Catherine Anne O’Hara (4 March 1954 – 30 January 2026)

Catherine O’Hara, the Emmy-winning actress and comedian whose unforgettable roles in Schitt’s Creek, Home Alone, Best in Show and beyond helped shape a generation’s sense of humor and heart, has died at 71. Her passing on January 30, 2026, after a brief illness was confirmed by her agency in Los Angeles, where she lived and worked for much of her remarkable career.

Born and raised in Toronto, O’Hara began her journey in comedy as a founding member of the groundbreaking sketch troupe and series SCTV, where her sharp wit and fearless character work won early acclaim and an Emmy for writing.

For Generation X, O’Hara’s presence was woven into the fabric of growing up. She embodied the warm, frazzled maternal spirit of Kate McCallister in the Home Alone films. Her nuanced comic timing and genuine warmth turned even the most absurd situations into moments of real connection.

As Moira Rose on the beloved sitcom Schitt’s Creek, O’Hara delivered one of her most iconic performances: a mercurial, costume-clad former soap star whose vulnerability beneath high fashion and high drama resonated deeply with viewers. Her work on the series garnered Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG awards, and helped define a show that became a generational favorite for its empathy and humor.

O’Hara’s influence extended into film as well, with standout roles in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice, Christopher Guest’s affectionate mockumentaries like Best in Show and A Mighty Wind, and voice work in classics like The Nightmare Before Christmas.