Catherine O’Hara, the beloved Canadian-born actress whose career spanned more than five decades, has died at the age of 71 following a brief illness, her manager confirmed. 

O’Hara rose to international fame with memorable roles in some of film and television’s most cherished works. She became a household name playing the frazzled yet loving mother Kate McCallister in the Home Alone movies, a role that endeared her to generations of fans.  Her comedic brilliance and unique presence later earned her widespread acclaim as Moira Rose on the hit sitcom Schitt’s Creek, a performance that brought her an Emmy Award and introduced her to a whole new generation of viewers. 

Before her breakout Hollywood work, O’Hara honed her craft in sketch comedy with Toronto’s Second City and on the influential series SCTV, where she worked alongside fellow Canadian talents like Eugene Levy and Martin Short.  She also starred in classic films including Beetlejuice and lent her voice to beloved animated movies such as The Nightmare Before Christmas. 

In recent years, O’Hara continued to shine with roles in Apple TV+’s The Studio and HBO’s The Last of Us, earning additional Emmy nominations and demonstrating her versatility beyond comedy. 

Tributes have poured in from colleagues, co-stars, and fans around the world. Home Alone co-star Macaulay Culkin shared a heartfelt message, writing, “Mama. I thought we had time. I love you. I’ll see you later.”  Fellow performers including Pedro Pascal and Seth Rogen also expressed admiration for her warmth, talent, and the joy she brought to every project. 

Off-screen, O’Hara was married to production designer Bo Welch, with whom she had two sons, Matthew and Luke.  Her passing marks the end of a remarkable career that influenced comedy, film, and television  and left an indelible mark on audiences across generations.