Catherine O’Hara, one of comedy’s most distinctive and influential voices, has died at 71 following a brief illness. Renowned for her fearless creativity and emotional intelligence, she redefined what comedic performance could be, blending heightened absurdity with genuine human depth. More than an actress, she was a cultural touchstone whose work resonated across generations.
O’Hara rose through Toronto’s Second City and SCTV, where she rejected narrow stereotypes and created unforgettable characters rich in nuance. She became widely known as the devoted mother in Home Alone, grounding the film with warmth and urgency, and later achieved iconic status as Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek. That performance introduced her to a new generation and earned her the industry’s highest accolades.
Throughout a career spanning five decades, O’Hara’s work celebrated individuality, empathy, and creative freedom. Her legacy lives on through characters that continue to inspire laughter, originality, and heart.
