Catherine O'Hara dead at 71
Hollywood legend known was perhaps best known for her roles in 'Schitt’s Creek,' 'Home Alone' and being the voice of Sally in 'The Nightmare Before Christmas.'
Catherine O’Hara, the Emmy-winning actress known for her work in "Home Alone," "Schitt's Creek" and more, has died. She was 71.
"Prolific multi-award-winning actress, writer, and comedian Catherine O’Hara died today at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness," her reps confirmed to Fox News Digital.
The Los Angeles Fire Department also confirmed to Fox News Digital that first responders were dispatched to O'Hara's Brentwood home at approximately 5 a.m. this morning. She was transported to a local hospital, where she was listed in serious condition. The beloved actress was pronounced dead several hours later.
MACAULAY CULKIN MOURNS ‘HOME ALONE’ MOM CATHERINE O'HARA WITH HEARTFELT MESSAGE
Catherine O'Hara, known for starring in movies like "Home Alone," died on Jan. 30, 2026. She was 71. (Alamy)
O’Hara’s career spanned decades, defining moments in Hollywood comedy — from her scene-stealing performance as the exasperated yet endearing mother in the blockbuster "Home Alone" films to her unforgettable turn as the eccentric Moira Rose in "Schitt's Creek."
Born and raised in Toronto, O’Hara got her start in sketch and improvisational comedy, later helping shape the groundbreaking series "SCTV" before breaking into film and TV roles that would cement her legacy.
Macaulay Culkin, who starred in "Home Alone" as O'Hara's son, paid tribute to the actress after the news of her death broke. (Alamy)
The legendary performer was most recently seen reprising her role as Delia Deetz in "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice," appearing in season two of the critically acclaimed HBO Max series "The Last of Us" and starring in the hit Apple TV+ comedy "The Studio" from Point Grey Pictures.
Her performances in "The Last of Us" and "The Studio" earned her Emmy nominations for outstanding guest actress in a drama series and outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series.
O’Hara’s film career includes an extensive list of leading and supporting roles in some of Hollywood’s most beloved movies, including "Beetlejuice," "Home Alone" and "The Nightmare Before Christmas," among many others.
O'Hara suffered a brief illness before her death. (Unique Nicole/WireImage/Getty Images)
For generations of moviegoers, she became a household name as the devoted mother in the "Home Alone" franchise.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
A frequent collaborator with filmmaker Christopher Guest and longtime creative partner Eugene Levy, O’Hara appeared in four acclaimed mockumentary films: "Waiting for Guffman," "Best in Show," "A Mighty Wind" and "For Your Consideration."
Her performance in "For Your Consideration" earned her the 2007 National Board of Review Award for supporting actress.
O'Hara reunited with Culkin when he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Dec. 1, 2023. (Anna Webber/Variety via Getty Images)
Beyond film, O’Hara made numerous guest appearances on top-rated television series, including "Six Feet Under" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm."
Her role in HBO’s "Temple Grandin" brought additional recognition, earning her Primetime Emmy, Satellite and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations.
LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
O’Hara’s roots in comedy trace back to Toronto’s Second City Theatre, where she first performed before going on to co-create the iconic sketch comedy series "SCTV" with future "Schitt's Creek" co-star Eugene Levy.
Her work on "SCTV" earned her an Emmy Award and four additional Emmy nominations for writing, helping to shape a generation of comedic voices.
O'Hara, seen with Michael Keaton at the 2024 Oscars, won numerous awards throughout her career. (Rich Polk/Variety via Getty Images)
Later in her career, O’Hara achieved some of her greatest acclaim for her portrayal of Moira Rose on the CBC hit series "Schitt's Creek."
In the show’s final two seasons, she received an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe, a SAG Award, a Critics’ Choice Award, a TCA Award and multiple Canadian Screen Awards.
She also shared Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG awards in the best ensemble categories alongside co-stars Eugene Levy, Dan Levy and Annie Murphy.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
O’Hara is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, and their sons, Matthew and Luke, along with her siblings Michael O’Hara, Mary Margaret O’Hara, Maureen Jolley, Marcus O’Hara, Tom O’Hara and Patricia Wallice.
A private celebration of life will be held by the family.
Trending
Fox News Entertainment
Get a daily look at the top news in music, movies, television and more in the entertainment industry.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.
