.jpg?trim=0,1,0,0&width=1200&height=800&crop=1200:800 "Catherine O’Hara remembered by Seth Rogen, Tim Burton and Home Alone’s Macaulay Culkin as tributes pour in — latest")
Catherine O’Harathe award-winning actor known for roles in films and TV, including Home Alone and Schitt’s Creekhas died at the age of 71.
O’Hara died Friday at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness, her manager told Variety.
The two-time Emmy winner is perhaps best known for playing Kate McCallister in the first two Home Alone films, before going on to play matriarch Moira Rose on the hit TV series Schitt’s Creek.
O’Hara most recently appeared on 10 episodes of AppleTV’s The Studio and three episodes of the HBO series The Last of Us. Her work on both shows earned her Emmy nominations — the ninth and tenth of her career.
Emotional tributes have poured in from stars mourning the loss, including her Home Alone co-star Macaulay Culkin and The Last of Us co-star Pedro Pascal.
“Mama. I thought we had time,” Culkin began before adding, “But I had so much more to say.”
Pascal, meanwhile, wrote: “There is less light in my world, this lucky world that had you, will keep you, always.”
Follow below for updates as tributes come in…
Christopher Guest says we’ve ‘lost one of the comic giants of our age’
O’Hara did some of her best work in the comedies of Christopher Guest.
In 1996, she was part of the ensemble cast of the improvised mockumentary Waiting for Guffman.
The film, which also starred Guest, Eugene Levy, Fred Willard and Parker Posey among others, was critically acclaimed and won a cult following.
She reunited with Guest and the rest of the cast for follow-ups including Best in Show (2000), A Mighty Wind (2003) and For Your Consideration (2006).
In a statement to VarietyGuest said: “I am devastated. We have lost one of the comic giants of our age. I send my love to her family.”
Kevin Perry30 January 2026 23:30
Tim Burton says O’Hara was ‘a special part of my life and after life’
O’Hara famously starred in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice in 1988, and returned for the sequel to the supernatural comedy in 2024.
On Instagram, the director wrote: “Catherine, I love you . This picture shows how much light you gave to all of us. You were a special part of my life and after life.”
Kevin Perry30 January 2026 22:58
Official X account of Canada mourns O’Hara
“Canada tips its hat (and an extravagant wig) to Catherine O’Hara,” the country’s official X account wrote in a tribute to the Toronto-born actor, complete with a meme from her Schitt’s Creek days.
“From Moira Rose’s dramatic diction to Delia Deetz’s chaotic chic and Kate McAllister’s iconic “KEVIN!”, her characters lit up our screens. Thanks for the magic, Catherine.”
Caitlin Hornik30 January 2026 22:15
Richard E Grant says O’Hara’s death is ‘an incalculable loss’
Richard E Grant recalled working with O’Hara two decades ago, writing on Instagram: “The death of my great friend Catherine O’Hara is an incalculable loss. We played a couple in PENELOPE (2006) & instantly bonded.
“She & her husband Bo were the first people we called when we were in LA, stayed with us in the Cotswolds shared dinners in London & never stopped yakking & laughing. My heart goes out to Bo, Matthew & Luke.”
Kevin Perry30 January 2026 22:09
Seth Rogen calls O’Hara ‘hysterical, kind, intuitive, generous’
Seth Rogen cast O’Hara in a mentor role in his award-winning Hollywood satire The Studio.
On Instagramhe wrote: “Really don’t know what to say… I told O’Hara when I first met her I thought she was the funniest person I’d ever had the pleasure of watching on screen.
“Home Alone was the movie that made me want to make movies. Getting to work with her was a true honour. She was hysterical, kind, intuitive, generous… she made me want to make our show good enough to be worthy of her presence in it. This is just devastating. We’re all lucky we got to live in a world with her in it.”
Kevin Perry30 January 2026 22:03
Accompanied by a carousel of images showing O’Hara in various pinstriped pantsuits, Siriano wrote: “Oh Catherine dressing you in Siriano stripes was one of my favorite memories I will never forget ever. Rest well your incredible woman.”
Caitlin Hornik30 January 2026 21:54
O’Hara was recently nominated for multiple Emmy Awards
Most recently, O’Hara appeared on 10 episodes of AppleTV’s The Studio and three episodes of the hit HBO series The Last of Us. Her work on both shows earned her 2025 Emmy nominations — the ninth and tenth of her career.
Her last public appearance was at the 2025 Emmys.
