Catherine O’Hara, the Emmy-winning actor, writer, and comedy icon whose work helped define childhoods, households, and generations of pop culture lovers, has died. She was 71.
O’Hara passed away at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness, her manager confirmed. For decades, she was a constant presence—sometimes loud, sometimes unhinged, sometimes quietly devastating—but always unforgettable.
She first became a comedy force as part of the groundbreaking SCTV ensemble, where her sharp instincts and fearless character work helped redefine sketch comedy. That foundation carried her into an extraordinary film career, with roles that became cultural touchstones: Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice, the frantic yet loving mom in Home Alone and Home Alone 2, and scene-stealing turns in Christopher Guest’s beloved mockumentaries including Best in Show, Waiting for Guffman, and A Mighty Wind.
Then came Moira Rose.
In Schitt’s Creek, O’Hara delivered one of the most celebrated television performances of the modern era—earning Emmy, Golden Globe, SAG, and Critics’ Choice awards and introducing her brilliance to an entirely new generation. The wigs, the voice, the vulnerability underneath it all—Moira became iconic because O’Hara made her human.
Even late into her career, O’Hara never slowed down. She recently appeared in The Last of Us, The Studio, and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, earning Emmy nominations and proving that her talent only deepened with time.
Catherine O’Hara didn’t just play characters—we grew up with her. She was part of our living rooms, our holiday rewatches, our inside jokes, and our emotional shorthand for what great comedy looks like.
She is survived by her husband, Bo Welch, their two sons, and her siblings. A private celebration of life will be held by the family.
A part of our childhood passed away today—but her work will live forever.