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Catherine O’Hara passes away at 71: How did the Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek star die? What we know so far
Global Desk | January 31, 2026 5:19 AM CST

Synopsis

Catherine O’Hara: Beloved actress Catherine O’Hara, celebrated for her unforgettable roles over five decades, has passed away at 71 after a brief illness. Known for iconic performances in "Home Alone," "Beetlejuice," and her Emmy-winning turn as Moira Rose in "Schitt's Creek," O'Hara left an indelible mark on comedy. Her manager confirmed her death, with details of the cause remaining undisclosed.

Catherine O’Hara

Catherine O’Hara, who is famous for her iconic roles in movies and TV shows for over five decades, passed away on Friday, at the age of 71, as per a report.

Catherine O’Hara Cause of Death: What Has Been Confirmed

Her manager told the BBC that her cause of death is not known at this time and added that they have no additional statement.

How Did Catherine O’Hara Die? Brief Illness Reported

O’Hara died at her home in Los Angeles after a brief illness, as reported by Variety.


Who Is Catherine O’Hara? A Five-Decade Legacy in Comedy

O’Hara began her career in Canadian TV and then had a resurgence in her late career as a TV icon. She initially gained popularity in the sketch comedy series “Second City Television,” where she won an Emmy Award. This marked the beginning of her successful career in comedy.

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Home Alone Mom Actress Dies: Catherine O’Hara Remembered

She then became a household name in some of the most iconic films in Hollywood, such as “Beetlejuice,” “After Hours,” and the first two installments of “Home Alone.” In “Home Alone,” O’Hara played the role of Kate McCallister, the desperate mother who is racing around the world to be reunited with her son, played by Macaulay Culkin, as reported by Variety.

Catherine O’Hara Movies and TV Shows That Defined Her Career

O’Hara also became closely associated with filmmaker Christopher Guest, appearing in several of his mockumentary films such as “Best in Show,” “Waiting for Guffman,” “A Mighty Wind,” and “For Your Consideration.” Beyond live-action roles, she brought her voice to animated favorites including “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Chicken Little.”

Schitt’s Creek Icon Moira Rose and Catherine O’Hara’s Career Renaissance

In her 60s, O’Hara reached a new career peak with her portrayal of Moira Rose on the CBC sitcom “Schitt’s Creek.” Acting alongside Eugene Levy, Dan Levy, and Annie Murphy, she earned a second Emmy Award for the role, which introduced her work to a new generation of viewers.

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That success led to further high-profile television roles, including appearances on HBO’s “The Last of Us” and Apple TV’s “The Studio,” where she played a veteran Hollywood executive pushed aside by her own studio. The second season of the Seth Rogen comedy recently began filming, as per the Variety report.

FAQs

How did Catherine O’Hara die?
She died following a brief illness, according to reports.

What was Catherine O’Hara’s cause of death?

Her cause of death has not been disclosed.


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