‘Home Alone’ Star Dies — Fans Around the World Heartbroken

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Beloved actress Catherine O’Hara has passed away at 71. Her manager confirmed she died on Friday at her Los Angeles home after a brief illness. The award-winning performer was cherished by fans across generations.

Catherine O’Hara had a remarkable career spanning over five decades. She’s fondly remembered by many as the endearing but frazzled mother in the “Home Alone” films, and also praised for her witty performances in comedies like “Best in Show” and “Waiting for Guffman.” More recently, she revisited a beloved role in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” and took on a part in the action movie “Argylle.”

She first became famous on the Canadian comedy show “Second City Television,” which she co-created with Eugene Levy. The show won her an Emmy and many nominations, giving her a boost in both TV and movies. Throughout her career, she often collaborated with director Christopher Guest, becoming well-known for her distinctive comedic style and captivating performances. She also provided voice work for beloved animated films like “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Chicken Little.”

Catherine O’Hara gained a new wave of fans thanks to her role as Moira Rose in the sitcom “Schitt’s Creek.” She won another Emmy for the part, which depicted a wealthy woman starting over. The show’s popularity opened doors to other significant projects, such as appearances in HBO’s “The Last of Us” and Apple TV’s “The Studio,” which is currently filming its second season.

During a 2025 interview with Variety to discuss her film “The Studio,” O’Hara reflected on how the entertainment industry had changed. She noted it likely felt much more precarious now than it used to, explaining that the internet and streaming services had created both exciting and challenging new opportunities. Despite these shifts, she expressed optimism, believing that most people in the industry strive to create quality work and that audiences will always want to be entertained.

Born in Toronto, Maureen O’Hara developed a strong connection to Los Angeles, becoming an honorary mayor of Brentwood in 2021. In her personal life, she enjoyed a long marriage to production designer Bo Welch, and together they had two sons, Matthew and Luke. She is also survived by her siblings.

Catherine O’Hara was a remarkably talented comedian whose work in movies and TV brought joy to audiences for years. She continued to shine throughout her career, proving that great talent remains strong no matter how long someone performs.

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2026-01-30 23:44