Catherine O'Hara, Beloved Actress from Home Alone and Schitt's Creek, Passes Away at 71
The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Catherine O'Hara, the acclaimed Canadian-American actress celebrated for her iconic roles in Home Alone and Schitt's Creek. O'Hara died on Friday at the age of 71 at her Los Angeles home, following a brief illness, as confirmed by her agency CAA. Her passing has sparked an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from co-stars, colleagues, and political figures, all remembering her as a beacon of love and light.
Tributes from Co-Stars and Colleagues
Meryl Streep, who worked with O'Hara on the 1986 comedy Heartburn, shared poignant words about her friend. "Catherine O'Hara brought love and light to our world, through whipsmart compassion for the collection of eccentrics she portrayed," Streep said. She added that this loss deeply affects O'Hara's family, friends, and the audiences who cherished her performances.
Macaulay Culkin, who played O'Hara's son in the beloved Christmas film Home Alone, expressed his grief in a moving tribute. "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. I'll see you later," Culkin wrote. Their on-screen chemistry as mother and son in the 1990 classic, where Culkin's character Kevin McCallister outsmarts intruders, remains a cherished memory for fans worldwide.
Michael Keaton, her co-star in the original Beetlejuice film, reflected on their long-standing friendship. "We go back before the first Beetlejuice. She's been my pretend wife, my pretend nemesis and my real life, true friend. This one hurts. Man am I gonna miss her," Keaton said. O'Hara recently reprised her role as Delia Deetz in the 2024 sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, showcasing her enduring talent.
A Legacy of Iconic Roles and Accolades
Catherine O'Hara's career spanned decades, marked by memorable performances that earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards. Her portrayal of the eccentric Moira Rose in the hit TV series Schitt's Creek, alongside Eugene and Daniel Levy, won her both an Emmy and a Golden Globe, solidifying her status as a comedic genius.
Seth Rogen, who starred with O'Hara in the Apple TV+ comedy series The Studio, called the news of her passing "devastating." In an Instagram post, Rogen shared, "I told O'Hara when I first met her I thought she was the funniest person I'd ever had the pleasure of watching on screen. Home Alone was the movie that made me want to make movies. Getting to work with her was a true honour." He praised her as hysterical, kind, intuitive, and generous, noting how she inspired excellence in their work together.
Pedro Pascal, who worked with O'Hara on the second season of The Last Of Us, also paid tribute, saying, "Oh, genius to be near you. Eternally grateful. There is less light in my world, this lucky world that had you, will keep you, always."
Recognition from Political Leaders
O'Hara's impact extended beyond entertainment, with current and former leaders of Canada honouring her as a national treasure. Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described her as a "beloved Canadian icon," while current Premier Mark Carney stated, "Canada has lost a legend." These tributes underscore her significant cultural contributions and the pride she brought to her home country.
Personal Life and Family
Catherine O'Hara is survived by her husband Bo Welch and her sons Matthew and Luke. According to the statement from her agency, her family will hold a private celebration of her life, allowing them to grieve and remember her in a personal setting. Her legacy lives on through her family, her extensive body of work, and the countless lives she touched with her talent and warmth.
As the world reflects on her remarkable career, from Home Alone to Schitt's Creek and beyond, Catherine O'Hara's memory will continue to inspire laughter and joy, reminding us all of the power of love and light in storytelling.
