Catherine O'Hara, the distinguished Canadian actress whose comedic talents graced television and film for decades, has died at the age of 71. Her passing occurred at her residence in Los Angeles after a brief illness, according to a statement from her agency, Creative Artists Agency. No additional information regarding the circumstances of her death has been disclosed.
O'Hara's entertainment journey started in the vibrant environment of Toronto's Second City troupe in the 1970s. It was during this period that she forged a professional and enduring partnership with Eugene Levy, who would later become her co-star on the acclaimed comedy series "Schitt's Creek." Both actors originally shared the cast of "Second City Television" (SCTV), a Canadian sketch comedy show that began airing in the 1970s and later broadcast on NBC in the early 1980s. SCTV was a pivotal platform that helped launch the careers of several prominent Canadian comedians, including Martin Short, John Candy, Andrea Martin, Rick Moranis, and Joe Flaherty.
Despite her undeniable talent, Hollywood initially struggled to categorize O'Hara’s unique and eclectic performance style. She appeared in supporting roles as distinctive characters in films such as Martin Scorsese's "After Hours" in 1985, and Tim Burton's "Beetlejuice" in 1988, a role she was set to reprise in the 2024 sequel.
In the early 1990s, O'Hara portrayed a more dramatic role as the distressed mother of Macaulay Culkin's character in the highly successful "Home Alone" movies. These films, centered around a holiday setting, enjoyed massive box-office success and became perennial favorites on television during the Christmas season.
Following news of O'Hara’s death, Macaulay Culkin honored her on social media, expressing heartfelt sentiments and reflecting on their shared work and his lasting admiration for her.
O'Hara found a comfortable creative niche collaborating with Christopher Guest and his ensemble of improvisational actors on a series of mockumentaries beginning with "Waiting for Guffman" in 1996, followed by "Best in Show" (2000), "A Mighty Wind" (2003), and "For Your Consideration" (2006). "Best in Show" was particularly well-received, featuring O'Hara alongside Eugene Levy as a married couple navigating the eccentric world of dog shows, with a comic subplot involving encounters with the wife's former lovers.
Her portrayal of Moira Rose in "Schitt's Creek" was a defining role that showcased her comedic range and became a cultural touchstone. Created by Eugene Levy and his son Dan, the series centered on a formerly wealthy family adjusting to life in a small town. The show earned widespread critical acclaim and dominated the Emmy Awards during its final season, bringing renewed recognition to O'Hara and endearing her to a new generation of viewers.
O'Hara described her character Moira, a former soap opera star married into wealth, as someone striving to assert her uniqueness and importance, which was expressed through an exaggerated accent and unusual vocabulary. She carefully refined Moira's distinctive voice by researching linguistic resources, further enriching the character beyond the script's initial scope.
Later in her career, O'Hara expanded her acting repertoire by taking on more serious roles, including a dramatic turn on HBO’s "The Last of Us" and portraying a Hollywood producer in "The Studio." Both performances garnered her Emmy nominations, highlighting her versatility and continued relevance in the entertainment industry.
O'Hara is survived by her husband Bo Welch, their two sons Matthew and Luke, and her siblings Michael O'Hara, Mary Margaret O'Hara, Maureen Jolley, Marcus O'Hara, Tom O'Hara, and Patricia Wallice.