Catherine O’Hara, the beloved comedy actress, has died at age 71. The Emmy winner was best known for her work on the classic ensemble sketch series SCTV, as well as unforgettable performances as Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice, Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, and Kevin’s perpetually frantic mother Kate McCallister in the Home Alone films. And now, her former castmates and close friends — including Kevin McCallister himself, Macaulay Culkin — are paying tribute to her iconic career and life.
O’Hara’s professional acting career spanned over five decades, starting in 1974. She began in the Toronto branch of The Second City improvisational comedy troupe, where she was initially an understudy for Gilda Radner. In 1976, she became an original cast member and writer for Second City Television, which solidified her career.
As one of the most revered comedy character actresses of her generation, O’Hara built a career defined by fearless choices and an unwavering commitment to the role, no matter how absurd. After rising to prominence on SCTV in the late 1970s and early ’80s, she became known for creating fully realized, often hilariously unhinged characters, a skill that would define her work for decades to come.
Tributes to the actress began flooding social media, as former co-stars, friends, and fans shared heartfelt messages celebrating her talent, generosity, and lasting impact on comedy.
Her “son” from Home Alone, Macaulay Culkin, wrote a touching farewell to his “mother” on Instagram: “I thought we had time. I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you but I had so much more to say. I love you. I’ll see you later.”
Pedro Pascal, her costar from HBO’s The Last of Us, took to Instagram to share a few loving words:
Beetlejuice costar Michael Keaton wrote: “She’s been my pretend wife, my pretend nemesis and my real life, true friend.”
Michael McKean, her friend and costar from many ensemble mockumentary films directed by Christopher Guest, posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Only one Catherine O’Hara, and now none. Heartbreaking.”
Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis, whose husband Christopher Guest often featured O’Hara, wrote in Instagram that the actress was the best part of Best in Show:
Justin Theroux, who starred with O’Hara in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, posted an image of her empty chair with the caption: “Oh Catherine. You will be so missed.”
Frozen and Wonder Man star Josh Gad shared a heartfelt message on social media, asking readers, “Why is the world such a heartbreaking place right now?”
Bartok the Magnificent costar Hank Azaria wrote: “Comedy will never be the same without Catherine O’Hara. An inspiration to us all, especially little Bartok. Sending love to Catherine’s family and friends today. A profound loss.”
Singer Michael Bublé wrote a touching tribute on X, stating he was heartbroken over the loss of a “legendary artist.”
Heartbroken doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Catherine O’Hara was one of a kind. A rare light in this world and her passing hits with a weight I can’t fully put into words.
She wasn’t just a legendary artist,
actor and comedian. She was an ambassador for Canada in the truest… pic.twitter.com/06jGk7OyCP— Michael Bublé (@MichaelBuble) January 30, 2026
Director Ron Howard posted on Instagram, “This is shattering news. What a wonderful person, artist and collaborator. I was lucky enough to direct, produce, and act in projects with he,r and she was simply growing more brilliant with each year. My heart goes out to Bo & family. #RIPCatherineO’Hara.”
Ike Barinholtz, her costar from The Studio, posted: “I never in a million years thought I would get to work with Catherine O’Hara, let alone become friends with her.”
David Krumholtz, who also starred with O’Hara on The Studio, called the actress “inspiring” in his post: “Met her. Worked with her. Got emotional when I told her how inspiring her work was to me. So emotional, in fact, that she thought I was doing a bit. She was absolutely wonderful. THEE very best. A trailblazer for ALL. I’m nothing without her. I loved every single move she made. She kicked this business’ ass. She was simply undeniable. Gutted.”
Comedian Kevin Nealon wrote on X: “Catherine O’Hara changed how so many of us understand comedy and humanity. From the chaos and heart of Home Alone to the unforgettable precision of Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, she created characters we’ll rewatch again and again.”
Comedian Paul F. Tompkins posted a thread on Bluesky memorializing the funny lady:
Catherine O’Hara SCTV thread
youtu.be/990OaFr8EYw?…
— Paul F. Tompkins (@pftompkins.bsky.social) January 30, 2026 at 10:37 AM
Comedian and fellow Canadian Tom Green wrote on X: “I’m so sorry to hear the news that Canadian comedy legend Catherine O’Hara has passed away at 71. She’s kept me and millions of others entertained throughout my lifetime — from her brilliant work on SCTV, to Home Alone, Beetlejuice, Best in Show, Schitt’s Creek, and so many other films and television classics. Her characters brought so much joy and laughter to the world. It’s with a heavy heart that I share this today. Rest in peace, Catherine O’Hara — one of the greatest Canadian comedy icons of all time.”
Producer and executive at DreamWorks Animation, Jeff Herman,n and his husband Darren Webb, both of whom worked with O’Hara on The Wild Robot, offered this post:
Katie Couric wrote of the actress: “I’m so sad to hear this news. 💔💔💔 Actor and comedy legend Catherine O’Hara has died. She was 71 years old.”
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