Catherine O'Hara’s formidable talent in comedy was marked by her exceptional ability to breathe life into characters with distinct personalities and memorable dialogues. Known for delivering complex, often obscure words with seamless flair, O'Hara’s performance as Moira Rose on "Schitt’s Creek" showcased this skill profoundly. The character’s idiosyncratic vocabulary, including words like "pettifogging" and "confabulate," was uttered with such ease and charm that audiences found themselves laughing before grasping the meaning. (To clarify, "pettifogging" refers to focusing on trivial details, while "confabulate" means to converse.)
O'Hara's range included making mundane phrases hilariously unforgettable, evident in moments like her desperate claim to gain priority boarding in the "Beetlejuice" afterlife waiting room by proclaiming, "I have global entry!" Another iconic instance was her emphatic and perfectly timed shout of "KEVIN!!!" in the "Home Alone" series when realizing she left her child behind. Echoing Moira’s quirky wisdom, O'Hara’s characters were anything but languid, embodying a lively spirit rather than being "dewdroppers" (a term denoting idleness).
Moira Rose in "Schitt’s Creek" (2015-2020)
O'Hara’s role as Moira Rose, a flamboyant and eccentric former soap opera actress, gained her an Emmy and brought her widespread acclaim. The character was a study in dramatic flair, illustrated in scenes like a wine commercial for local vintner Herb Ertlinger. Moira’s increasingly inebriated attempts to articulate the product’s name, fumbling through pronunciations like "Herb Ervlinger," "Erv Herblinger," and "Bing Liveheinger," evoked classic comedic moments akin to Lucille Ball’s Vitameatavegamin skit.
When discussing the character's creation, O’Hara explained that Moira was inspired by women married to affluent men who sought to establish a unique identity. Her signature look included an array of eccentric wigs, which would change according to her mood, in imitation of a woman O’Hara once knew who frequently switched wigs during social events. The show "Schitt's Creek" remains available for viewing on Prime Video and other rental platforms.
Delia Deetz in "Beetlejuice" (1988) and the upcoming sequel (2024)
O'Hara’s portrayal of Delia Deetz, the self-absorbed artist stepmother in the cult classic "Beetlejuice," remains a highlight of her filmography. Thirty-six years after the original, Tim Burton’s sequel revisits this world, with O’Hara reprising her role, a testament to her character’s enduring appeal. Delia’s sharp-witted dialogue and impeccable timing often stole scenes, as demonstrated in a succinct exchange during a gallery show where she announces her husband’s death, catching everyone off guard with a punchline that catches even her daughter Lydia by surprise. Both "Beetlejuice" films are available for rental through various services.
Kate McAllister in the "Home Alone" series (1990 & 1992)
In the iconic "Home Alone" series, O'Hara played Kate McAllister, a busy working mother whose chaotic life leads to the memorable mishap of accidentally leaving her child, Kevin, behind. This mistake, repeated in the sequel, became a defining comedic moment, highlighted by O’Hara’s exclamation of "KEVIN!"—initially a sudden yelp of alarm, and later a high-pitched scream collapsing her character into unconsciousness. Despite the comedic undertone, the emotional reunions between Kate and Kevin brought warmth to O’Hara’s mostly serious role. The films are accessible on Disney+ and various rental platforms. Macaulay Culkin, who played Kevin, publicly paid tribute to O’Hara's role in the franchise following her passing.
Cookie Fleck in "Best in Show" (2000)
Long before her collaboration with Eugene Levy became widely celebrated in "Schitt's Creek," O’Hara and Levy showcased their chemistry in Christopher Guest’s mockumentary "Best in Show." As Cookie Fleck, co-owner of a Norwich Terrier dog, O’Hara’s comedic timing and musical flair were on display during a scene where she and Levy perform an ode to their beloved pet, singing with exaggerated enthusiasm. This role reflected the early foundations of O'Hara’s ability to meld humor and character depth. "Best in Show" is available for rental on several platforms.