Catherine O’Hara, the celebrated actress whose career spanned decades and captivated audiences with her comedic timing and versatility, died on January 30th at the age of 71. Her death, initially described as following a “brief illness,” has now been officially attributed to a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer listed as an underlying cause, according to a Los Angeles County death certificate released on Monday, .
The death certificate, first obtained by TMZ and subsequently confirmed by NBC News, the Associated Press, and The New York Times, details that O’Hara had been under the care of an oncologist since , with a final consultation on , just days before her passing at a hospital in Santa Monica, California. Her remains were subsequently cremated.
O’Hara’s career began in the 1970s with the Second City comedy troupe in Toronto, a breeding ground for Canadian comedic talent. It was there she forged a lasting professional and personal relationship with Eugene Levy, a collaboration that would define much of her subsequent work. Together, they transitioned to the sketch comedy series SCTV, where they honed their improvisational skills and developed a unique comedic chemistry alongside fellow performers Martin Short, John Candy, Andrea Martin, Rick Moranis, and Joe Flaherty.
SCTV, which aired on Canadian television and later on NBC in the United States, became a launching pad for a generation of comedic actors. O’Hara’s contributions to the show earned her an Emmy Award for writing in 1982, a testament to her multifaceted talent. She continued to work with many of her SCTV colleagues throughout her career, notably in the mockumentary films directed by Christopher Guest – Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, and A Mighty Wind – where her ability to embody eccentric and unforgettable characters shone.
Beyond her work in sketch and mockumentary, O’Hara found success in mainstream film, most famously as Kate McCallister in the Home Alone franchise. Her portrayal of the perpetually flustered mother who inadvertently leaves her son behind became iconic, cementing her place in popular culture. She also collaborated with Tim Burton on the visually striking Beetlejuice films and lent her voice to the beloved character of Sally in The Nightmare Before Christmas.
However, it was her role as Moira Rose in the critically acclaimed series Schitt’s Creek that arguably brought O’Hara her most widespread recognition, and accolades. Created by Eugene Levy and his son, Dan Levy, the show followed a wealthy family forced to relocate to a small town they once purchased as a joke. O’Hara’s performance as Moira, a former soap opera star struggling to adapt to a life of relative obscurity, was a masterclass in comedic timing and character work.
Schitt’s Creek’s success culminated in a sweep of the 2020 Emmy Awards, with O’Hara winning the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. The show’s popularity introduced her work to a new generation of viewers and solidified her status as a comedic icon.
The news of O’Hara’s death prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from colleagues and fans alike. Macaulay Culkin, who starred alongside her in Home Alone, expressed his shock and sadness, stating he wished he had more time to speak with her. Eugene Levy, in a statement, described O’Hara as an extended family member and cherished collaborator, lamenting the loss of her brilliance. Dan Levy echoed those sentiments, praising her generosity and the joy of working with her on Schitt’s Creek.
Seth Rogen, who worked with O’Hara on The Studio, shared his admiration for her talent, recalling that she inspired him to strive for excellence in his own work. “She was hysterical, kind, intuitive, generous… she made me want to make our show good enough to be worthy of her presence in it,” he wrote.
Catherine O’Hara’s passing marks the end of a remarkable career defined by her unique comedic sensibility, her dedication to her craft, and her ability to connect with audiences across generations. Her legacy will undoubtedly endure through her extensive body of work and the countless laughs she brought to the world.
