Catherine O’Hara Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek Actress died at 71

Catherine O’Hara Biography, Age, Career, Husband, Family, Net Worth & Death News Explained

Catherine O’Hara, the legendary actress passed away at the age of 71 On January 30, 2026, leaving behind a legacy that defined modern comedy. While fans often flocked to the Catherine O’Hara Instagram to catch glimpses of her wit and timeless style, her presence was felt far beyond social media—from the sketch comedy stages of SCTV to the iconic roles of Kate McCallister in Home Alone and the inimitable Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek. At the time of her passing, the Catherine O’Hara Net worth was estimated at $10 million, a testament to her prolific career as an actress, writer, and voice artist. Despite her global fame, she remained remarkably grounded, focusing on her family and her craft. At Catherine O’Hara Age 71, she was still being celebrated for her recent work in Apple TV+’s The Studio, proving that her creative spark never dimmed. Her death, following a brief illness, marks the silent closing of a chapter for Hollywood, but her characters will forever live on in the hearts of millions who saw her as a beacon of joy and originality.

The Heartbreaking News: Catherine O’Hara Passes Away at 71

The entertainment industry was shaken on Friday, January 30, 2026, when news broke that Catherine O’Hara had died at her home in Los Angeles. A formal statement released by Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the agency representing the star, confirmed that she passed away following a “brief illness.” While specific details regarding the cause of death have remained private, the loss has triggered an outpouring of grief from colleagues and fans worldwide.

Reports indicate that the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a medical aid call at her Brentwood residence at 4:48 am. According to an LAFD spokesperson, a female in her early 70s was transported to a local hospital in serious condition, where she later passed.

The signs of her declining health were subtle but noticed by some. Her last major public appearance was at the Emmys in September 2025, where observers noted she appeared somewhat frail on the red carpet. Concerns grew when she was notably absent from the 2026 Golden Globes on January 11, where she had been nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Studio.

Tributes from Co-Stars

The most poignant tribute came from her Home Alone son, Macaulay Culkin, who took to Instagram with a heartbreaking post: “Mama… I thought we had time. I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you. But I had so much more to say. I love you.” Other stars, including Pedro Pascal and Meryl Streep, have also shared their deep admiration for the woman who brought “love and light” to the screen through her “whipsmart compassion.”

Catherine O’Hara Wiki & Early Life: From Toronto to the World

Born on March 4, 1954, in Toronto, Ontario, Catherine Anne O’Hara grew up in a large Irish-Catholic family. Her upbringing in Canada laid the foundation for her unique sense of humor.

• Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

• Education: Burnhamthorpe Collegiate Institute

• Siblings: Six, including singer-songwriter Mary Margaret O’Hara

O’Hara’s career began at The Second City in Toronto in 1974. It was here that she honed her improvisational skills alongside future legends like John Candy, Eugene Levy, and Dan Aykroyd. This period led to the creation of SCTV (Second City Television), where she became a household name for her brilliant character work, most notably her impression of Lola Heatherton.

A Career for the Ages: SCTV to Schitt’s Creek

Catherine O’Hara was a rare talent who could seamlessly transition between dark comedy, family classics, and high-concept satire.

1. The 1980s: Tim Burton and Beetlejuice

O’Hara became a cult icon after playing the pretentious artist Delia Deetz in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice (1988). Her “Day-O” dinner table dance remains one of the most famous scenes in cinema history.

2. The 1990s: The World’s Favorite Movie Mom

In 1990, she took on the role of Kate McCallister in Home Alone. Her frantic “KEVIN!” scream is arguably the most recognizable line of the decade. She reprised the role in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, solidifying her place as a legendary figure in holiday cinema.

3. The 2010s: The Moira Rose Renaissance

After years of brilliant work in mockumentaries like Best in Show and A Mighty Wind, O’Hara reached a new peak with Schitt’s Creek. As Moira Rose, she created a character so distinct—complete with a bizarre “trans-Atlantic” accent and a collection of wigs—that she swept the 2020 Emmy Awards, winning Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.

Personal Life: Husband Bo Welch and Family

While she portrayed eccentric characters, Catherine’s private life was remarkably stable. She was married to production designer and director Bo Welch for over 30 years. The pair met on the set of Beetlejuice in 1988 and married in 1992.

• Husband: Bo Welch (Married 1992–2026)

• Children: Two sons, Matthew Welch (32) and Luke Welch (29)

She often credited her family for keeping her grounded. Despite her fame, she lived a relatively quiet life in Los Angeles, avoiding the typical Hollywood spotlight unless it was for her work.

Catherine O’Hara Net Worth

Estimated Catherine O’Hara Net Worth: $10–12 million USD

Income sources include:

• Film and TV roles

• Voice acting

• Writing credits

• Syndication royalties

Catherine O’Hara: Quick Facts & Biography Table

20 FAQs About Catherine O’Hara

1. When did Catherine O’Hara die? She passed away on January 30, 2026.

2. What was the cause of Catherine O’Hara’s death? Her agency stated she died following a “brief illness,” though specific medical details have not been released.

3. How old was Catherine O’Hara? She was 71 years old at the time of her death.

4. Who is Catherine O’Hara’s husband? She was married to Bo Welch, a renowned production designer.

5. Did Catherine O’Hara have children? Yes, she had two sons, Matthew (born 1994) and Luke (born 1997).

6. What is Catherine O’Hara’s net worth? At the time of her death, her net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.

7. Was she active on Instagram? Catherine was notoriously private and did not have a verified personal Instagram account, though many fan pages celebrated her work.

8. Is she Canadian? Yes, she was born in Toronto, Canada, and held dual Canadian-American citizenship.

9. What was her last movie or TV show? Her final performance was in the Apple TV+ series The Studio.

10. How tall was Catherine O’Hara? She was 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall.

11. Why did she miss the 2026 Golden Globes? She was reportedly ill at the time of the ceremony, where she was nominated for The Studio.

12. Did she win an Emmy? Yes, she won two Primetime Emmys: one for writing on SCTV and one for acting in Schitt’s Creek.

13. What was her most famous role? While subjective, many recognize her most as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek or Kate McCallister in Home Alone.

14. Who were her famous siblings? Her sister, Mary Margaret O’Hara, is a critically acclaimed singer and songwriter.

15. Where did Catherine O’Hara live? She resided in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles.

16. Did she ever do voice acting? Yes, she voiced Sally in The Nightmare Before Christmas and characters in Frankenweenie.

17. What condition did she have? She was born with dextrocardia with situs inversus, meaning her heart and other organs were on the opposite side of her body.

18. How did Macaulay Culkin react to her death? He posted a moving tribute on Instagram calling her “Mama” and expressing his deep love for her.

19. Was she part of the original SCTV cast? Yes, she was a founding cast member and writer for the show.

20. Will there be a public memorial? As of now, the family has not announced public funeral arrangements, preferring privacy during this difficult time.

Catherine O’Hara was more than just an actress; she was a master of the human condition. She could find the heart in a narcissistic soap star or the desperation in a mother who forgot her child. Her “Moira-isms” changed the way we speak, and her early work on SCTV changed the way we laugh.

Though she is no longer with us, the light she brought to the world remains inextinguishable. Whether you are re-watching Home Alone this December or binging Schitt’s Creek for the tenth time, Catherine O’Hara will continue to be our favorite guest in our living rooms.