Beloved actress Catherine O'Hara dies, aged 71
Share this @internewscast.com

Renowned actress Catherine O’Hara, celebrated for her roles in Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, has passed away at the age of 71.

The beloved Canadian-born actress died at her Los Angeles residence after a brief illness, as confirmed by her agency in a statement.

Early on Friday morning, at 4:48 am (11:48 pm AEDT), the Los Angeles Fire Department was called to O’Hara’s home. She was transported to the hospital in serious condition, as reported by Page Six.

Actress Catherine O’Hara, the star of Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, has died, aged 71. (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Paramedic dispatch audio indicated that O’Hara was experiencing breathing difficulties. Despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead a few hours later at the hospital.

The specific cause of her death remains undisclosed.

The cause of her death has not been revealed.

O’Hara had been starring in the hit sitcom The Studio, which was just about to launch its second season after scooping a number of Emmys last year on debut.

The two-time Emmy-winning actor, who was born in Toronto, was known for comedic roles in a career spanning five decades — from Kevin’s beleaguered mum in Home Alone to the iconic Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek.

O’Hara’s career was launched at the Second City in Toronto in the 1970s, an improvisation and sketch comedy theatre group.

It was there that she first worked with Eugene Levy, who would become a lifelong collaborator – and her Schitt’s Creek co-star.

The Emmy-winning actor, who was born in Toronto, was known for comedic roles across decades, including Kevin’s beleaguered mum in Home Alone (Supplied)

The two would be among the original cast of the sketch show SCTV, which would help launch the careers of other top Canadian comedians, like Martin Short and Andrea Martin.

It also gave O’Hara the first of her Emmy Awards in 1982, her second coming from Schitt’s Creek in 2020, a sitcom that won her a new legion of fans.

Her role as matriarch Moira Rose also earned her a Golden Globe and two Actor Awards (formerly known as SAG Awards).

O’Hara found a new fanbase following her iconic role of Moira Rose in sitcom Schitt’s Creek. (AP)
O’Hara first worked with Eugene Levy at Second City. He would become a lifelong collaborator – and her Schitt’s Creek co-star. (AP)

O’Hara also frequently collaborated with director Christopher Guest, starring in many of his iconic mockumentaries, including Waiting for Guffman, For Your Consideration and Best in Show.

She also starred in Tim Burton’s 1988 hit Beetlejuice and its 2024 sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, alongside Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder.

O’Hara’s dramatic turn in HBO’s The Last of Us earned her an Emmy nomination, as did her recent role as a Hollywood producer in The Studio. (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

O’Hara’s dramatic turn in HBO’s The Last of Us earned her an Emmy nomination, as did her recent role as a Hollywood producer in The Studio.

The actor is survived by her husband of 33 years, Bo Welch, and sons Matthew, 31, and Luke, 29.

A private celebration of life will be held by the family, according to her agency.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Pope Leo Criticizes ‘Tyrants’ While Trump Urges Him to Recognize the ‘Harsh Realities’ of the World

In Brief During a visit to Cameroon on his African tour, Pope…

Australian Court Approves Extradition of US Pilot Daniel Duggan Following Unsuccessful Appeal

IN BRIEF US pilot Daniel Duggan is set to be extradited to…
Vaping is likely to cause cancer but not as much as cigarettes, researchers have claimed

New Study Reveals Vaping’s Cancer Risks: Less Harmful Than Smoking, But Still Significant

Research indicates that vaping can potentially lead to cancer, although it remains…
Sea mines: the cheap, deadly Iranian weapon facing US Navy

Hidden Dangers: How Iran’s Cost-Effective Sea Mines Challenge U.S. Naval Dominance

The armada of US Navy vessels blockading Iranian ports also faces a…
Main ovens have been sidelined as microwaves and air fryers have caught home cooks' attention - but kitchen innovation experts say technology is poised to give the appliance a reboot

Revolutionary App-Controlled Ovens Set to Overtake Air Fryers with 30-Minute Chicken Roasting Technology

For many years, the traditional oven, often equipped with a built-in grill,…

Russia’s Most Devastating Strike of 2026: 16 Lives Lost in Ukraine’s Latest Tragedy

In what marks the deadliest strike this year, Russia has launched a…
Police are searching for this witness to an alleged sexual assault in Melbourne East.

Authorities Seek Key Witness in Melbourne Assault Investigation

Authorities are actively seeking a potential witness who may have observed a…
'Burned it down': Arsonist's covert recordings aired

Arsonist’s Secret Tapes Exposed: Shocking Revelations Behind the Flames

A man who was allegedly promised $6,000 to set a factory ablaze…
There is concern around jet fuel reserves iN Europe.

Energy Executive Warns Europe Faces Jet Fuel Shortage Within Six Weeks

Europe is facing a critical shortage of jet fuel, with reserves projected…

Türkiye in Mourning: The Heartbreaking Loss of Young Lives in Devastating School Shooting

In Brief Eight pupils and a teacher were killed when a 14-year-old…
Trump whacks Australia in fresh attack

Trump Criticizes Australia in Latest Remarks

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has intensified his critique of how the…
Car swerves along road, trying to shake off woman clinging onto bonnet

Shocking Road Drama: Woman Clings to Car Bonnet in High-Speed Escape Attempt

A startling video has surfaced showing a woman desperately holding onto the…