Beloved comedic actress and two-time Emmy winner Catherine O’Hara has sadly passed away at 71 on Friday, January 30, according to TMZ, who was the first to report the news. The legendary Hollywood actress’ manager confirmed this with PEOPLE and Variety among other outlets. She died at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness.
O’Hara’s Legacy Will Live On
O’Hara’s career spanned five decades, beginning with the Canadian sketch comedy series “Second City Television,” for which she earned her first Emmy in 1982 for outstanding writing in a variety or music program.
Her film debut was 1980’s “Double Negative,” which also featured Eugene Levy and other “SCTV” costars like Flaherty and John Candy. She appeared in Martin Scorsese’s 1985 black comedy “After Hours” and 1986’s “Heartburn.” In 1988, she was in Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice” as Delia Deetz, the stepmother of Winona Ryder’s Lydia. O’Hara reprised her role in the 2024 sequel “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice.” She is also known for playing Macaulay Culkin’s mother, Kate McCallister, in “Home Alone.”
Her other notable credits include a couple of mockumentaries: 2000’s “Best in Show,” and 2003’s “A Mighty Wind.”
In 2020, she won the Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for the role of Moira Rose in the hit series “Schitt’s Creek.” She also won a Golden Globe and a SAG Award for the series. O’Hara’s other television roles included guest spots on “Six Feet Under,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “30 Rock.”
In 2025, O’Hara scored an Emmy nomination for outstanding guest actress in a drama series for HBO’s “The Last of Us,” along with another Emmy nomination for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series for her role as Patty Leigh in the Apple TV+ series “The Studio” opposite Seth Rogen.
Hollywood Stars & Fans Honor the Late Actress’ Memory
“The White Lotus” star Lukas Gage commented on Variety’s Instagram post announcing the news, “NOOOOO.”
Actor and comedian Daniel Franzese wrote, “This hurts my chest. What a absolute gem. heartbreaking 💔”
Sharon Stone added, “Nooo my most profound condolences 😢”
Fellow comedic actress Amy Schumer wrote, “Ugggg legend. No one funnier.”
Fans reacted with shock upon hearing the unfortunate news and shared their condolences:
“She gave the world such joy. What a tremendous shock.”
“Oh my heart – our Canadian queen. Her poor family 💔”
“inconceivable. sending love to her family.”
“A true icon ❤️”
“Oh no. No no. 💔 please tell me this isn’t true. One of the nicest talented human beings I’ve ever had the privilege to meet. Love her. This is heart breaking. So talented. One of a kind. Way too young. 🙏🏼 ugh, gut punch.”
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Legendary Actress Catherine O’Hara Passes Away at 71 & Tributes Pour In