Catherine O'Hara, the comedic actress best known for her starring roles in the Home Alone and Beetlejuice films, as well as her Emmy-winning turn in Schitt's Creek, has died aged 71.
The Canadian star rose to fame through Toronto's Second City improvisation troupe and on SCTV before making a name for herself in the US with memorable performances in the 1988 film Beetlejuice and as the matriarch in the holiday classic Home Alone.
O'Hara, whose colleagues remembered her as a 'wonderful person, artist, and collaborator,' most recently appeared in the Emmy-winning comedy The Studio and HBO's The Last of Us.
In a statement to the BBC, O'Hara's agent said she died on Friday at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness.
O'Hara made lightning strike twice in her career with indelible cinematic turns. In 1988's spooky satire Beetlejuice, she played Delia Deetz, known for her captivating musical number 'Day-O.' Two years later, in Home Alone, her panicked scream of 'Kevin!' became a hallmark moment in one of the most successful film comedies.
Her young co-star Macaulay Culkin paid heartfelt tribute, sharing images together from the film and reminiscing, 'Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more. I love you. I'll see you later.'
The Toronto-born actress got her start working as a waitress at the Toronto Second City theatre in the 1970s, later honing her comedic skills on SCTV alongside celebrities like Eugene Levy and the late John Candy. She credited her Canadian roots for shaping her sense of humor.
Canada's Prime Minister, Mark Carney, expressed collective mourning for O'Hara, proclaiming her a comedic legend whose influence spanned over five decades, from Godspell to Schitt's Creek.
O'Hara collaborated frequently with director Christopher Guest, participating in beloved films like Waiting for Guffman and Best in Show. Her contribution to Schitt's Creek, where her character Moira rose to particular delight, solidified her place in the comedy canon.
Further, her talent continued to shine late into her career with roles in The Last of Us and The Studio. She is survived by her husband Bo Welch and their sons Matthew and Luke, alongside her siblings. Catherine O'Hara's legacy is one defined by laughter and artistry, leaving an everlasting impact.
The Canadian star rose to fame through Toronto's Second City improvisation troupe and on SCTV before making a name for herself in the US with memorable performances in the 1988 film Beetlejuice and as the matriarch in the holiday classic Home Alone.
O'Hara, whose colleagues remembered her as a 'wonderful person, artist, and collaborator,' most recently appeared in the Emmy-winning comedy The Studio and HBO's The Last of Us.
In a statement to the BBC, O'Hara's agent said she died on Friday at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness.
O'Hara made lightning strike twice in her career with indelible cinematic turns. In 1988's spooky satire Beetlejuice, she played Delia Deetz, known for her captivating musical number 'Day-O.' Two years later, in Home Alone, her panicked scream of 'Kevin!' became a hallmark moment in one of the most successful film comedies.
Her young co-star Macaulay Culkin paid heartfelt tribute, sharing images together from the film and reminiscing, 'Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more. I love you. I'll see you later.'
The Toronto-born actress got her start working as a waitress at the Toronto Second City theatre in the 1970s, later honing her comedic skills on SCTV alongside celebrities like Eugene Levy and the late John Candy. She credited her Canadian roots for shaping her sense of humor.
Canada's Prime Minister, Mark Carney, expressed collective mourning for O'Hara, proclaiming her a comedic legend whose influence spanned over five decades, from Godspell to Schitt's Creek.
O'Hara collaborated frequently with director Christopher Guest, participating in beloved films like Waiting for Guffman and Best in Show. Her contribution to Schitt's Creek, where her character Moira rose to particular delight, solidified her place in the comedy canon.
Further, her talent continued to shine late into her career with roles in The Last of Us and The Studio. She is survived by her husband Bo Welch and their sons Matthew and Luke, alongside her siblings. Catherine O'Hara's legacy is one defined by laughter and artistry, leaving an everlasting impact.
