Veteran Hollywood actress Catherine O’Hara, celebrated for her iconic roles in Home Alone and the award-winning television series Schitt’s Creek, has died at the age of 71.
Her death was confirmed by her agency, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), which disclosed that O’Hara passed away at her residence in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles. No cause of death has been made public.
O’Hara gained worldwide recognition for her portrayal of Kate McCallister, the frantic yet devoted mother of Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin, in the first two Home Alone films. The role cemented her status as a household name and remains one of her most memorable performances.
Decades later, she earned renewed critical acclaim for her role as Moira Rose in the hit comedy series Schitt’s Creek. Her performance in the show, which ran for six seasons, won her multiple accolades, including an Emmy Award, and introduced her to a new generation of viewers.
Her extensive filmography also includes notable appearances in Best in Show (2000), A Mighty Wind (2003), Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, and several other productions that showcased her distinctive comedic style.
A native of Canada, O’Hara began her career in improvisational comedy before building a decades-long career across film, television and stage. Widely regarded as one of the most versatile and influential comedians of her era, she leaves behind a lasting legacy in entertainment and popular culture.
She is survived by her family.