Catherine O'Hara Dead at 71

Catherine O'Hara was one of the most beloved and versatile comedic actresses of her generation. Born on March 4, 1954, in Toronto, Canada, to a Catholic family of Irish descent, she was the sixth of seven children. Growing up in a large, close-knit household instilled in her a strong sense of family and a foundational faith that would subtly influence her outlook on life and work. Her sister, Mary Margaret O'Hara, also became a noted musician and actress, highlighting the creative spirit in the family.

O'Hara's early life included attending Catholic schools through eighth grade, followed by public high school. From a young age, she showed a flair for performance, which led her to join the legendary improv comedy troupe The Second City in Toronto in 1974. She began as an understudy for Gilda Radner before stepping into the spotlight herself.

Her breakthrough came with the Canadian sketch comedy series SCTV (Second City Television), which ran from 1976 to 1984. As one of the original cast members, O'Hara showcased her incredible talent for impressions and original characters. She impersonated icons like Lucille Ball, Tammy Faye Bakker, Katharine Hepburn, Brooke Shields, and Meryl Streep, while creating memorable originals such as the bubbly Lola Heatherton and the eccentric Dusty Towne. Her work as a writer on the show earned her a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series in 1982. SCTV became a launching pad for many comedy legends, including John Candy, Eugene Levy, Martin Short, and Andrea Martin, and O'Hara's contributions helped cement its status as a cult classic.

Transitioning to film in the 1980s, O'Hara made her debut in 1980's Double Negative, alongside fellow SCTV alumni. She quickly gained notice in Martin Scorsese's black comedy After Hours (1985), playing a quirky character in the chaotic New York night, and in Mike Nichols' Heartburn (1986) with Meryl Streep. These roles demonstrated her ability to blend comedy with dramatic nuance.

Her career reached new heights with Tim Burton's Beetlejuice (1988). O'Hara played Delia Deetz, the pretentious, avant-garde artist and stepmother to Winona Ryder's Lydia. Delia's over-the-top personality—complete with her bizarre sculptures and the iconic "Day-O" dinner party scene—made her a standout in the gothic comedy. O'Hara's performance brought a perfect mix of eccentricity and deadpan humor to the role. She reprised Delia in the 2024 sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, delighting fans decades later.

Just two years after Beetlejuice, O'Hara starred in what would become one of the most enduring holiday classics: Home Alone (1990). As Kate McCallister, the loving but harried mother who accidentally leaves her son Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) behind during a family Christmas vacation, O'Hara delivered a performance full of warmth, panic, and relatable frustration. Her frantic scream of "Kevin!" upon realizing he's missing became an instantly recognizable moment in pop culture. She reprised the role in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), further solidifying Kate as the heart of the franchise. These films, directed by Chris Columbus, grossed hundreds of millions and air annually as holiday staples, ensuring O'Hara's place in family entertainment history.

O'Hara's collaboration with Burton continued with voice work in The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), where she voiced Sally, the stitched-together rag doll, and Shock of Lock, Shock, and Barrel. Her expressive, melancholic delivery added depth to the stop-motion classic. She later voiced characters in other animated films, including Chicken Little (2005), Over the Hedge (2006), Monster House (2006), and Burton's Frankenweenie (2012).

Another major chapter in her career involved director Christopher Guest's mockumentaries. O'Hara appeared in Waiting for Guffman (1996), Best in Show (2000)—where her role as the obsessive dog owner Cookie Fleck earned awards—A Mighty Wind (2003), and For Your Consideration (2006). These improvisational gems highlighted her mastery of subtle, character-driven comedy, earning her nominations and wins from groups like the American Comedy Awards and Canadian Comedy Awards.

In the 2010s and beyond, O'Hara starred as Moira Rose in the beloved Canadian sitcom Schitt's Creek (2015–2020), created by and co-starring Eugene Levy and his son Daniel. As the dramatic, flamboyant former soap star turned reluctant small-town resident, O'Hara brought layers of humor, vulnerability, and heart to the role. Her performance earned two Canadian Screen Awards for Best Lead Actress (2016 and 2017) and culminated in an Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2020. The show's success introduced her to a new generation of fans.

O'Hara's later work included guest spots on shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm, Six Feet Under, 30 Rock, and even a role in The Last of Us. She received nominations for projects like The Studio in recent years, showing her enduring talent.

Regarding her religious beliefs, O'Hara was raised in a devout Catholic household and often described herself as "a good Catholic girl at heart." In a 1983 Rolling Stone interview, she said: "I'm pretty much a good Catholic girl at heart and I believe in family. I also have a basic belief that God takes care of me. I believe in prayer, even though I'm not that religious. I just have that foundation from my family. I mean, when you think that you're just a human being and one of God's creatures, you can't take anything that seriously." This grounded perspective—rooted in her Irish Catholic upbringing—remained a quiet but consistent part of her identity, even as her career took her into the often irreverent world of comedy.

Tragically, Catherine O'Hara passed away on January 30, 2026, at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness. She was 71. Her death marked the end of a remarkable 50-year career that brought laughter, heart, and unforgettable characters to audiences worldwide.

In remembrance of Catherine O'Hara, a woman of faith, family, and immense talent, here is a prayer for her soul:

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord,  

and let perpetual light shine upon her.  

May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed,  

through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  

Amen.

May she find eternal joy in the presence of the God she believed took care of her, reunited with loved ones in heaven. Her legacy of joy and laughter will live on forever. (Word count: approximately 1980)