Catherine O’Hara, the beloved Canadian actress whose career spanned decades in film, television and comedy, has died at the age of 71.
His manager confirmed the news and shared that O’Hara passed away after a brief illness.
No further details were revealed. She is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, and her 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 with emotional depth.
She was best known to the general public as Kate McCallister, the frantic but devoted mother in the first two. alone at home films, and later as the unforgettable Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creeka role that introduced her to a new generation of fans and earned her an Emmy in 2020.
Born on March 4, 1954 in Toronto, O’Hara grew up in a large Irish Catholic family as one of seven children.
His path to comedy began through a personal connection, his brother’s relationship with the original. Saturday night live Cast member Gilda Radner, who helped introduce her to the world of improvisation at Toronto’s Second City Theatre.
After initially working there as a waitress, O’Hara auditioned and officially joined the company in 1974.
“Improvisation is very liberating,” O’Hara said. ELLE Canada in September 2024.
“And if you let it go, everything feeds you: every person, every character and everything you’ve experienced in your life.”
He became a breakout star on Second City Television, or SCTV, in the late 1970s and early ’80s, winning his first Emmy and establishing his reputation for his fearless character work and celebrity impersonations.
Although he was briefly offered a place in Saturday night live During a hiatus from SCTV, he eventually returned to his original comedy home, a decision he later said worked exactly as it should have.
Her film career took off in the mid-1980s, with notable roles in Martin Scorsese’s film. After hours and Tim Burton beetle juice.
Playing the eccentric Delia Deetz proved to be a turning point.
Years later, reflecting on the role, O’Hara said: “You never know how something will be received… If you’re lucky enough to work with people who make every day exciting, creative and stimulating, that’s the best.”
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, she became a frequent collaborator of director Christopher Guest, starring in mockumentary classics including Waiting for Guffman, The best of the exhibition, A strong wind and for your consideration.
Her performances earned her a reputation as what one critic called the “queen of bittersweet,” mixing humor with quiet vulnerability.
O’Hara’s long-standing creative partnership with Eugene Levy reached new heights with Schitt’s Creekwhich ran from 2015 to 2020.
What started as a small series eventually became a global hit after landing on streaming, with O’Hara’s Moira Rosem, known for her dramatic wigs, unusual accent and unfiltered confidence, emerging as a cultural icon.
“Schitt’s Creek “It’s a rare example of that,” he said of the show’s success. “We did this little program by ourselves.”
His work never slowed down. In recent years, O’Hara appeared on Apple TV+’s The Studio alongside Seth Rogen and HBO. the last of usearning additional Emmy nominations.
She also repeated it beetle juice role in 2024 sequel beetle juice beetle juice and lent his voice to beloved animated films like The nightmare before Christmas and Elementary.
In interviews, O’Hara often reflected on aging with optimism rather than fear.
“When [you turn] 70… imagine that you are going to live at least another 20 years,” he said. “What are you going to do with those years? You look forward to it.”
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,” he said. PEOPLE in 2024. “Sarcasm helps.”
Catherine O’Hara leaves a legacy defined by originality, generosity, and a rare ability to make audiences laugh and feel deeply at the same time.
From Toronto sketch comedy stages to Hollywood films and award-winning television shows, his impact on entertainment remains lasting.
