Catherine O’Hara, Comedy Icon, Dies at 71

The world feels dimmer today. Catherine O’Hara—master of personas, accents, and heartfelt performances—has died at 71.

Creative Artists Agency (CAA) confirmed her passing on January 30 after a brief illness. She died at home in Los Angeles, surrounded by family.

A Master of Transformation

Knowing Catherine O’Hara was witnessing versatility. Many know her as Kate McCallister in Home Alone or Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice.

For a new generation, she was Moira Rose. In Schitt’s Creek, O’Hara made the character iconic—her wigs, accent, and quirks standing out. The role won her an Emmy in 2020, proof that her comedic gifts only sharpened with time.

From SCTV to Stardom

Born in Toronto in 1954, O’Hara began at The Second City, working with Eugene Levy, John Candy, and Martin Short to shape SCTV’s irreverence. Whether as Lola Heatherton or Brooke Shields, she always honoured the character’s truth.

She frequently partnered with director Christopher Guest, stealing scenes in Best in Show and A Mighty Wind. Her improvisation left co-stars struggling not to laugh.

A Legacy of Kindness

Despite her fame, O’Hara was known for humility and warmth. Eugene Levy called her “the funniest woman” and “most grounded.”

She is survived by her husband of over 30 years, Bo Welch, and their sons, Matthew and Luke.

Honouring a Legend

As Dan Levy said, the world lost a “genius”. Catherine O’Hara showed us the beauty of eccentricity and the power of humour and family.

Rest in peace, Catherine. The stage is yours now, wherever you are.

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Would you like to reflect on her most iconic film roles or read heartfelt tributes from her fellow SCTV cast members?

Following the heartbreaking news of her passing at 71, friends and longtime collaborators shared heartfelt tributes, celebrating her remarkable life.

Catherine O’Hara

She was celebrated as both a comedic genius and a rare light in the world, remembered for her wit, generosity, and spirit.

Tributes from Friends & SCTV Colleagues

Her creative partner of over 50 years said, “Words seem inadequate to express the loss I feel today… I cherished our working relationship, but most of all our friendship.

Her creative partner of over 50 years said, “Words seem inadequate to express the loss I feel today… I cherished our working relationship, but most of all our friendship”.

Martin Short, a SCTV castmate who referenced their shared history, said she was “extended family before she ever played my family,” adding that it was a gift to “dance in the warm glow of Catherine O’Hara’s brilliance.”

Her SCTV castmates, including Andrea Martin and Dave Thomas, described her as “the greatest” and a “class act” who brought “buckets of joy to this old planet.”

Winona Ryder, her Beetlejuice co-star, wrote, “She’s been my pretend wife, my pretend nemesis and my real-life, true friend. This one hurts.”

Director Martin Scorsese, who first worked with O’Hara on After Hours (1985), was reportedly “devastated” by her death, according to his longtime representative.

Film Retrospective: 10 Iconic Roles

While Catherine O’Hara began her career at The Second City in Toronto, she went on to define some of the most memorable characters in film history.

1. Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020):
2. Moira Rose
3. A role that earned her a Primetime Emmy and global acclaim.
4. Home Alone (1990):
5. Kate McCallister
6. Her scream defined holiday cinema for Kate.
7. Beetlejuice (1988/2024):
8. Delia Deetz
9. Delia Deetz: Eccentric energy in both films.
10. Best in Show (2000):
11. Cookie Fleck
12. . In this improvised mockumentary, her chemistry with
13. Eugene Levy
14. Showcased chemistry with Eugene Levy to hilarious effect.
15. A Mighty Wind (2003):
16. Mickey Crabbe
17. Displayed musical and comedic talents as a folk singer.
18. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993):
19. Sally
20. Voiced soulful Sally in this animated classic.
21. After Hours (1985):
22. Gail
23. Played quirky ice cream truck driver Gail.
24. Waiting for Guffman (1996):
25. Sheila Albertson
26. . Her first collaboration with
27. Christopher Guest
28. Her first Guest collaboration as theatre lead.
29. For Your Consideration (2006):
30. Marilyn Hack
31. Portrayed an actress hopeful for Oscar glory.
32. The Wild Robot (2024):
33. Pinktail
34. Recent animation: voiced vibrant, memorable Pinktail.

Would you like to see a list of upcoming projects O’Hara had completed that will be released posthumously, such as her work on The Last of Us Season 2?