The entertainment world mourns the loss of Catherine O’Hara, who passed away January 30, 2026, at age 71.
From Second City to Superstardom
Catherine O’Hara’s remarkable 50-year career began in Toronto’s Second City comedy troupe in the 1970s. Without formal training, she replaced Gilda Radner and quickly became one of comedy’s most distinctive voices. Her work on SCTV (1976-1984) showcased her gift for character work and impressions, earning her an Emmy for Outstanding Writing.
Iconic Film Roles
O’Hara created unforgettable characters across generations:
Beetlejuice (1988) – As the eccentric Delia Deetz, she brought delicious quirk to Tim Burton’s supernatural comedy. On this set, she met her future husband, production designer Bo Welch.
Home Alone (1990) – Her portrayal of frantic mother Kate McCallister became a holiday classic, perfectly balancing comedy with genuine maternal concern.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) – She voiced Sally, bringing vulnerability and strength to the beloved character.
The Christopher Guest Collaborations
O’Hara found her groove with Christopher Guest’s mockumentary films, beginning with Waiting for Guffman (1996) and continuing through Best in Show (2000), A Mighty Wind (2003), and For Your Consideration (2006). Her improvisational genius shone brightest in these films, creating characters both absurd and deeply human.
The Moira Rose Renaissance
Schitt’s Creek (2015-2020) brought O’Hara a career resurgence, with her role as Moira Rose earning a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress and a Golden Globe. The flamboyant former soap star, with her ever-changing wigs and affected accent, became a cultural phenomenon. O’Hara crafted Moira’s unique speech patterns by studying old vocabulary books, creating a character that was simultaneously ridiculous and touching.
The show’s final season saw historic Emmy success, introducing O’Hara to a new generation of fans who embraced Moira’s outrageous fashion sense, dramatic pronouncements, and unexpected emotional depth.
Recent Work and Recognition
O’Hara never stopped working. In 2024, she reprised her Beetlejuice role in the sequel. In 2025, she appeared in Apple TV+’s The Studio and HBO’s The Last of Us, earning Emmy nominations for both performances.
Her accolades included two Primetime Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and appointment to the Order of Canada in 2017. She received the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement in 2021.
A Lasting Legacy
What made O’Hara exceptional was her ability to find humanity in absurdity. Whether playing delusional characters in mockumentaries or the theatrical Moira Rose, she never mocked her subjects—she inhabited them fully, finding the truth beneath the comedy.
Her collaboration with Eugene Levy spanned five decades, from Second City stages to Schitt’s Creek’s Rose Apothecary. Their chemistry created some of television’s most memorable moments.
Catherine O’Hara leaves behind her husband Bo Welch, sons Matthew and Luke, and millions of fans worldwide. Her characters will continue bringing joy for generations—a fitting legacy for a woman who dedicated her life to making others laugh.
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