Actress and comedienne Catherine O’Hara, best known for her roles in “Home Alone” and “Beetlejuice,” has died at age 71.
The Toronto native died at her home in Los Angeles “following a brief illness,” according to a statement from Creative Artists Agency.
O’Hara began her comedy career in 1974 as a cast member in the sketch comedy series Second City Television, for which she earned her first Primetime Emmy Award.
She gained acclaim for her acting in films such as After Hours (1985), Heartburn (1986), Beetlejuice (1988), Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992).
the most infamous scene from “beetlejuice”
RIP catherine o’hara ??
pic.twitter.com/LqCCLmVesu— eguapo. (@thetrillgent) January 30, 2026
She played the iconic Moira Rose in “Schitt’s Creek” (2015–2020), earning a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy.
O’Hara also acted in Netflix’s “A Series of Unfortunate Events” (2017–2018), the Apple TV+ comedy series “The Studio” (2025), and HBO’s “The Last of Us” (2025).
Her trophy case contains 2 Primetime Emmys, a Golden Globe Award, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. She won 38 awards overall with 56 nominations.
O’Hara is survived by her husband of 51 years, Bo Welch, and sons Matthew and Luke.
