The entertainment world is mourning the death of Catherine O’Hara, the Emmy-winning actress and comedian best known for her unforgettable roles in Home Alone, Schitt’s Creek, Beetlejuice and more. She was 71.

O’Hara passed away at her home in Los Angeles on January 30, 2026, following a brief illness, her management confirmed in a statement. While exact details surrounding her death are yet to be disclosed, early morning paramedic calls to her Brentwood residence were reported before she was transported to hospital in serious condition.

A Career That Spanned Decades

Born in Toronto in 1954, O’Hara’s journey in the performing arts began with the influential Canadian improv troupe Second City. There she teamed up with future collaborators like Eugene Levy, sparking a creative relationship that would endure throughout their careers.

Her film career took off in the 1980s with memorable turns in movies such as Beetlejuice (1988) and The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), showcasing her versatility and flair for comedic timing. But it was her role as Kate McCallister, the harried but loving mother in Home Alone (1990) and its sequel, that made her a household name around the world.

Moira Rose and a Global Renaissance

In the 2010s, O’Hara experienced a remarkable career reinvention with Schitt’s Creek, playing the eccentric and unforgettable Moira Rose. The performance won her critical acclaim and numerous awards, including a Primetime Emmy, a Golden Globe, and two SAG Awards.

Her work never slowed. In recent years she continued to shine with roles in HBO’s The Last of Us and Apple TV+’s Hollywood satire The Studio, earning nominations and fans across generations.

Tributes From Across Hollywood

News of O’Hara’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues alike:

Macaulay Culkin, who starred alongside her in Home Alone, shared an emotional message on social media, recalling their bond and lamenting the loss.

Pedro Pascal remembered her as a creative force on The Last of Us, calling her presence “a genius to be near.”

Michael Keaton reflected on their long friendship dating back to Beetlejuice, describing the loss as deeply personal.

Fans around the world also took to social platforms to share their favourite moments and characters, underscoring O’Hara’s impact on generations of viewers.

A Life Remembered

Off-screen, O’Hara’s life was rooted in family. She married production designer Bo Welch in 1992, whom she met on the set of Beetlejuice, and together they raised two sons.

From her early days in sketch comedy to her late-career renaissance, Catherine O’Hara’s work radiated warmth, wit, and humanity. Her characters weren’t just funny, they were deeply human, leaving audiences laughing and feeling in equal measure.

Her legacy will live on in the art she created and the joy she brought to screens large and small.