Catherine O'Hara, the comedic actress best known for her starring roles in the 'Home Alone' and 'Beetlejuice' films, as well as her Emmy-winning turn in 'Schitt's Creek', has died aged 71. The Canadian star rose to fame through Toronto's Second City improvisation troupe and on SCTV, before making a name for herself in the US in 1988's 'Beetlejuice' and as the matriarch in the holiday classic 'Home Alone'.
O'Hara, whose colleagues remembered her as a 'wonderful person, artist, and collaborator', most recently appeared in the Emmy-winning comedy 'The Studio' and HBO's 'The Last of Us'. In a statement to the BBC, O'Hara's agent said she died on Friday at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness. O'Hara made lightning strike twice in her career with indelible cinematic turns.
In 1988's spooky satire 'Beetlejuice', she played Delia Deetz, who led her possessed dinner guests in an enthralling song and dance performance of 'Day-O' (the Banana Boat song). Two years later, in 'Home Alone', her panicked scream of 'Kevin!' as she realizes her mischievous eight-year-old son had been left behind became one of the most memorable moments from one of the most successful film comedies ever.
Her young co-star Macaulay Culkin, now 45, paid tribute to his on-screen mother on Friday, sharing images of the two of them from the film and in later years: Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you. But I had so much more to say. I love you. I'll see you later.
The Toronto-born actress got her foot in the door as a waitress at the Toronto Second City theatre franchise in the 1970s, before auditioning for a role with the famed acting troupe. She further developed her comedic chops after joining the cast of sketch comedy show Second City Television (SCTV) - one of the most successful Canadian TV programs ever - alongside the likes of Eugene Levy and the late John Candy.
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney joined Canadians and fans across the world in mourning O'Hara, stating, Over five decades of work, Catherine earned her place in the canon of Canadian comedy—from the iconic Toronto production of 'Godspell' to SCTV to 'Schitt's Creek'. Canada has lost a legend.
O'Hara had a late career surge thanks to the Canadian comedy series 'Schitt's Creek', which followed the wealthy Rose family as they abruptly lose their money and mansion, forced to move into a shabby motel in a deadbeat town they bought as a joke. O'Hara's character Moira Rose was a particular delight, known for her wildly fluctuating accent, outlandish fashion sense, and brilliant one-liners. Upon winning the Emmy Award for actress in a comedy, O'Hara thanked her co-stars Eugene and Dan Levy for giving her the opportunity to portray a relatable character who was allowed to be her 'ridiculous self'.
She continued working until very close to her death, playing roles in HBO's 'The Last of Us' and 'The Studio', showing her lasting impact and love for the craft. O'Hara is survived by her husband Bo Welch and sons Matthew and Luke, as well as her siblings.
O'Hara, whose colleagues remembered her as a 'wonderful person, artist, and collaborator', most recently appeared in the Emmy-winning comedy 'The Studio' and HBO's 'The Last of Us'. In a statement to the BBC, O'Hara's agent said she died on Friday at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness. O'Hara made lightning strike twice in her career with indelible cinematic turns.
In 1988's spooky satire 'Beetlejuice', she played Delia Deetz, who led her possessed dinner guests in an enthralling song and dance performance of 'Day-O' (the Banana Boat song). Two years later, in 'Home Alone', her panicked scream of 'Kevin!' as she realizes her mischievous eight-year-old son had been left behind became one of the most memorable moments from one of the most successful film comedies ever.
Her young co-star Macaulay Culkin, now 45, paid tribute to his on-screen mother on Friday, sharing images of the two of them from the film and in later years: Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you. But I had so much more to say. I love you. I'll see you later.
The Toronto-born actress got her foot in the door as a waitress at the Toronto Second City theatre franchise in the 1970s, before auditioning for a role with the famed acting troupe. She further developed her comedic chops after joining the cast of sketch comedy show Second City Television (SCTV) - one of the most successful Canadian TV programs ever - alongside the likes of Eugene Levy and the late John Candy.
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney joined Canadians and fans across the world in mourning O'Hara, stating, Over five decades of work, Catherine earned her place in the canon of Canadian comedy—from the iconic Toronto production of 'Godspell' to SCTV to 'Schitt's Creek'. Canada has lost a legend.
O'Hara had a late career surge thanks to the Canadian comedy series 'Schitt's Creek', which followed the wealthy Rose family as they abruptly lose their money and mansion, forced to move into a shabby motel in a deadbeat town they bought as a joke. O'Hara's character Moira Rose was a particular delight, known for her wildly fluctuating accent, outlandish fashion sense, and brilliant one-liners. Upon winning the Emmy Award for actress in a comedy, O'Hara thanked her co-stars Eugene and Dan Levy for giving her the opportunity to portray a relatable character who was allowed to be her 'ridiculous self'.
She continued working until very close to her death, playing roles in HBO's 'The Last of Us' and 'The Studio', showing her lasting impact and love for the craft. O'Hara is survived by her husband Bo Welch and sons Matthew and Luke, as well as her siblings.
