The award-winning actress and comedian died at her Los Angeles home, her manager confirmed

Catherine O’Hara, the Canadian-American actress, comedian and screenwriter whose career spanned decades of film and television, has died at the age of 71.

Her death was confirmed to the BBC by her manager, who said she died on Friday at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness. No further details were disclosed.

O’Hara was one of the most recognisable and respected figures in modern comedy, celebrated for her ability to blend sharp wit with emotional depth. She was best known to global audiences for her performances in Home Alone, Beetlejuice and the television series Schitt’s Creek, where her portrayal of Moira Rose earned widespread acclaim and multiple awards.

Born in Canada, O’Hara rose to prominence through Toronto’s Second City improvisational troupe and the cult sketch show SCTV, where her fearless comedic instincts quickly set her apart. Her early work showcased a talent for creating unforgettable characters, often exaggerated yet deeply human, a skill that would define her career.

Her breakthrough in Hollywood came in 1988 with Beetlejuice, followed by her iconic role as the frazzled mother Kate McCallister in Home Alone. The holiday classic became one of the most enduring family films of its era, cementing O’Hara’s place in popular culture. She later reprised similar maternal roles while continuing to build a reputation as one of the most reliable character actors in film.

In later years, O’Hara experienced a remarkable career resurgence through Schitt’s Creek, the Canadian comedy series that became a global phenomenon during the Covid lockdowns. The show followed the once-wealthy Rose family after they lost their fortune and were forced to rebuild their lives in a rundown town they had purchased as a joke.

O’Hara’s Moira Rose emerged as the series’ most distinctive character, defined by her theatrical wardrobe, shifting accent and razor-sharp delivery. The role earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe and two Screen Actors Guild Awards, confirming her status as one of comedy’s greats.

Most recently, O’Hara appeared in Apple TV’s The Studio and HBO’s The Last of Us, demonstrating her continued relevance and versatility well into her later years. Colleagues frequently described her as generous, inventive and deeply collaborative, qualities that made her a beloved presence both on and off set.

Tributes poured in following news of her death, with fellow performers praising her influence on generations of comedians. Canadian comedian Tom Green described her as one of the greatest comedy icons the country had ever produced, crediting her characters with bringing joy to millions across decades.

Beyond her professional achievements, O’Hara was known for her long-standing partnership with her husband, production designer Bo Welch. The couple married in 1992 and shared two sons. Despite her fame, O’Hara remained fiercely private about her personal life, preferring to let her work speak for itself.

Her legacy is defined not just by awards or box office success, but by characters that became cultural touchstones. From suburban chaos in Home Alone to gothic absurdity in Beetlejuice and the surreal elegance of Moira Rose, O’Hara carved out a body of work that was instantly recognisable and endlessly rewatchable.

Catherine O’Hara leaves behind a catalogue of performances that reshaped modern comedy and ensured her place among its most enduring figures.