Iconic ‘Home Alone’ Actress Catherine O’Hara Dead At 71
Catherine O’Hara, the Emmy-winning actress known for her roles in “Home Alone” and “Schitt’s Creek,” has died at the age of 71. Her longtime manager confirmed the news Friday. No additional details have been released about the cause of death.
O’Hara’s career spanned more than four decades across television and film, with a reputation for blending quirky humor with sharp emotional depth. She starred as Kevin McCallister’s frantic mother in the first two “Home Alone” films, a role that became instantly iconic. Later in her career, she found renewed acclaim as Moira Rose on the hit comedy “Schitt’s Creek.”
Born in Toronto in 1954, O’Hara got her start with the Second City comedy troupe, working alongside Canadian legends like Eugene Levy and Dan Aykroyd. She went on to appear in Christopher Guest’s cult mockumentaries including “Waiting for Guffman” and “Best in Show,” establishing herself as a master of improvisational comedy.
O’Hara won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2020 for “Schitt’s Creek.” Her character, Moira Rose, became a cultural phenomenon, earning her a Golden Globe and deepening her fanbase among younger audiences.
Despite her fame, O’Hara remained grounded. She married production designer Bo Welch, whom she met on the set of “Beetlejuice,” and they had two sons. She often spoke about the joys of motherhood and her preference for working on projects that allowed her to stay close to home.
In one of her last roles, O’Hara starred in Apple TV+’s “The Studio” with Seth Rogen, which earned her a final Emmy nomination in 2025. She also made a surprise appearance at Macaulay Culkin’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2023, where the two embraced in a tearful reunion.
Fans across generations continue to remember O’Hara for her brilliant comedic timing, her unique voice and style, and her ability to steal scenes with just one raised eyebrow or offbeat line. Her death marks the end of an era for character-driven comedy.