Catherine O’Hara — best known for her roles in Schitt’s Creek, Home Alone, and Best in Show — has died at the age of 71, according to TMZ. The outlet reported that the beloved actress passed away on Friday, citing two sources with direct knowledge of the situation. Her cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
O’Hara became a household name for generations of viewers through her portrayal of Kate McCallister, the determined and frantic mother of Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin, in the first two Home Alone films. Her performance helped anchor the franchise emotionally and remains one of the most recognizable roles of her career. Years later, she introduced herself to a new wave of fans as the unforgettable Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek, appearing in 80 episodes and playing a central role in turning the series into a cultural phenomenon.
Her career spanned decades and included a long list of comedy favorites. O’Hara was a frequent collaborator of filmmaker Christopher Guest, starring in acclaimed mockumentaries such as Best in Show and A Mighty Wind. She was also part of the Beetlejuice universe, appearing in the original film and later returning in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. In recent years, she continued taking on new projects, maintaining an active presence in film and television well into her later career.
Born and raised in Toronto, O’Hara was the sixth of seven children. She met her husband, production designer Bo Welch, while working on Beetlejuice. The two married in 1992 and shared two sons, Matthew and Luke.
Her final public appearance came on September 14, 2025, at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze, the ceremony featured nominees including Quinta Brunson and Ayo Edebiri, alongside O’Hara. Some viewers commented on her appearance online, noting that she appeared very thin and expressing concern, while others felt she looked beautiful.
Fans and colleagues are remembering Catherine O’Hara for the joy, originality, and emotional depth she brought to the screen. From holiday classics to genre-defining television, her work left a lasting imprint on modern comedy, and she will be remembered for generations.
