The world of film and television is in mourning after the death of Catherine O’Hara, the beloved and multi-award-winning actress best known for her unforgettable performances in Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek. She died on January 30, 2026, at the age of 71 following a brief illness at her home in Los Angeles, California.
A Career That Spanned Decades
Born on March 4, 1954, in Toronto, Canada, Catherine O hara began her career in comedy as part of the legendary Second City comedy ensemble before branching into film and television. Her early work on sketch comedy set the stage for a career that would span over four decades and include beloved roles in some of the most iconic entertainment of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Iconic Role in Home Alone
For many fans around the world, Catherine O’Hara will always be remembered as Kate McCallister, the fiercely determined and loving mother in the holiday classic Home Alone (1990) and its sequel Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Her performance brought both heart and humor to the role, helping make the films perennial favorites during the holiday season.
Beloved as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek
While Home Alone introduced Catherine O’Hara to a generation of moviegoers, she captured the hearts of television audiences worldwide as Moira Rose in the acclaimed sitcom Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020).
Moira Rose — the eccentric, glamorous, and delightfully unpredictable matriarch with her unique fashion sensibility and theatrical speech — became a cultural phenomenon. O’Hara’s performance earned her numerous awards, including an Emmy, and cemented her legacy as a comedic genius.
Career Highlights Beyond Her Most Famous Roles
Beyond Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, Catherine O hara starred in and lent her voice to a wide range of films and TV shows:
- Beetlejuice and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
- The Nightmare Before Christmas (voice role)
- Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries such as Best in Show
- The HBO series The Last of Us
- Apple TV+’s comedy The Studio
Her versatility as an actor — able to move effortlessly between outrageous comedy and heartfelt drama — made her one of the most respected performers of her generation.
The Final Hours
In the early hours of January 30, emergency services responded to a call at Catherine O’Hara’s Los Angeles residence. She was transported to a hospital in serious condition and passed away later that day at the age of 71.
What Was the Catherine O’Hara Death Cause?
While news of her passing has been confirmed, the official cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. Her representatives at Creative Artists Agency stated that she died following a brief illness, but did not offer further medical details.
In recent years, O’Hara spoke openly about living with a rare physical condition known as dextrocardia with situs inversus, where the internal organs are located in reversed positions compared to typical anatomy. However, there is no confirmed evidence that this condition contributed to her death.
Tributes from Around the World
News of Catherine O’Hara’s death triggered an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, friends, and fans alike:
- Macaulay Culkin, her onscreen son in Home Alone, paid emotional tribute recalling her as “Mama” and expressing deep gratitude and love.
- Dan Levy, co-creator and co-star from Schitt’s Creek, described her as “family before she ever played my family.”
- Other industry figures, including Seth Rogen and Eugene Levy, shared heartfelt remembrances highlighting her brilliance, generosity, and impact on comedy.
A Lasting Legacy
Catherine Ohara’s influence on film and television is immeasurable. From her role as the lovable and frantic mom in Home Alone to the unforgettable Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, she brought joy into millions of homes and inspired countless performers.
Her legacy will live on through her remarkable body of work, and her contributions to comedy and storytelling will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come.