• A long career that made a lasting impact in comedy across film and television
• Widespread tributes from entertainment stars and Canadian leaders following her passing

Canadian actress Catherine O’Hara, one of the most prominent comedy stars in film and television, has died at the age of 71, following a career that spanned more than five decades.

She delivered iconic performances in major works including Home Alone and Beetlejuice, in addition to her Emmy-winning role in the series Schitt’s Creek.

Her agent said O’Hara passed away on Friday at her home in Los Angeles after a brief illness, without providing further details.

O’Hara first rose to prominence in the 1970s through Toronto’s renowned improvisation troupe Second City, before becoming a key performer on Second City Television (SCTV), one of Canada’s most successful TV programs.

She achieved international fame in the late 1980s with her role in the 1988 film Beetlejuice, followed by her performance as the family matriarch in Home Alone, which became one of the most successful family comedies in cinematic history.

O’Hara was celebrated for her memorable screen roles, including the character “Delia Deetz” in Beetlejuice, and her famous scene in Home Alone when she discovers her son has been left alone over Christmas—a moment etched in audiences’ memories.

She was widely mourned by fellow artists and filmmakers. Macaulay Culkin, who played her son in Home Alone, posted a touching tribute, saying: “I wanted more time… I had so much left to say. I love you, and I’ll see you later.”

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also paid tribute, saying O’Hara “cemented her place as an icon in Canadian comedy” and adding, “Canada has lost a true artistic legend.”

Throughout her career, she frequently collaborated with director Christopher Guest and actor Eugene Levy on several critically acclaimed comedy films, including Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, and A Mighty Wind. She won the 2006 National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in For Your Consideration.

O’Hara experienced a late-career resurgence thanks to the series Schitt’s Creek, which achieved great success during the COVID-19 lockdown and earned her the Golden Globe for Best Actress in 2021.

She continued working almost until her death, appearing in the series The Last of Us and, last year, in The Studio, which earned her nominations for acting awards this year.

Catherine O’Hara is regarded as one of the most influential contemporary comedy performers, known for her commanding presence and unique performances blending wit, depth, and humanity.

She is survived by her husband, designer Bo Welch, her sons Matthew and Luke, and several siblings.