Catherine O’Hara, the beloved Canadian actress whose career spanned decades in film, television and comedy, has died at the age of 71.
Her manager confirmed the news, sharing that O’Hara died following a brief illness.
No further details have been released. She is survived by her husband, decorator Bo Welch, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke.
O’Hara’s death marks the loss of one of entertainment’s most distinctive and admired performers, known for balancing sharp comedy and emotional depth.
She was best known to general audiences as Kate McCallister, the frantic but devoted mother of the first two films. Alone at home films, and later in the role of the unforgettable Moira Rose in Schitt Creeka role that introduced him to a new generation of fans and earned him an Emmy in 2020.
Born March 4, 1954, in Toronto, O’Hara grew up in a large Irish Catholic family and was one of seven children.
His journey to comedy began through a personal connection, his brother’s relationship with the original Saturday evening live Cast member Gilda Radner, who helped introduce her to the world of improv at Toronto’s Second City Theatre.
After initially working as a waitress, O’Hara auditioned and officially joined the troupe in 1974.
“Improvisation is so liberating,” O’Hara said. SHE Canada in September 2024.
“And if you let go, everything nourishes you: every person, every character and everything you have experienced in your life.”
She became a star on Second City Television, or SCTV, in the late 1970s and early ’80s, winning her first Emmy and establishing her reputation for her fearless character work and celebrity impressions.
Although he was briefly offered a place on Saturday evening live During a hiatus from SCTV, she eventually returned to her original comedy home, a decision that she says worked out exactly as it should have.
His film career took off in the mid-1980s, with notable roles in Martin Scorsese’s film. After hours and that of Tim Burton Beetle juice.
Playing the eccentric Delia Deetz proved to be a turning point.
Reflecting on the role years later, O’Hara said, “You never know how something is going to be received… If you’re lucky enough to work with people who make every day exciting, creative and challenging, that’s the best.”
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, she frequently collaborated with director Christopher Guest, starring in mockumentary classics including Waiting for Guffman, Best of Show, A powerful wind and for your consideration.
Her performances earned her a reputation as what one critic called the “queen of bittersweet”, blending humor and understated vulnerability.
The long-standing creative partnership between O’Hara and Eugene Levy has reached new heights with Schitt Creekwhich took place from 2015 to 2020.
What started as a small series eventually became a global hit after being streamed, with O’Hara’s Moira Rosem, known for her dramatic wigs, unusual accent and unfiltered confidence, becoming a cultural icon.
“Schitt Creek is a scary example of that,” she said of the show’s success. “We made this little show for ourselves.”
His work never slowed down. In recent years, O’Hara has appeared on Apple TV+’s The Studio alongside Seth Rogen and HBO. The last of usearning additional Emmy nominations.
She also took it back Beetle juice role in the 2024 sequel Beetle juice Beetle juice and lent his voice to beloved animated films such as The Nightmare Before Christmas And Elementary.
In interviews, O’Hara has often reflected on aging with optimism rather than fear.
“When [you turn] 70… imagine you’re going to live at least 20 more years,” she said. “What are you going to do with those years? You can’t wait.
Off-screen, she met her husband Bo Welch on the set of Beetle juice. They married in 1992 and started a family together, often crediting humor as the foundation of their relationship.
“We do it a lot with jokes,” she said PEOPLE in 2024. “Sarcasm helps.”
Catherine O’Hara leaves behind a legacy defined by originality, generosity, and a rare ability to make audiences laugh and feel it deeply at the same time.
From sketch scenes in Toronto to Hollywood films and award-winning television, his impact on entertainment remains enduring.
