Catherine O’Hara, the beloved actor best known for her roles in “Schitt’s Creek,” “Home Alone,” and “Best in Show,” has sadly passed away at the age of 71. Her manager confirmed to Variety that O’Hara died following a brief illness.
O’Hara launched her comedic career in the 1970s, becoming a key figure in the Canadian sketch show “SCTV.” She transitioned into film in the 1980s, making her mark with “Nothing Personal,” which starred Donald Sutherland, and later appeared in Martin Scorsese’s cult classic “After Hours.”
In 1988, O’Hara took on the iconic role of Lydia Deetz in Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice,” a character she revisited in the film’s upcoming sequel in 2024. It was on the set of the original film that she met her husband, production designer Bo Welch, and they tied the knot in 1992.
O’Hara is perhaps most fondly remembered for her portrayal of Kate McCallister, the somewhat oblivious mother in “Home Alone,” a role she reprised in its sequel. Reflecting on the film in 2024, she remarked, “It’s a perfect movie, isn’t it?” adding her appreciation for working with the talented young actors cast as her children.
Her collaboration with Christopher Guest began in 1996, with O’Hara starring in the mockumentary “Waiting for Guffman” and featuring in “Best in Show,” “A Mighty Wind,” and “For Your Consideration.” Guest praised her ability to seamlessly blend comedy and drama, noting her unique talent to evoke both laughter and emotional depth.
O’Hara was also a prominent voice in animated films such as “Chicken Little,” “Over the Hedge,” “Monster House,” “Frankenweenie,” and most recently, “The Wild Robot.”
On television, she made memorable appearances in series like “The Larry Sanders Show,” “Six Feet Under,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and “30 Rock,” but her reunion with Eugene Levy for “Schitt’s Creek” became a significant highlight of her career. The show, which explored the life of a wealthy family forced to adapt to a new lifestyle, earned O’Hara an Emmy Award.
In her recent work, O’Hara participated in “A Series of Unfortunate Events” and “The Last of Us,” which earned her an Emmy nomination. Her co-star Pedro Pascal honored her on Instagram, writing, “Oh, genius to be near you. Eternally grateful. There is less light in my world, this lucky world that had you, will keep you, always.”
O’Hara’s latest performances included her role in “The Studio” alongside Seth Rogen, which has led to further Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Reflecting on her career, she once stated, “I’m always drawn to characters who have no idea of the impression they’re making on other people,” embracing the delightful complexities of human nature.
Catherine O’Hara leaves behind a legacy of laughter and warmth, having touched the lives of many through her exceptional talent and endearing presence on-screen. Her contributions to comedy and film will be fondly remembered by fans and peers alike.