Catherine O’Hara, the brilliantly versatile actress known for her iconic roles in Home Alone, Beetlejuice, and Schitt’s Creek, has died at age 71. The news, reported by Deadline, confirmed that O’Hara passed away at her home following a brief illness. Her passing leaves a void in the entertainment world, and fans are already sharing their grief and celebrating her remarkable career.
O’Hara’s talent resonated with audiences across generations, and social media quickly flooded with tributes. “My heart is broken,” one user commented on an Instagram post. Others simply wrote, “Literally the worst news” and “One of the best ❤️.”
A Legacy of Laughter and Heart
Schitt’s Creek brought O’Hara widespread acclaim, earning her an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Moira Rose. But her career spanned decades, showcasing a remarkable range and comedic timing that captivated viewers. She wasn’t just funny; she brought a unique depth and vulnerability to every character she played.
- Catherine O’Hara died January 30, 2026, at age 71 after a short illness.
- She won an Emmy and Golden Globe for her role as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek.
- O’Hara is remembered for her iconic performances in Home Alone and Beetlejuice.
- Tributes from fellow actors and fans are pouring in on social media.
Macaulay Culkin, her on-screen son from the Home Alone franchise, shared a particularly poignant tribute. “Mama. I thought we had time,” he wrote in an Instagram post. “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.”
Chris Columbus, who directed Home Alone, told The Hollywood Reporter, “Today we lost Catherine O’Hara. I’m stunned and heartbroken… Catherine carries the weight of 50 percent of that film. The movie simply would not work without her extraordinary performance. Catherine grounds the picture with a profound emotional depth. I will miss her greatly. Yet there is a small sense of comfort, realizing that two of the finest human beings I’ve ever known, Catherine and John Candy, are together again, brilliantly improvising, making each other laugh.”
Pedro Pascal, who worked with O’Hara on the second season of his HBO Max show The Last of Us, also honored the actress. “Oh, genius to be near you. Eternally grateful,” he posted. “There is less light in my world, this lucky world that had you, will keep you, always. Always ♥️ The one and ONLY #CatherineOHara.”
ELEPHANT creator Craig Mazin wrote, “I think she would prefer that we keep laughing somehow, or at the very least not cry. Not possible at the moment. As brutal as this feels for anyone who knew or worked with her, I know it is far more painful for her husband and sons and close family. I’m thinking about them right now too. It all hurts terribly. Goodbye, you legend… you wonderful, brilliant, kind, beautiful human being. We were lucky to have had you at all.”
Michael Keaton, who co-starred with O’Hara in Beetlejuice, shared, “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. Thinking about Beau as well.”
Justin Theroux, an actor in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, posted a tribute featuring O’Hara’s actor’s chair and a sweet dog, writing, “🕊️Oh Catherine. You will be so so missed.”
Which role of Catherine O’Hara’s most impacted you? Let us know on Facebook. We’re sending our love and best wishes to Catherine’s friends and family.
