‘Home Alone’ Star Dies — Fans Around the World Heartbroken

Catherine O’Hara, the award-winning actor loved by generations of fans, has died at the age of 71. Her manager confirmed the news, while her agency CAA said she passed away on Friday at her home in Los Angeles after a short illness.

O’Hara built a long career that lasted more than 50 years. Many people remember her as the caring but overwhelmed mom in the “Home Alone” movies, while others admired her sharp comedy work in films like “Best in Show” and “Waiting for Guffman.” She also returned to one of her classic roles in the recent sequel “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” and appeared in the action film “Argylle.”

She first gained attention on the Canadian sketch show “Second City Television,” which she created with Eugene Levy. The show earned her an Emmy and several nominations, helping launch her career in both television and film. Over the years, she worked closely with director Christopher Guest and became known for her unique humor and strong screen presence. She also lent her voice to popular animated movies such as “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Chicken Little.”

Later in life, O’Hara found a whole new audience through the sitcom “Schitt’s Creek.” She played Moira Rose, a former rich woman forced to rebuild her life, and the role won her another Emmy. The success of the show led to more major projects, including roles in HBO’s “The Last of Us” and Apple TV’s “The Studio,” whose second season has already started filming.

In a 2025 interview with Variety while promoting “The Studio,” O’Hara spoke about how the entertainment world had evolved. “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.” Even so, she remained hopeful about the industry, adding, “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 closely connected to Los Angeles and was even named honorary mayor of Brentwood in 2021. Off-screen, she shared a long marriage with production designer Bo Welch and was a mother to their sons, Matthew and Luke. She is also survived by several siblings.

Catherine O’Hara leaves behind a powerful legacy in comedy, film, and television. Her performances made people laugh for decades, and her later success proved that talent does not fade with age.

Her passing is a huge loss to the entertainment world. Actors like O’Hara remind us how rare it is to stay relevant across generations while still bringing joy to audiences. What is your favorite Catherine O’Hara role, and how do you think she changed comedy on screen? Share your thoughts in the comments.