Catherine O’Hara, Beloved Comedic Actress, Dies at 71
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A celebrated talent known for iconic roles in films like Home Alone and Beetlejuice, as well as her Emmy-winning performance in Schitt’s Creek, Catherine O’Hara has died at the age of 71. The Canadian actress passed away on Friday at her home in Los Angeles following a short illness, her agent confirmed to the BBC.
O’Hara’s career spanned decades, establishing her as a versatile and beloved figure in comedy. She first gained prominence as a member of Toronto’s Second City and (SCTV), a highly accomplished Canadian television program.Alongside stars like eugene Levy and the late John Candy, O’hara developed the comedic timing and character work that would define her career.
Her breakthrough into the American mainstream came wiht Beetlejuice,where she portrayed Delia Dietz,captivating audiences with a mesmerizing rendition of “Day-O” (Banana Boat Song).Two years later, Home Alone cemented her status as a comedic icon, with her panicked cry of “Kevin!” becoming instantly recognizable and a staple of holiday viewing.
A Resurgence with Schitt’s Creek
While consistently working in film and television, O’Hara experienced a remarkable career revival with the Canadian comedy series Schitt’s Creek. The show, which gained important popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcased her unusual range and earned her widespread critical acclaim.
O’Hara’s portrayal of Moira Rose, a former soap opera star navigating a drastically altered lifestyle, was particularly lauded. Her distinctive vocal delivery, eccentric fashion choices, and memorable lines – such as “never assume, Twyla, as assumptions make fools of us all” – resonated with audiences worldwide.In 2020, she received the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on the show, thanking her colleagues Eugene and Dan Levy for the opportunity to embody such a unique character.
Tributes from Co-Stars and Colleagues
Macaulay Culkin, her on-screen son in home Alone, shared a heartfelt tribute on Friday, posting photos of the two together throughout the years. He wrote, “Mom.I thought we had plenty of time. I wish I had more. I wanted to sit next to you. I heard you. But I had so much to say. I love you. see you later.”
Christopher Guest, with whom O’Hara collaborated on several critically acclaimed mockumentaries including Waiting for Guffman and Best in Show, expressed his profound sadness, stating, “We have lost one of the comedy giants of our time.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also joined in mourning O’Hara, noting that she “carved out her place in Canadian comedy history” through her work in productions like Godspell, SCTV, and Schitt’s Creek.”Canada has lost a legend,” he saeid.
A Legacy of Laughter
O’Hara continued to work prolifically until shortly before her death,appearing in HBO’s The Last of Us and Seth Rogen’s The Studio.She had recently received a Golden Globe award for Best actress in 2021 for Schitt’s Creek and was nominated for another award this year for her role in The Studio.
Throughout her career, O’Hara attributed her comedic sensibility to her Canadian upbringing, noting that it fostered a broader worldview and a self-deprecating sense of humor. Her talent, versatility, and enduring contributions to comedy will be deeply missed, leaving behind a legacy of laughter that will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come.
