Home Alone Star Catherine O’Hara Passes away at 71 Years Old

Hollywood is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved comedy icons following the death of Canadian actress Catherine O’Hara at the age of 71.

O’Hara passed away at her home in Los Angeles after a brief illness, her manager confirmed to Variety, sending shockwaves through the global entertainment industry and prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues alike.

Renowned for her rare ability to blend sharp comedy with emotional warmth, O’Hara enjoyed an exceptional career spanning more than five decades. 

She first rose to prominence on Canadian television through Second City Television (SCTV), where her standout performances earned her an Emmy Award and established her as a singular comedic talent.

Her success soon carried over to American film and television, where she appeared in a series of landmark productions, including Beetlejuice and After Hours. 

She achieved worldwide fame for her role as Kevin McCallister’s mother in the Home Alone films, forming a close off-screen bond with co-star Macaulay Culkin that endured for years and was highlighted when she honored him at his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2023.

O’Hara also shared a long and influential creative partnership with director Christopher Guest, starring in acclaimed mockumentary-style comedies such as Best in Show, Waiting for Guffman and A Mighty Wind, which cemented her status as a cornerstone of the genre.

Her versatility extended to voice acting, with memorable performances in animated films including The Nightmare Before Christmas and Chicken Little, allowing her work to resonate with multiple generations.

In later years, O’Hara experienced a celebrated career resurgence through her portrayal of Moira Rose in the hit series Schitt’s Creek. 

The role earned her a second Emmy Award and opened the door to high-profile television projects, including The Last of Us on HBO and The Studio on Apple TV+.

Among her most recent appearances were her return as Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and a role in the action film Argylle. 

In recognition of her cultural impact, she was named honorary mayor of Brentwood, Los Angeles, in 2021.

With the passing of Catherine O’Hara, the world of entertainment loses a cherished figure whose legacy of laughter, creativity and humanity will continue to live on in the hearts of audiences around the globe.