Catherine O’Hara’s Unforgettable Career and Lasting Impact on Hollywood
The world of comedy and television lost a monumental talent with the passing of Catherine O’Hara, whose death on January 30, 2026, has sent waves of sorrow through Hollywood and beyond. At the age of 71, the iconic actress, whose name became synonymous with unforgettable comedic roles and trailblazing performances, passed away following a brief illness, as confirmed by her talent agency in a statement to E! News. More details have now emerged about the cause of her death: O’Hara succumbed to a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer as the underlying condition, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office, as reported by TMZ.
Before her death, O’Hara had quietly withdrawn from the spotlight. She was notably absent from the 2026 Golden Globes, where she had been nominated for her brilliant supporting role in The Studio, alongside Seth Rogen. This absence, just weeks before her passing, was a stark contrast to her vibrant presence at the 2025 Emmy Awards in September, where she had been a double nominee for both The Studio and The Last of Us. Her final public appearance—at an event that celebrated the pinnacle of her career—was a poignant reminder of the immense talent she shared with the world.
Catherine’s passing marked the end of a career that began in the 1970s at Toronto’s Second City comedy troupe, where she first crossed paths with Eugene Levy. Their partnership would become legendary, with the two co-starring in SCTV (Second City Television), a show that catapulted both actors into fame. O’Hara’s razor-sharp wit earned her an Emmy for her work as a writer on the show in 1982, and in the years that followed, her career only flourished.
In the 2010s, O’Hara’s most beloved role arrived in the form of Moira Rose, the eccentric and endearing matriarch of Schitt’s Creek. Her portrayal of Moira earned her an Emmy Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series, alongside a Golden Globe and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. These accolades were a fitting tribute to a woman whose impeccable comedic timing and unique approach to character creation had shaped an entire generation of television lovers.
Catherine O’Hara’s legacy also extends beyond the realm of television into cinema, most notably in her role as the harried mother in the Home Alone franchise. Her portrayal of Kate McCallister, a mother frantically searching for her son Kevin, played by Macaulay Culkin, became a cultural touchstone. The memorable cry of “KEVIN!” remains one of the most iconic lines in film history, forever etched in the collective memory of holiday moviegoers.
Her passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from friends, family, and fans alike. Macaulay Culkin, who shared a special onscreen relationship with O’Hara, took to social media to express his grief, writing, “Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more.” Meanwhile, comic legend Martin Short, who was performing in Austin on the night of her passing, remembered her as “the greatest, most brilliant, kindest, sweetest angel that any of us worked with.”
As Hollywood reflects on Catherine O’Hara’s extraordinary contributions, it’s clear that her impact will resonate for generations to come. From her groundbreaking work on SCTV to her unforgettable roles in Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, Catherine O’Hara remains a comedic force whose legacy transcends time.
