The passing of Catherine O’Hara, a cherished Canadian actress known for her roles in various films and TV shows, has left fans and loved ones grieving. O’Hara, who passed away at the age of 71 after a brief illness, was survived by her husband, Bo Welch, their adult sons Matthew and Luke, and siblings.
Hailing from Toronto, O’Hara was celebrated for her iconic performances in popular productions like “Home Alone,” “Beetlejuice,” “Best in Show,” and “Schitt’s Creek,” spanning a career that began in the 1970s. Her recent contributions included appearances in “The Last of Us” and “The Studio.”
A founding member of the legendary “SCTV” cast, O’Hara shared an Emmy win in 1982 for exceptional writing in a variety series. Colleagues and friends, including Martin Short and Christopher Guest, paid tribute to her immense talent and friendship, with Guest describing her as a “comic giant.”
O’Hara’s portrayal of Moira Rose on “Schitt’s Creek” earned her a Primetime Emmy in 2020, alongside several accolades for the show and its cast. Her on-screen chemistry with Eugene Levy, which originated during their “SCTV” days, continued to captivate audiences through projects like “Best in Show.”
Notable figures within the entertainment industry, including Macaulay Culkin, Seth Rogen, and Michael Keaton, expressed their profound sadness at O’Hara’s passing. Culkin, who starred alongside O’Hara in “Home Alone,” shared a heartfelt tribute, while Rogen and Keaton reminisced about their collaborations and cherished friendship with the late actress.
Recognized as an Officer of the Order of Canada and a recipient of a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame, O’Hara was honored for her contributions to the arts in her home country. Political figures such as Prime Minister Mark Carney and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as well as local leaders like Carolyn Parrish, paid their respects to O’Hara, acknowledging her legacy as a beloved Canadian icon.