Catherine O’Hara, the talented Canadian actress known for her standout roles in comedy, passed away at 71 in Los Angeles after a brief illness. Fans remember her as the frantic mother in “Home Alone” and the eccentric Moira Rose from “Schitt’s Creek,” a role that earned her an Emmy.
O’Hara’s career took off in the 1970s with the Second City comedy troupe in Toronto. There, she teamed up with Eugene Levy, who became her long-time collaborator. They both shone on “SCTV,” a Canadian sketch comedy show that became a springboard for many iconic comedians, including Martin Short and John Candy. O’Hara later won an Emmy for her writing on the show.
Her second Emmy came decades later for “Schitt’s Creek,” where she played a glamorous former soap star navigating life in a small town. This show not only revived her career but also attracted a new audience to her unique comedic style. Moira’s distinctive speech, filled with unusual vocabulary, became a hallmark of O’Hara’s performance. She even crafted Moira’s accent by diving into old vocabulary books to enhance her character.
Despite her comedic brilliance, Hollywood at first struggled to categorize O’Hara. She played quirky supporting roles in films like “Beetlejuice” and “After Hours.” However, her performances in “Home Alone” solidified her place in family entertainment. The films remain beloved holiday classics and showcased her ability to blend humor with heartfelt moments.
Tributes poured in after her passing. Macaulay Culkin, who starred alongside her in “Home Alone,” shared a touching message on Instagram, expressing his gratitude for their time together. Meryl Streep, who worked with her in “Heartburn,” praised O’Hara for her compassion towards the eccentric characters she portrayed.
O’Hara’s later work included collaborations with Christopher Guest in mockumentaries like “Best in Show.” Her role as Cookie Fleck in this cult classic highlighted her talents once again and resonated with audiences.
Born into an Irish Catholic family in Toronto, O’Hara was the sixth of seven children. Her comedy journey began early when she joined Second City as an understudy for Gilda Radner. Though she briefly worked on “Saturday Night Live,” she didn’t find her stride until returning to comedy through improvisational groups.
Even late in her career, O’Hara embraced new challenges and earned Emmy nominations for roles in shows like HBO’s “The Last of Us.” As Pedro Pascal expressed on social media, her absence leaves a significant void.
Catherine O’Hara leaves behind her husband, Bo Welch, their two sons, and a legacy of unforgettable comedic performances. Her unique ability to blend comedy with genuine emotion has left a lasting impact on fans and colleagues alike.
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