them to leave.

Catherine went on to reprise her role in 2024’s Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice.

Oh my gosh, Catherine O’Hara as Kate McCallister? She’s EVERYTHING! I mean, the mom who literally moved mountains – twice! – to get back to her Kevin (Macaulay Culkin, obviously!). It was so stressful watching her scramble, but you just knew she’d do anything, anything at all, to get back to her KEVIN! That desperation? Iconic! I still quote her lines all the time!

Catherine once again lent her voice to a Tim Burton film, playing Sally, the ragdoll who captures Jack Skellington’s (Danny Elfman’s) heart. She joins him on a journey through the contrasting worlds of Christmas and Halloween.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Catherine O’Hara frequently appeared with Eugene Levy, Jennifer Coolidge, Fred Willard, Parker Posey, and other talented actors in Christopher Guest’s popular mockumentary films. She delivered memorable performances in films like Waiting for Guffman (1996), Best in Show (2000), A Mighty Wind (2003), and the critically acclaimed For Your Consideration (2006).

In the animated comedy series, Catherine voiced Jackie Robinson Martin, the wife of Glen (Kevin Nealon). After Glen accidentally burns down the house, he takes his family, including his teenage daughters, on a road trip. Jackie is a supportive partner and joins them for the entire two-season adventure.

It’s hard to imagine a more memorable character! Catherine O’Hara played Moira Rose, a former Hollywood star who moved to Schitt’s Creek with her husband, Johnny (played by Eugene Levy), and their adult children, David (Dan Levy) and Alexis (Annie Murphy), bringing with her a collection of wigs, extravagant outfits, and over-the-top expressions. Throughout the show’s six seasons, Catherine won an Emmy for her performance, perfectly capturing Moira’s love for awards season.

Catherine made a guest appearance on the ABC comedy during its eleven seasons. She played Dr. Debra Radcliffe in the seventh season episode, “Clean Out Your Junk Drawer,” a quirky couples therapist who ironically needed help herself.

Catherine played Gail, a character introduced in the second season of HBO’s series to help Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) rebuild their connection after moving to a new town and trying to leave the trauma of the previous season behind.

 

In one of her last roles, Catherine portrayed Patty Leigh, a quirky studio executive inspired by producer Amy Pascal, in Seth Rogen’s Emmy-winning Apple TV+ comedy. For the part, she swapped her typical blonde hairstyle for a completely different look and was often seen around town as her character navigated life after being fired from Continental Pictures.

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2026-01-31 01:17