Caitlin Hornik30 January 2026 21:46
Actor Lea Thompson calls O’Hara ‘the most glorious person’
“I know the greats are with her now trying to pick her wonderful brain as to how she could do it all. Here on earth or hearts are a bit broken. We needed you now more than ever,” Thompson wrote in an Instagram tribute.
Caitlin Hornik30 January 2026 21:41
O’Hara’s most iconic ‘Schitt’s Creek’ moments
Catherine O’Hara’s most iconic Schitt’s Creek moments as beloved Moira Rose
Catherine O’Hara’s iconic moments as beloved Schitt’s Creek character Moira Rose are being celebrated following her death aged 71. The Emmy Award-winning Canadian actor died Friday (30 January) in Los Angeles following a brief illness, her manager told Variety. A cause of death has not been reported. O’Hara’s comedic genius was behind some of the sitcom’s most iconic moments. From “fold the cheese” to her brilliant costume at David’s wedding, here are some of her most beloved scenes as the matriarch.
Caitlin Hornik30 January 2026 21:32
What were the most memorable tributes paid too catherine O’Hara by fellow artists after her passing?
Catherine O’Hara Remembered: Seth Rogen,tim Burton & Macaulay Culkin Led Tributes
The entertainment world is mourning the loss of comedic genius Catherine O’Hara,with heartfelt tributes pouring in from colleagues and fans alike. News of her passing has sparked a wave of remembrance, celebrating a career spanning decades and marked by unforgettable performances.
A Career Defined by Versatility
O’Hara wasn’t simply a comedian; she was a chameleon. From her early work in the Second City improv troupe to her iconic roles in Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries, she consistently demonstrated a remarkable range.Many remember her for her ability to seamlessly transition between broad, physical comedy and nuanced, emotionally resonant portrayals.
* Early Beginnings: O’Hara’s career took off in Canada, quickly establishing her as a comedic force.
* Second City Roots: Her time with the Second City honed her improvisational skills,a cornerstone of her later success.
* Collaboration with Christopher Guest: Films like Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, and A Mighty Wind showcased her unique talent for character work.
“Home alone” and Mainstream Recognition
While already respected within the comedy community,O’Hara reached a wider audience with her portrayal of Kate McCallister in Home Alone (1990). Her frantic, yet loving, depiction of a mother realizing she’s left her son behind resonated with audiences worldwide. Macaulay culkin, who played her on-screen son Kevin, was among the first to publicly share his grief.
Culkin posted a poignant message on social media, recalling O’Hara’s kindness and professionalism on set. He described her as “a truly wonderful person” and expressed gratitude for the impact she had on his early career. The Home Alone franchise remains a beloved holiday classic, cementing O’hara’s place in pop culture history.
Tributes from Fellow Creatives
The outpouring of support extends beyond those she worked with directly. Seth Rogen, a long-time admirer, shared a heartfelt tweet praising O’Hara’s comedic timing and fearless commitment to her roles. He highlighted her influence on a generation of comedians.
tim Burton, known for his distinctive visual style and ofen darkly comedic films, also offered his condolences. burton,who directed O’hara in Beetlejuice and The Nightmare Before Christmas (voice role),described her as “a singular talent” and “a joy to work with.” He emphasized her ability to bring depth and humanity to even the most eccentric characters.
“Schitt’s Creek” and a Late-Career Renaissance
In recent years, O’Hara experienced a career resurgence with her critically acclaimed role as Moira Rose in the Canadian sitcom Schitt’s Creek. The show, created by her son David, provided a platform for her to showcase her comedic brilliance to a new generation.
* Moira Rose: An Icon: The character of Moira Rose, a former soap opera star with a penchant for dramatic pronouncements and outlandish fashion, became an instant fan favorite.
* Emmy Award Recognition: O’Hara’s performance earned her a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2020, a well-deserved recognition of her talent.
* Critical Acclaim for Schitt’s Creek: The show itself garnered numerous awards, solidifying its place as one of the most beloved comedies of the 21st century.
Beyond the Laughter: A legacy of Impact
Catherine O’Hara’s impact extends beyond her comedic roles. She was a dedicated performer,known for her professionalism and generosity.Her willingness to embrace challenging roles and her commitment to character work inspired countless actors and comedians. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence the entertainment industry for years to come. The name Catherine, originating from the Greek “Katha”, meaning “pure”, seems fitting for a performer who brought such genuine artistry to her craft.
