LOS ANGELES—The entertainment industry mourns the loss of Catherine O’Hara, the acclaimed Emmy-winning actress renowned for her roles in iconic productions including ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and ‘Home Alone,’ who passed away at 71. Her management agency confirmed the news on Friday, though specific details regarding the circumstances were not immediately disclosed.
Born in Toronto in 1954, O’Hara’s illustrious career began on the stages of the legendary Second City comedy theater. It was there she forged a lasting creative partnership with fellow comedian Eugene Levy, a collaboration that would span decades and culminate in the critically adored television series ‘Schitt’s Creek.’
Her cinematic debut arrived in 1980 with the film ‘Double Negative,’ featuring Levy and the late John Candy. O’Hara’s versatility shone through her diverse filmography, which included a memorable turn as Winona Ryder’s stepmother in Tim Burton’s 1988 supernatural comedy ‘Beetlejuice.’
However, it was her 1990 performance as Kate McCallister, the frantic mother of Macaulay Culkin’s character in the blockbuster film ‘Home Alone,’ that cemented her status as a household name recognized by audiences worldwide. Her recent work included a role in Apple TV’s Hollywood satire ‘The Studio,’ demonstrating her enduring talent and relevance in the industry. The phone confirmation of her passing from her manager Marc Gurvitz’s office marked the somber conclusion to a storied career that brought laughter and joy to millions.