Legendary comedian and actress Catherine O’Hara tragically passed away on January 30, 2026, and she’ll be remembered by millions for her best movie and television performances. Variety reported that Catherine O’Hara’s manager confirmed she had passed away at the age of 71. At the time of writing, she was reported to have died at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness.
Since she began acting in 1975, O’Hara garnered dozens of notable roles in both film and television. From her early days on SCTV to her more recent roles, O’Hara distinguished herself as one of the best comedians in Hollywood. She also branched out to several voice acting roles in movies like The Wild Robot and The Addams Family, as well as dramatic roles in shows like The Last of Us. These four movies and television shows, however, should prove to be her most lasting legacy.
The Studio
Image via Apple TV+
Catherine O’Hara’s last role was in The Studio, and it proved she was at the absolute top of her game throughout her entire life. O’Hara played semi-retired movie studio executive Patty Leigh in The Studio, and she added so much humor and character to the series. Most impressively, O’Hara managed to stand out in the star-studded cast of The Studio, which included major comedians like Seth Rogen, Kathryn Hahn, and more.
Home Alone
Easily one of Catherine O’Hara’s most famous roles, Home Alone would never have been the cultural touchstone it is without her. O’Hara played Kate, Kevin’s (Macaulay Culkin) mother in Home Alone, and that role let her prove that she could play the straight woman in a comedy. Kate’s odyssey back to Kevin put O’Hara in increasingly ridiculous situations, but she handled each with a surprisingly authentic commitment to the character of a worried mother.
Beetlejuice
No role highlights the sheer dominance Catherine O’Hara had over physical comedy quite like Beetlejuice. O’Hara played Delia, the mother of Lydia (Winona Ryder) in Beetlejuice. As the movie’s plot, of a series of ghosts desperately trying to scare Delia and her husband away from the house, progresses, O’Hara delivered some truly unforgettable moments. Anyone who has seen Beetlejuice will never forget the “Day-O” scene, largely because of O’Hara’s impeccable commitment to the bit.
Schitt’s Creek
Catherine O’Hara’s best role is perhaps Schitt’s Creek. O’Hara played Moira Rose, wife to Johnny (Eugene Levy) and mother to David (Dan Levy) and Alexis (Annie Murphy), in Schitt’s Creek. What makes Moira arguably O’Hara’s best character is the fact that truly no one else could have played her. O’Hara imbued Moira with a dazzlingly unique personality, from her peculiar speech patterns to her hilarious relationship with her children. Each episode of Schitt’s Creek is a masterclass in comedic delivery from O’Hara.
While Catherine O’Hara may have passed away, these movies and shows and dozens of other notable roles will ensure that her legacy lives on for years. She had an unforgettable career that spanned decades, humored and entertained millions, and left an indelible mark on the world. Luckily, fans of Catherine O’Hara will be able to remember her life’s work for years to come.