Emmy-Winning Comedy Star Catherine O'Hara Dies at 71
The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Catherine O'Hara, the acclaimed Canadian-American actor who passed away on Friday at her home in Los Angeles. She was 71 years old. Her death followed a brief illness, according to her agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA).
Award-Winning Career and Iconic Roles
O'Hara enjoyed a remarkable career spanning over five decades, earning widespread recognition for her versatile comedic talents. She won both an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Moira Rose in the beloved television series Schitt's Creek. Beyond this career-defining role, she was celebrated for memorable performances in classic films including Home Alone and the Beetlejuice franchise.
In 2024, she had recently reprised her role as Delia Deetz in the sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, having first appeared in the original 1988 film. Her body of work cemented her status as a beloved figure in both film and television comedy.
Heartfelt Tributes from Co-Stars and Colleagues
News of her passing prompted an outpouring of grief and admiration from across the entertainment industry and political sphere.
Dan Levy, co-creator and co-star of Schitt's Creek, shared a moving tribute on Instagram, stating he would "cherish every funny memory" made with her. He reflected on their long collaboration, noting she was like extended family and expressed how hard it was to imagine a world without her brilliance.
Michael Keaton, her co-star in the Beetlejuice films, described O'Hara as a "real life, true friend" whose loss deeply hurt. Alec Baldwin, another co-star from the original film, hailed her as "one of the greatest comic talents in the movie business," praising her unique quality.
Seth Rogen, who worked with O'Hara on the Apple TV+ series The Studio, called the news "devastating." He credited Home Alone with inspiring his own career in filmmaking and described working with her as a true honour, noting her kindness and intuitive generosity.
Recognition as a Canadian Icon
The loss has been felt particularly strongly in her native Canada, where she was regarded as a national treasure.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney released a statement saying Canada had "lost a legend" and that O'Hara had earned her place in the canon of Canadian comedy through her decades of work. Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called her a "beloved Canadian icon."
Actor and comedian Mike Myers described her passing as "a very sad day for comedy and for Canada," labelling O'Hara as one of the greatest comedy artists in history.
Richard E. Grant, her co-star in Penelope, shared fond personal memories of their friendship, calling her death an "incalculable loss."
Personal Life and Legacy
Catherine O'Hara is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke. Her family has stated they will hold a private celebration of her life.
Her legacy endures through a prolific career that brought laughter to millions, iconic characters that defined generations of comedy, and the profound respect and affection of her peers and fans worldwide.
