Catherine O’Hara, the beloved actress, comedian and screenwriter whose talent spanned television, film, and animation, has died at the age of 71, according to TMZ.
Born in Toronto in 1954, O’Hara’s journey in entertainment began with comedy. She honed her craft with Toronto’s Second City theatre, eventually helping launch the sketch series SCTV. Her sharp comedic instincts and character work quickly set her apart, earning her an early Emmy for writing.
O’Hara is perhaps best known to audiences for her role as Kate McCallister, the frazzled and determined mother in Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, as well as Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. These characters made her a familiar face in homes around the world.
— Image Credit: Disney / Fox and Warner Bros.
Comedy lovers also know O’Hara from her work in mockumentaries with Christopher Guest, including Best in Show and A Mighty Wind.
For television, her portrayal of Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek is nothing short of iconic. The role earned her a Primetime Emmy and numerous awards, and introduced her comedy to a new generation of fans.
— Credit: CBC / ITV
Catherine O’Hara’s talent also extended into voice work, and that brought her into the realm of Disney. Most notably, she was the voice of Sally in The Nightmare Before Christmas, a film that has become a perennial favorite for Halloween, Christmas, and beyond. O’Hara’s voice can also be heard portraying Sally during Disneyland‘s Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay.
Additionally, O’Hara and her longtime fellow Canadian co-star, Eugene Levy, currently narrate EPCOT’s Canada Far & Wide attraction.
Off screen, colleagues have noted her generosity, sharp wit, and deep respect for collaborators. Her career reflected her willingness to explore roles across genres, from surreal comedy to family classics.
Catherine O’Hara’s talent is unforgettable, and her influence is everlasting. As we revisit her work in our favorite series and films, her legacy will continue to make us smile. She was a true original whose contributions will be cherished for generations.
May she rest in peace.
— Credit: The New Yorker
