Toronto legend Catherine O'Hara dead at 71
Toronto actor and comedian, Catherine O'Hara, known around the world for her iconic performances in Home Alone, Schitt's Creek and more recently, The Studio, has died at the age of 71.
Multiple reports confirm the actor died on Friday in her Los Angeles home after a "brief illness."
Born and raised in Toronto, O'Hara joined the Second City sketch comedy troupe in 1974, and her career in comedy took off from there.
In 1976, she booked a role on the hit sketch comedy television show SCTV and became a fan favourite with impeccable celebrity impressions. The Canadian show was also responsible for launching the careers of other local comedy legends, including John Candy, Andrea Martin, Rick Moranis and Martin Short.
O'Hara's The Last of Us co-star, Pedro Pascal, posted a tribute on Instagram, saying "There is less light in my world, this lucky world that had you, will keep you, always."
In addition to TV series, O'Hara starred in many beloved films including Home Alone, Beetlejuice, Best in Show and A Mighty Wind, alongside Schitt's Creek co-star and long-time collaborator Eugene Levy.
O'Hara's Home Alone co-star Macaulay Culkin, who played her son Kevin McCallister in the 1990 film and the 1992 sequel, shared a touching tribute on Instagram following the news of her death. "Mama. I thought we had time," the caption reads.
In 1994, O'Hara starred in Ron Howard's dramedy, The Paper, about a group of reporters at a local newspaper. Today, the director pays tribute to the late actor who was a "wonderful person, artist and collaborator."
This is shattering news. What a wonderful person, artist and collaborator. I was lucky enough to direct, produce and act in projects with her and she was simply growing more brilliant with each year. My heart goes out to Bo & family. #RIPCatherineO’Hara https://t.co/7pWcpYARai
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) January 30, 2026
The actor earned several accolades throughout her career including two Primetime Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards.
O'Hara's last public appearance was at the 2025 Emmys back in Sept. 2025. She was expected to attend the 2025 Actor Awards (formerly SAG) on Mar. 1 2026, after receiving an Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series nomination for her role in the AppleTV+ series The Studio.
She leaves behind her husband, Bo Welch, and her two children, Mattrew and Luke.
Fred Duval/Shutterstock
