Catherine O’Hara Passes Away at 71
Catherine O’Hara, the highly acclaimed Canadian-American actress known for her Emmy-winning performances and comedic versatility, has died at the age of 71. Her passing was confirmed by her manager on January 30, 2025. Although the precise cause of her death hasn’t been disclosed yet, early reports indicate it was due to a brief illness.
O’Hara’s career began in the mid-1970s at The Second City in Toronto, where she played a crucial role in the creation of the influential sketch show “SCTV.” Teaming up frequently with actor Eugene Levy, she developed a unique brand of character-driven comedy that eventually helped them transition from cult favorites to mainstream acclaim, particularly with the hit series “Schitt’s Creek.”
She became a household name by taking on memorable roles, such as Kate McCallister in “Home Alone” (1990) and its sequel, where she delivered one of cinema’s most iconic screams. In addition to her film success, she was a frequent participant in Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries, including “Waiting for Guffman,” “Best in Show,” and “A Mighty Wind.”
O’Hara’s performance as the eccentric Moira Rose in “Schitt’s Creek” garnered her a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in 2020, solidifying her place as a contemporary cultural icon. Even as recently as 2025, she was active in Hollywood, reprising her role as Delia Deetz in a sequel to “Beetlejuice” and being cast in the upcoming Apple TV+ comedy series “The Studio.”
The news of her passing has led to widespread mourning within the entertainment community. Levy reflected on her as a unique talent with immense generosity and warmth, and fans have taken to social media to celebrate her legacy by sharing their favorite moments and memorable quotes from her performances.
O’Hara is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke.
