<\/p>\n
Catherine O\u2019Hara<\/a>, the beloved comedy actress has died at age 71. The Emmy winner was best known for her work on the classic ensemble sketch series SCTV<\/a>,<\/em> as well as unforgettable performances as Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice<\/em><\/a>, Moira Rose in Schitt\u2019s Creek<\/em><\/a>, and Kevin\u2019s perpetually frantic mother Kate McCallister in the Home Alone<\/a><\/em> films. And now, her former castmates and close friends \u2014 including Kevin McCallister himself, Macaulay Culkin<\/a> \u2014 are paying tribute to her iconic career and life.<\/p>\n O\u2019Hara\u2019s professional acting career spanned over five decades, starting in 1974. She began in the Toronto branch of The Second City improvisational comedy troupe, where she was initially an understudy for Gilda Radner<\/a>. In 1976, she became an original cast member and writer for Second City Television<\/em>, which solidified her career.<\/p>\n As one of the most revered comedy character actresses of her generation, O\u2019Hara built a career defined by fearless choices and an unwavering commitment to the role, no matter how absurd. After rising to prominence on SCTV<\/em> in the late 1970s and early \u201980s, she became known for creating fully realized, often hilariously unhinged characters, a skill that would define her work for decades to come.<\/p>\n Tributes to the actress began flooding social media, as former co-stars, friends, and fans shared heartfelt messages celebrating her talent, generosity, and lasting impact on comedy.<\/p>\n Her \u201cson\u201d from Home Alone<\/em>, Macaulay Culkin<\/a>, wrote a touching farewell<\/a> to his \u201cmother\u201d on Instagram: \u201cI thought we had time. I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you but I had so much more to say. I love you. I\u2019ll see you later.\u201d<\/p>\n Pedro Pascal<\/a>, her costar from HBO\u2019s The Last of Us<\/a><\/em>, took to Instagram to share a few loving words:<\/p>\n Michael McKean, her friend and costar from many ensemble mockumentary films directed by Christopher Guest, posted on X<\/a> (formerly Twitter): \u201cOnly one Catherine O\u2019Hara, and now none. Heartbreaking.\u201d<\/p>\n Justin Theroux<\/a>, who starred with O\u2019Hara in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice<\/em>,<\/a> posted an image of her empty chair with the caption: \u201cOh Catherine. You will be so missed.\u201d<\/p>\n Frozen<\/em><\/a> and Wonder Man<\/em><\/a> star Josh Gad<\/a> shared a heartfelt message on social media, asking readers, \u201cWhy is the world such a heartbreaking place right now?\u201d<\/p>\n Singer Michael Bubl\u00e9 wrote a touching tribute on X, stating he was heartbroken over the loss of a \u201clegendary artist.\u201d<\/p>\n Comedian Kevin Nealon<\/a> wrote on X<\/a>: \u201cCatherine O\u2019Hara changed how so many of us understand comedy and humanity. From the chaos and heart of Home Alone to the unforgettable precision of Moira Rose in Schitt\u2019s Creek, she created characters we\u2019ll rewatch again and again.\u201d<\/p>\n Comedian Paul F. Tompkins<\/a> posted a thread on Bluesky memorializing the funny lady:<\/p>\n Comedian and fellow Canadian Tom Green wrote on X<\/a>: \u201cI\u2019m so sorry to hear the news that Canadian comedy legend Catherine O\u2019Hara has passed away at 71. She\u2019s kept me and millions of others entertained throughout my lifetime \u2014 from her brilliant work on SCTV<\/em>, to Home Alone, Beetlejuice, Best in Show<\/em>, Schitt\u2019s Creek<\/em>, and so many other films and television classics. Her characters brought so much joy and laughter to the world. It\u2019s with a heavy heart that I share this today. Rest in peace, Catherine O\u2019Hara \u2014 one of the greatest Canadian comedy icons of all time.\u201d<\/p>\n Producer and executive at DreamWorks Animation, Jeff Herman,n and his husband Darren Webb, both of whom worked with O\u2019Hara on The<\/em> Wild Robot<\/em><\/a>, offered this post:<\/p>\n Read the latest entertainment news on TV Insider<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n