Catherine O’Hara, Home Alone & Schitt’s Creek Star, Dead at 71

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Catherine O’Hara brought laughter into the world, and today, she has taken a bit of it with her. 

Catherine O’Hara, the celebrated comedic actress famous for her work in films like Home Alone and the series Schitt’s Creek and The Studio, has passed away at the age of 71, according to TopMob News.

No information regarding Catherine’s passing or cause of death has been shared. 

The award-winning actress recently passed away, just under a month after missing the Golden Globes on January 11th. She had been nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Studio, where she starred alongside Seth Rogen, Kathryn Hahn, and Ike Barinholtz. Erin Doherty of Adolescence ultimately won the award.

In the show, Catherine played a seasoned studio executive who guided Seth’s character, Matt Remick, mirroring the real-life dynamic of one famous Canadian comedian mentoring another.

Okay, so Catherine actually said in Variety back in March 2025 that she doesn’t see herself as this huge icon – which, honestly, is so humble! But she admitted it’s sweet to know people do see her that way. It’s just… she’s amazing, and everyone knows it, even if she doesn’t quite get it herself! I just can’t get over how down-to-earth she is despite everything!

Still, she never denied she relied heavily on comedy in her life and career. 

As a lifestyle expert, I can tell you one of the most valuable things anyone can develop is a strong sense of resilience. Being raised with that inner strength is a true gift – life throws both good and bad at you, and you need to actively seek out the positive. I was incredibly fortunate to grow up in a home where humor was always cherished. My parents were hilarious, and we were constantly encouraged to laugh and find the funny side of things – it was a huge part of our family dynamic.

Catherine O’Hara was a beloved actress who consistently delivered memorable performances. Many remember her as Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice and as the mother of Macaulay Culkin in the popular Home Alone movies. Beyond her career, family was important to her; she and her husband, Bo Welch, shared two sons, Matthew, 32, and Luke, 28.

Catherine shared with TopMob News that she really enjoyed the film and playing the frazzled Kate McCallister. She explained that, like many people, she has her own holiday movie traditions and certain films she watches every Christmas.

Catherine playfully admitted she makes her children watch her famous Christmas movie every year.

Catherine experienced a career revival in 2015 thanks to her memorable role as Moira Rose in the popular show Schitt’s Creek, proving her lasting talent.

In a 2020 interview with TopMob News, Catherine explained she created the character simply because she enjoyed spending time with her. She was pleased that others connected with the character too – whether they found her relatable, amusing, eccentric, or even insightful.

Indeed, Catherine wanted her character to, hopefully, “inspire older women.”

She suggested trying a more modern style, being a bit bolder, and encouraging people to enjoy wearing wigs – and offering her blessing to anyone who needed them.

As a huge fan, I’ll never forget when Catherine said that playing Moira Rose – a character brilliantly brought to life by Eugene Levy and Dan Levy – was the most fulfilling role of her entire career. It really felt like she’d found her perfect part!

In September, while accepting a lifetime achievement award at the Toronto International Film Festival, Catherine shared a heartfelt sentiment with Eugene. She said that when she reflects on the happiest moments of her career, most of them involved him – a touching statement made shortly before her passing.

For more of Catherine’s life in photos, keep reading… 

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2026-01-30 21:47