Catherine O’Hara, the Emmy-winning actress and comedic icon, has passed away at 71, leaving a profound void in the entertainment world. Renowned for her transformative talent and sharp wit, she delighted audiences for decades—from her SCTV sketches to her celebrated role as Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek. Her career blended fearless humor with poignant depth, earning her acclaim across generations.
While the exact cause of her death remains private, her manager confirmed she died after a “brief illness.” Emergency responders were called to her Brentwood, California home around 4:48 a.m. on January 30, 2026. Despite being rushed to a Los Angeles hospital, she passed shortly afterward, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, laughter, and unforgettable performances.
O’Hara’s impact on pop culture was immense. She will forever be remembered as Kate McCallister in Home Alone, whose iconic scream of “Kevin!” became legendary, and as the eccentric, wig-wearing Moira Rose, a role that won her a historic Emmy and reignited her cultural influence. Beyond her mainstream success, she shone in Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries like Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, and A Mighty Wind, where her improvisational skill and deep understanding of human quirks were on full display.
Starting in Toronto with the Second City troupe and helping launch SCTV, O’Hara forged a path for women in comedy, proving her characters could be loud, weird, and daring, yet always sophisticated. She balanced her public life with a private devotion to her family, surviving her husband Bo Welch and their two sons, Matthew and Luke, raising them in a grounded home away from Hollywood excess.
Her legacy is one of fearless creativity, showing audiences that eccentricity, humor, and humanity can coexist beautifully. As tributes pour in from fans and colleagues—including heartfelt messages from Macaulay Culkin and others—her influence on comedy and culture is undeniable. Though she is gone, her laughter, her unforgettable characters, and her extraordinary artistry will remain a vibrant part of our cultural memory.
Catherine O’Hara’s passing is a monumental loss, but her work will continue to inspire, entertain, and resonate for generations to come.