Catherine O’Hara, Beloved ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and ‘Home Alone’ Star, Passes Away at 71

Catherine O’Hara — best known for her roles in “Schitt’s Creek,” “Home Alone,” and “Best in Show” — has died, TMZ reports. O’Hara was 71.

According to the outlet, the beloved actress died Friday. TMZ said two sources with direct knowledge confirmed the news, though her cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.

Catherine O'Hara attends the "Flatliners" Hollywood Premiere on August 6, 1990 | Source: Getty Images

O’Hara became a household name for generations of fans, especially for playing Kate McCallister, the determined mother of Macaulay Culkin’s Kevin, in the first two “Home Alone” films. Years later, she introduced herself to an entirely new wave of viewers as the unforgettable Moira Rose on “Schitt’s Creek,” appearing in 80 episodes and helping turn the series into a cultural phenomenon.

Catherine O'Hara and Macaulay Culkin attend the ceremony honoring Macaulay Culkin with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 01, 2023 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Her career stretched across decades and included a long list of comedy favorites. O’Hara starred in Christopher Guest’s celebrated mockumentaries, including 2000’s “Best in Show” and 2003’s “A Mighty Wind.” She also had a place in the “Beetlejuice” franchise, appearing in the original film and later returning in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” In recent years, O’Hara continued taking on new projects.

Catherine O'Hara attends a red carpet for "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" during the 81st Venice International Film Festival at on August 28, 2024 in Venice, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

Born and raised in Toronto, O’Hara was the sixth of seven children. She met her husband, production designer Bo Welch, while working on 1988’s “Beetlejuice.” They married in 1992 and shared two sons, Matthew and Luke.

Her final public appearance came on 14 September 2025 at the 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze, the ceremony included multiple nominees such as Quinta Brunson, Ayo Edebiri, and O’Hara. Some viewers commented on her appearance online, with one writing, “She is super thin. Is she ok?”, and another adding, “She doesn’t look good at all… why is she so thin? I hope she’s not sick.” Others disagreed, saying she looked “Beautiful”.

Catherine O'Hara attends the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Fans are remembering O’Hara for the joy she brought to screens — with many especially cherishing her iconic “Home Alone” role. She will be remembered. RIP.