Catherine O’Hara, Emmy-Winning ‘Schitt’s Creek’ Star, Dies at 71
Table of Contents
A wave of grief is sweeping through the entertainment world following the death of Catherine O’Hara, the celebrated Canadian-American actress renowned for her iconic roles in Schitt’s Creek, Home Alone, and Beetlejuice. O’Hara passed away on Friday at her Los Angeles home after a brief illness, according to her agency, CAA. She was 71 years old.
The versatile performer, who garnered both an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Moira Rose in the hit television comedy Schitt’s Creek, leaves behind a legacy of comedic brilliance and unforgettable characters. Tributes have poured in from fellow actors, comedians, and political leaders, all recognizing her profound impact on the world of entertainment.
A “Legend” Mourned Across Borders
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney joined a chorus of voices expressing sorrow at O’Hara’s passing, stating that Canada had “lost a legend.” He emphasized her five decades of dedicated work, solidifying her position within the “canon of Canadian comedy.” Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau remembered O’Hara as a “beloved Canadian icon.”
The outpouring of emotion was particularly poignant from those who worked closely with the actress. Dan Levy, co-creator of Schitt’s Creek, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, stating he would “cherish every funny memory” he made with her. He continued, “What a gift to have gotten to dance in the warm glow of Catherine O’Hara’s brilliance for all those years.” Levy highlighted the close bond O’Hara shared with his family, noting that after collaborating with his father, Eugene Levy, for over 50 years, she felt like “extended family” long before portraying his mother on screen. “It’s hard to imagine a world without her in it,” he added.
From ‘Home Alone’ to ‘Beetlejuice’ and Beyond
O’Hara’s career spanned decades, encompassing a diverse range of roles that showcased her remarkable talent. She became a household name with her portrayal of Kate McCallister in the 1990 holiday classic Home Alone, and captivated audiences with her eccentric performance as Delia Deetz in Tim Burton’s 1988 cult favorite, Beetlejuice. She recently reprised the role of Delia Deetz in the 2024 sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
Her Beetlejuice co-star, Michael Keaton, expressed his deep sorrow, recalling a friendship that predated the original film. “She’s been my pretend wife, my pretend nemesis and my real life, true friend. This one hurts. Man am I gonna miss her,” he shared. Alec Baldwin, also a star in the original Beetlejuice, lauded O’Hara as “one of the greatest comic talents in the movie business,” praising her unique and captivating presence.
A Generous Spirit and Lasting Impact
Fellow actors consistently spoke of O’Hara’s kindness and generosity. Seth Rogen, who worked alongside her on the Apple TV+ comedy series The Studio – for which O’Hara received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations – described the news of her death as “devastating.” He recalled telling her upon their first meeting that she was “the funniest person I’d ever had the pleasure of watching on screen.” Rogen shared that Home Alone inspired him to pursue filmmaking and that working with O’Hara was a “true honour.” He added, “She was hysterical, kind, intuitive, generous… She made me want to make our show good enough to be worthy of her presence in it.”
Richard E Grant, who starred with O’Hara in the 2006 film Penelope, called her death an “incalculable loss.” He fondly remembered the warmth and hospitality she and her husband, Bo Welch, extended to him and his wife, sharing memories of gatherings in Los Angeles, the Cotswolds, and London.
Canadian actor and comedian Mike Myers described O’Hara’s death as “a very sad day for comedy and for Canada,” recognizing her as “one of the greatest comedy artists in history.”
Catherine O’Hara is survived by her husband, Bo Welch, and their sons, Matthew and Luke. Her family has announced plans for a private celebration of her life. Her remarkable talent and enduring spirit will be deeply missed, but her contributions to comedy and the arts will continue to resonate for generations to come.
