Hollywood is experiencing a deep loss with the passing of Catherine O’Hara, known for her role in Home Alone. The 71-year-old actress passed away at her residence in Los Angeles following a short illness in January, as confirmed by her agency, Creative Artists Agency. Survived by her husband Bo Welch, sons Matthew and Luke, and several siblings, O’Hara’s remarkable career spanned over five decades, starting in the improvisational scene in Toronto and evolving into a globally renowned legacy of unique character comedy.

Before her acting career took off, she worked as a waitress at the Second City Theatre in Toronto, eventually becoming a cast member in 1974. O’Hara gained fame for her portrayal of various characters, including the memorable Lola Heatherton and impressions of celebrities like Brooke Shields and Katharine Hepburn. Throughout her career, she achieved significant success, such as winning an Emmy Award in 1982 for her writing on a series.

Her film legacy soared with iconic roles like Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice (1988) and voicing Sally in The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993). She became a household name as Kate McCallister in the Home Alone franchise. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, O’Hara became a fixture in Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries, showcasing her talent in films like Waiting for Guffman (1996), Best in Show (2000), and A Mighty Wind (2003).

Her portrayal of Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek from 2015 to 2020 garnered universal acclaim, earning her a Golden Globe and another Emmy Award. Just before her passing, O’Hara received accolades for her roles in The Studio and HBO’s The Last of Us. Fond tributes have poured in from fellow actors and colleagues, recognizing her immense talent and impact on the industry. The SAG-AFTRA also honored O’Hara for her outstanding contributions to film and television, emphasizing her lasting legacy and expressing deepest condolences to her family, friends, and fans.