Los Angeles, United States. Canadian comic actor Catherine O’Hara has died at 71, her manager’s office confirmed, prompting tributes including from her co-star Macaulay Culkin and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Death confirmed
A representative from the office of O’Hara’s manager, Marc Gurvitz, confirmed her death. The BBC, citing a statement from Creative Artists Agency, reported she died on Friday at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness.
Notable roles and awards
O’Hara portrayed Moira Rose in “Schitt’s Creek” and played Kate McCallister, the mother of Macaulay Culkin’s character, in “Home Alone.” She also portrayed Delia Deetz in “Beetlejuice.” O’Hara earned the 2020 Emmy for best comedy actress, helping to propel “Schitt’s Creek” to awards season prominence at the 2021 Golden Globes.
Tributes
Culkin paid homage to O’Hara on Instagram, writing: “Mama. 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,” alongside images of the two of them.
Carney wrote on X: “I join Canadians and fans across the world in mourning the loss of Catherine O’Hara.”
Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called her “a beloved Canadian icon with a rare gift for comedy and heart” on X and added: “She made people laugh across generations,” posting a photo of the two of them.
Early life and career
O’Hara was born on March 4, 1954, and grew up in Toronto as the sixth of seven children. She began her acting career in 1974 as a cast member of the improvisational theater troupe “The Second City” in Toronto. Two years later, the troupe created the sketch comedy television show “SCTV,” which often featured O’Hara’s performances.
Voice work
O’Hara provided voice performances for animated projects including Sally in “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” Pinktail in “The Wild Robot,” Brook Ripple in “Elemental,” and multiple voices in “Frankenweenie,” including Mrs. Frankenstein.
Which of Catherine O’Hara’s performances resonated most with you?