Catherine O’Hara Dies Aged 71: Tributes Pour In for a Comedy Legend
Catherine O’Hara, the much-loved actor known for Home Alone, Schitt’s Creek and Beetlejuice, has died at the age of 71. Tributes from across the entertainment world and Canadian politics have described her as one of the greatest comic talents of her generation.
The award-winning Canadian-American star passed away on Friday at her home in Los Angeles after a brief illness, according to her agency, Creative Artists Agency (CAA).
A Beloved Star of Film and Television
Catherine O’Hara enjoyed a remarkable career spanning more than five decades, becoming famous for her sharp wit, expressive performances and unforgettable comic timing.
She was best known for:
Playing Moira Rose in the hit TV series Schitt’s Creek
Her iconic role as Kate McCallister in Home Alone
Portraying Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Numerous comedy performances alongside Eugene Levy
Her role in Schitt’s Creek earned her both an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe, cementing her status as a comedy icon.
Dan Levy: “It’s Hard to Imagine a World Without Her”
Schitt’s Creek co-creator Dan Levy led emotional tributes, calling O’Hara a true legend.
In a post on Instagram, he said:
“I will cherish every funny memory I was fortunate enough to make with her.
What a gift to have danced in the warm glow of Catherine O’Hara’s brilliance for all those years.”
Levy also highlighted her lifelong friendship with his father, Eugene Levy, saying O’Hara was “extended family” long before she played Moira Rose.
“It’s hard to imagine a world without her in it.”
Hollywood Stars Honour a ‘Once-in-a-Generation Talent’
Tributes flooded in from actors and comedians who worked closely with O’Hara.
Michael Keaton
Her Beetlejuice co-star said:
“She’s been my pretend wife, my pretend nemesis and my real-life, true friend.
This one hurts. Man, am I going to miss her.”
Alec Baldwin
Baldwin described her as:
“One of the greatest comic talents in the movie business, with a quality that was all her own.”
Seth Rogen
Rogen, who starred alongside O’Hara in Apple TV’s The Studio, called the news “devastating”.
He added:
“She was the funniest person I’d ever watched on screen”
“Home Alone made me want to make movies”
“She was kind, generous, intuitive and hysterically funny”
Richard E Grant and Mike Myers Pay Tribute
Actor Richard E Grant, who worked with O’Hara in Penelope, described her death as an “incalculable loss”.
Meanwhile, Canadian comedy star Mike Myers said:
“This is a very sad day for comedy and for Canada.
Catherine O’Hara was one of the greatest comedy artists in history.”
Canada Mourns a National Icon
Tributes also came from Canada’s political leaders.
Justin Trudeau, former prime minister, called her a “beloved Canadian icon”
Mark Carney, Canada’s current prime minister, said the country had “lost a legend”
In a statement, Carney said:
“Over five decades of work, Catherine earned her place in the canon of Canadian comedy.
I join all Canadians in mourning her loss.”
Final Years and Lasting Legacy
In 2024, O’Hara returned to the big screen in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, delighting fans who had followed her career since the original 1988 film.
Her performances were known for being:
Fearless and expressive
Warm yet sharply satirical
Deeply human and endlessly funny
She influenced generations of actors and comedians, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire.
Family Statement and Private Farewell
Catherine O’Hara is survived by:
Her husband, Bo Welch
Their sons, Matthew and Luke
Her family has confirmed that a private celebration of her life will be held.
References
Creative Artists Agency (CAA) statement
Instagram posts by Dan Levy, Seth Rogen, Richard E Grant
Statements from the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada
Interviews and public comments by Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, and Mike Myers
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