Beloved actress and comedian Catherine O’Hara passed away at the age of 71 on January 30 at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness, her representatives confirmed. With a career spanning more than five decades, O’Hara was celebrated for her unmatched versatility, sharp comedic timing, and heartfelt performances. She first rose to prominence on the Canadian sketch series Second City Television, earning early acclaim before becoming a staple of both film and television. Audiences around the world came to love her through iconic roles in Beetlejuice, Best in Show, and, most memorably, as Kate McCallister in Home Alone. Later in life, she experienced a powerful resurgence as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, a role that earned her an Emmy and cemented her status as a cultural icon.

Following the news of her passing, Macaulay Culkin, her on-screen son in Home Alone, shared a deeply emotional tribute, posting photos of them together and writing, “Mama. I thought we had time… I love you. I’ll see you later.” Their bond extended far beyond the screen, and O’Hara had often spoken proudly of Culkin’s impact on the film’s enduring legacy. Tributes poured in from across the industry, including from the Screen Actors Guild, which honored her as a beloved performer whose work brought joy to generations. O’Hara is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, and their two sons. Though she is gone, her voice, humor, and warmth continue to live on—every time a family rewatches a holiday classic or laughs at a perfectly delivered line that only Catherine O’Hara could make unforgettable.