Catherine O’Hara, the Emmy-winning actress known for roles in 'Schitt’s Creek' and 'Home Alone,' died on Friday at age 71. Her passing has elicited heartfelt remembrances from colleagues, highlighting her comedic genius and warmth. Tributes poured in from the cast of her recent series 'The Studio' and longtime co-stars.
Catherine O’Hara, celebrated for her versatile performances blending humor and heart, passed away on January 30, 2026, at the age of 71. The news, confirmed across multiple outlets, sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, where she was revered as a comedy pioneer.
O’Hara's career spanned decades, beginning with the Canadian sketch series 'Second City Television (SCTV)' from 1976 to 1984, where she starred alongside John Candy, Eugene Levy, and Martin Short, creating characters like Lola Heatherton. She earned an Emmy for her portrayal of the eccentric Moira Rose in 'Schitt’s Creek' (2015-2020), a role in the CBC/Pop TV comedy co-created by Dan and Eugene Levy. Other iconic parts included Kate McCallister in 'Home Alone' (1990) and its 1992 sequel, Delia Deetz in 'Beetlejuice' (1988), and Cookie Fleck in 'Best in Show' (2000). More recently, she appeared as Dr. Georgina Orwell in 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' (2017-2019), voiced Sally in 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' (1993), and guest-starred in '30 Rock' (2012) and 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' (2009). In 2025, she earned an Emmy nomination for playing former studio chief Patty Leigh in the Apple TV+ series 'The Studio,' opposite Seth Rogen.
Tributes flooded in immediately. The 'The Studio' cast and crew stated, “We are at a loss for words at the passing of our friend Catherine O’Hara. She was a hero to all of us... We’re unbelievably saddened she is gone and send our deepest sympathy to Bo and all her family.” Seth Rogen shared, “Really don’t know what to say… I told O’Hara when I first met her I thought she was the funniest person I’d ever had the pleasure of watching on screen... This is just devastating.” Ike Barinholtz added, “I never in a million years thought I would get to work with Catherine O’Hara let alone become friends with her... Thank you, Catherine. I love you.” Apple and Lionsgate expressed, “We are all heartbroken by the loss of Catherine O’Hara. An undeniable legend, icon, and incomparable talent... We will hold her in our hearts always, and extend our thoughts and deepest sympathies to her husband Bo, and children, Matthew and Luke.”
Production on 'The Studio' season 2 began earlier in January 2026, though her involvement remains unclear. O’Hara leaves behind her husband Bo Welch and sons Matthew and Luke. Her work continues to stream on platforms like Hulu, Disney+, Netflix, and Apple TV+.
