Catherine O’Hara, the Unforgettable Actress from Home Alone, Dies at 71

Actress Catherine O’Hara dies

A legacy defined by unforgettable characters

Hollywood mourns her passing

Actress Catherine O’Hara, remembered by generations for her role as Kevin McCallister’s mother in Home Alone, passed away this Friday at the age of 71.

The information was confirmed by two sources close to TMZ, who reported that the cause of death has not yet been disclosed.

O’Hara established herself as a cultural icon thanks to her humor, commanding screen presence, and her ability to transform characters into unforgettable figures.

Her death leaves a profound void both in Hollywood and among the millions of fans who grew up watching her on screen.

From Home Alone to a global phenomenon

Catherine O’Hara death at 71-Photo: Shutterstock

Catherine O’Hara portrayed the unforgettable Kate McCallister in the first two installments of Home Alone, a franchise that defined 1990s pop culture.

Her on-screen chemistry with Macaulay Culkin turned her character into one of the most recognizable figures in family cinema.

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The actress also shined as Moira Rose in the acclaimed series Schitt’s Creek, where she appeared in 80 episodes and won an Emmy for her performance.

Her work in television comedy solidified her as one of the genre’s most talented figures.

A diverse and celebrated filmography

Among Catherine O’Hara’s most memorable performances are the mockumentaries Best in Show (2000) and A Mighty Wind, two productions that became cult classics.

She was also part of the Beetlejuice universe, appearing both in the original film and in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, reaffirming her connection to fantastical stories and eccentric characters.

Her most recent project was The Studio on Apple TV+, where she shared the screen with Seth Rogen and earned another Emmy nomination.

Over her career, the actress accumulated two Emmy Awards: one for Schitt’s Creek in 2020 and another in 1982 for her work as a writer on SCTV Network 90.

Catherine O’Hara has passed away aged 71, TMZ reports. pic.twitter.com/vDPxiiIGPd

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) January 30, 2026

Catherine O’Hara’s life was devoted to art and family

Born in Toronto as the sixth of seven siblings, O’Hara built a solid career that transcended borders.

In 1988, she met production designer Bo Welch during the filming of Beetlejuice, a relationship that led to marriage in 1992.

The couple had two children, Matthew and Luke, who accompanied her throughout much of her professional journey.

Her legacy is defined by characters that resonated across generations and by a career that blended humor, sensitivity, and unmistakable talent—according to TMZ—as the world reflects on the death of Catherine O’Hara.