Catherine O’Hara, the actor best known for her roles in “Home Alone,” “Best in Show,” and the television series “Schitt’s Creek,” has died at the age of 71 on Friday at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness.

 

 

O’Hara’s career spanned five decades, beginning in television with the Canadian sketch comedy series “Second City Television,” which she co-created with Eugene Levy. Her work on the show earned her an Emmy Award and four additional nominations. She later transitioned into film, appearing in titles including “After Hours,” “Beetlejuice,” and the first two installments of the “Home Alone” franchise where she played the role of the mother of Kevin McCallister, portrayed by Macaulay Culkin. O’Hara maintained a close relationship with Culkin and honored him during his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2023.

 

 

She also worked frequently with director Christopher Guest, appearing in his mockumentary films “Best in Show”, "Waiting for Guffman", “For Your Consideration", and “A Mighty Wind". Her voice acting credits included roles in animated films such as “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Chicken Little.”

 

 

In later years, O’Hara returned to the role of Delia Deetz in the sequel “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” and appeared in the Apple film “Argylle.” Her television work expanded further after she starred as Moira Rose in the CBC sitcom “Schitt’s Creek,” alongside Eugene Levy, Dan Levy, and Annie Murphy. The role earned her a second Emmy Award and led to additional television appearances.

 

 

Following “Schitt’s Creek,” O’Hara took on roles in HBO’s “The Last of Us” and Apple TV’s “The Studio" where she portrayed a Hollywood executive pushed out of her position as the series examined the inner workings of the entertainment industry. The second season of the show recently began filming.

 

 

In an interview about “The Studio,” O’Hara spoke about changes in Hollywood over the years. “It must be a much more nervous business now, than in the past,” she said. “The internet and streaming must have opened up a world of good and horrific possibilities for people.” She added, “Most people are trying to do and want to do good work. And most people want to be entertained.”

 

 

Born in Toronto, O’Hara later became a public figure in Los Angeles and was named honorary mayor of Brentwood in 2021. She is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, their sons Matthew and Luke, and her siblings.