Catherine O’Hara Passes Away
Catherine O’Hara Passes Away. The world of entertainment is in mourning following the heartbreaking news that legendary actress and comedian Catherine O’Hara has passed away at the age of 71. Confirmed by her agency, CAA, the Schitt’s Creek and Home Alone star died at her home in Los Angeles on Friday, January 30, 2026, following a brief illness.
From the frantic Kate McCallister in Home Alone to the iconic, wig-wearing Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, O’Hara’s career spanned over five decades, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of millions.
Tributes from the Stars
Her death announcement generated immediate emotional responses from her former co-stars and friends who honored her memory through their tributes. Macaulay Culkin who played her on-screen son Kevin shared a devastating message on Instagram “Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more. I love you. I will see you later.”
Other legends like Meryl Streep and Michael Keaton also expressed their grief, calling her a “source of light” and a “true genius” of the craft.
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Catherine O’Hara: Life and Legacy At A Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Catherine Anne O’Hara |
| Date of Birth | March 4, 1954 (Toronto, Canada) |
| Date of Passing | January 30, 2026 (Aged 71) |
| Cause of Death | Brief Illness |
| Most Iconic Roles | Moira Rose (Schitt’s Creek), Kate McCallister (Home Alone), Delia Deetz (Beetlejuice) |
| Key Awards | 2 Emmy Awards, 1 Golden Globe, 1 SAG Award |
The Stars Remember “The Genius”
The outpouring of love from Hollywood highlights just how respected Catherine was. Below are the key statements made by those who knew her best.
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Hollywood Tribute Summary
| Celebrity | Tribute Message Extract |
|---|---|
| Macaulay Culkin | “Mama. I thought we had time… I heard you, but I had so much more to say.” |
| Meryl Streep | “Catherine O’Hara brought love and light to our world… a loss for the audience she graced as friends.” |
| Michael Keaton | “She’s been my pretend wife, my pretend nemesis, and my real-life true friend. This one hurts.” |
| Pedro Pascal | “Oh, genius to be near you. Eternally grateful. There is less light in my world.” |
| Dan Levy | “What a gift to have gotten to dance in the warm glow of Catherine O’Hara’s brilliance.” |
A Career of Brilliance: The Trajectory Chart
Catherine’s career was unique because she remained relevant and beloved across multiple generations. This ASCII-style chart represents her “stardom impact” over five decades.
Catherine O’Hara: Career Impact Chart (1970s – 2026)
Impact Level
^
| (Schitt's Creek Peak 2020)
| * | / \
| (Home Alone) \ (Final Roles: The Studio/Last of Us)
| * / \ *
| / \ / \ / \
| / \ / \________/ \
| (SCTV) \ / \
| * v v (Jan 2026)
|__/________________________________________> Time
1975 1990 2005 2020 2026
Legend: * Major Career Milestone / High Popularity Era
FAQs: Remembering Catherine O’Hara
Q1. When did Catherine O’Hara pass away?
A. She passed away on the morning of Friday, January 30, 2026.
Q2. What was the cause of her death?
A. Official reports state she died following a “brief illness” at her home in Brentwood, Los Angeles.
Q3. What were her last acting roles?
A. She recently appeared in Seth Rogen’s series The Studio (earning an Emmy nomination) and filmed scenes for Season 2 of The Last of Us.
Q4. Who is she survived by?
A. She is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke.
Q5. Is the news a hoax?
A. No. While there were rumors earlier in the week, her passing was confirmed by multiple reputable news agencies including TMZ, Variety, and the BBC on January 31, 2026.