Star of “Home Alone,” Catherine O’Hara, dies at age 71
A towering figure in cinema and television humor, Catherine O’Hara has died at the age of 71, according to TMZ. The outlet reports the actress passed suddenly on Friday, citing two sources with direct knowledge. Her cause of death has not been disclosed.
O’Hara was well known for her ability to switch between broad humor and intense emotion with ease. As Kate McCallister, the resolute mother who races across continents to reconnect with her kid in the first two “Home Alone” films, she first struck a chord with many spectators. She became popular with a new generation of fans decades later when she appeared in 80 episodes of “Schitt’s Creek” as the quirky and incredibly quotable Moira Rose.
Her career expanded considerably beyond those jobs. O’Hara frequently worked on ensemble comedies, such as A Mighty Wind and Best in Show, where her deft timing and improvisational skills were evident. She also appeared in both the original Beetlejuice and its subsequent sequel, adding to a filmography that stayed active far into her elder years.
O’Hara most recently received another Emmy nomination for her role opposite Seth Rogen in the Apple TV+ comedy The Studio. After winning an Emmy in 1982 for her writing for SCTV Network 90, she received another one in 2020 for “Schitt’s Creek.”
Born and raised in Toronto, O’Hara was the sixth of seven children. She met her husband, production designer Bo Welch, while working on “Beetlejuice.” After getting married in 1992, the couple had two boys.
Through performances that influenced comedy for over 40 years, O’Hara left a lasting impression on audiences across generations.
