Los Angeles, United States — January 30, 2026
Catherine O’Hara, the acclaimed actress and comedian whose career spanned more than five decades across film and television, has died at the age of 71. Her death was confirmed on Friday. She died at her home in Los Angeles after a brief illness. No further details about the cause of death have been made public.
Long and Influential Career
O’Hara was widely recognized for her distinctive comedic style and character driven performances. She rose to prominence in the late 1970s as part of the Canadian sketch comedy series “Second City Television,” where her work helped define a generation of television comedy.
Her film career included major roles in well known productions such as “Beetlejuice” and the holiday classic “Home Alone,” in which she played the mother of the central character. These performances established her as a familiar presence in popular cinema.
Television Success and Awards
In later years, O’Hara gained renewed attention for her role as Moira Rose in the television series “Schitt’s Creek.” The performance earned her an Emmy Award and brought widespread recognition for her portrayal of the eccentric character. The series became a significant cultural success and marked one of the most celebrated periods of her career.
Beyond comedy, O’Hara also took on dramatic roles in television, earning recognition for performances that showed her range beyond comedic work.
Personal Life
Catherine O’Hara was married to production designer Bo Welch. The couple had two sons. She maintained a largely private personal life while continuing to work steadily in film and television.
Public Response and Ongoing Updates
At this time, no information has been released regarding memorial services or public tributes. Further updates are expected as additional details become available.
O’Hara’s death marks the loss of a performer whose work left a lasting imprint on both comedy and television history.
