Catherine O’Hara, the beloved comedic actor known for her roles in “Home Alone,” “Schitt’s Creek” and “Best in Show,” has died at the age of 71 following a brief illness, her manager confirmed to Yahoo on Friday.
Over a career that spanned more than 50 years, O’Hara left an indelible impression on audiences with her searing wit, subtle eccentricity and fearless pursuit of a good laugh — the secret formula behind roles as varied and iconic as Moira Rose (Schitt’s Creek), Delia Deetz (Beetlejuice) and Kate McCallister (Home Alone).
Catherine O’Hara in “Schitt’s Creek in 2018.
(Steve Wilkie/CBC/POP/ Courtesy Everett Collection)
She was also a true ensemble player. Starting in the mid-1970s with the Canadian sketch comedy series Second City Television, O’Hara showed again and again that she was the sort of actor who shone brightest when she was helping her castmates shine as well: in multiple Tim Burton projects, including Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and The Nightmare Before Christmas; in four straight Christopher Guest mockumentaries (Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind and For Your Consideration); and most recently, in Seth Rogen’s Hollywood sendup The Studio, which earned her a 2025 Golden Globe nomination.
Catherine O’Hara in “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice” in 2024.
(Warner Bros. /Courtesy Everett Collection)
It’s no surprise, then, that Hollywood rushed to honor O’Hara as soon as news broke of her death. Here are some of the most moving and insightful remembrances:
Kevin Nealon: “Catherine O’Hara changed how so many of us understand comedy and humanity.”
Michael McKean: “Only one Catherine O’Hara, and now none. Heartbreaking.”
Tom Green: “Her characters brought so much joy and laughter to the world. … One of the greatest Canadian comedy icons of all time.”
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