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Catherine O’Hara, Beloved Actress of ‘Beetlejuice’ and ‘Schitt’s Creek,’ Dies at 71
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A celebrated career spanning decades has come to a close with the passing of Catherine O’Hara, a Canadian actress renowned for her comedic timing and unforgettable characters. She was 71.
O’Hara passed away at her home in Los Angeles on Friday following a brief illness, as confirmed by the CAA agency to Variety. Her versatile talent captivated audiences across film and television, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture.
Early Career and Breakthrough Roles
Born in Toronto in 1954, O’Hara began her acting journey with a film debut in 1980. She quickly gained recognition for her work in the late 1980s,notably portraying Winona Ryder’s stepmother in Tim Burton’s 1988 cult classic,“beetlejuice”. However, it was her role as the mother of kevin McCallister in the 1990 blockbuster “Home Alone” that propelled her to international stardom.
“‘It’s a perfect film, isn’t it?'” O’Hara remarked in a 2024 interview with People magazine, reflecting on the enduring appeal of the holiday favourite. She was slated to reprise the role in the upcoming sequel,”Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” which reportedly features a cameo by Donald Trump from before his presidency.The impact of “Home Alone” was profound, with O’Hara recounting how fans would approach her simply to request she deliver her iconic line, “Kevin!”
A Legacy of Laughter and Accolades
Beyond her iconic roles in “Beetlejuice” and “home Alone,” O’Hara continued to showcase her range in projects like Tim Burton’s 1993 animated feature, “The Nightmare Before Christmas”. But it was her recent portrayal of Moira rose in the critically acclaimed television series “Schitt’s Creek” that introduced her to a new generation of fans.
“I’ve never received so much attention, it’s crazy!” she shared with People regarding the overwhelming response to her character. Her performance as moira earned her widespread acclaim, culminating in an Emmy award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2020, alongside a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Tributes Pour In
News of O’Hara’s passing prompted an outpouring of grief and remembrance from colleagues and fans alike. Actor Macaulay Culkin shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram on Friday, posting a photo with O’Hara and writing, “Mom. I thought we still had time. I wanted more. I wanted to sit next to you. I heard you, but I still had so much to say to you. I love you.”
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Catherine O’Hara’s talent, wit, and warmth will be deeply missed, but her contributions to the world
