Home Alone star Catherine O'Hara dies after 'brief illness'
The actress best known for playing the mother on Home Alone has sadly passed away. Legendary actress Catherine O'Hara has died aged 71. The Canadian-born actress died at her home in Los Angeles "following a brief illness," according to a statement from her agency, CAA.Further details were not immediately available according to The Mirror. She is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke.Born on March 4, 1954, in Toronto, Ontario, she was the sixth of seven children and of Irish descent. Raised Catholic, O’Hara grew up alongside her younger sister, musician and actress Mary Margaret O’Hara, who would also go on to a celebrated creative career.O’Hara was one of several prominent performers to emerge from the legendary Second City improv comedy troupe in Toronto, alongside Martin Short, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, and Eugene Levy. Her work on the troupe’s hit sketch show, SCTV, earned her an Emmy Award for writing, cementing her place among comedy’s elite.In the decades that followed, O’Hara appeared in an array of films and TV shows, winning the hearts of audiences as Kate McCallister, the devoted mother of Kevin in the Home Alone series. She also brought her trademark wit to films like Beetlejuice and Martin Scorsese’s After Hours.A frequent collaborator with filmmaker Christopher Guest, O’Hara appeared in many of his celebrated comedies, including Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, and For Your Consideration. Decades later, she captured a new generation of fans with her Emmy-winning portrayal of Moira Rose on the hit series Schitt’s Creek, earning the trophy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.Her eccentric, outlandish, yet deeply human performance resonated with viewers and critics alike, showcasing her ability to blend humor with heart. Beyond her professional achievements, O’Hara was cherished by family, friends, and colleagues for her generosity, warmth, and the joy she brought to every role.Her enduring impact on comedy and entertainment will continue to inspire actors, writers, and comedians worldwide, as well as the countless fans who adored her unforgettable performances.
