A Hollywood legend is gone, and Macaulay Culkin’s raw farewell has left fans around the world heartbroken.
Catherine O’Hara, the legendary actress beloved for her unforgettable roles in Home Alone, Schitt’s Creek, and Best in Show, has died at the age of 71. Her death was confirmed by her agency, CAA, which said she passed away at her home in Los Angeles’s Brentwood area following a brief illness. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
O’Hara became a cultural icon through decades of work across film and television. She famously portrayed Kate McCallister, the frantic yet devoted mother of Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin, in the first two Home Alone films. Her performance helped define holiday cinema and cemented the franchise as a global classic.
She later captivated a new generation as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, appearing in all 80 episodes of the series. Her portrayal earned her an Emmy Award in 2020, adding to her earlier Emmy win in 1982 for her writing work on SCTV Network 90. Her career also included acclaimed mockumentaries such as Best in Show and A Mighty Wind, along with roles in Beetlejuice and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
Her most recent work was opposite Seth Rogen in the Apple TV+ series The Studio, which earned her another Emmy nomination. She was also nominated for a Golden Globe this year, though she did not attend the ceremony.
Born and raised in Toronto, O’Hara met her husband, production designer Bo Welch, on the set of Beetlejuice. They married in 1992 and raised two sons, Matthew and Luke.
Following her death, Macaulay Culkin shared a deeply emotional tribute, writing, “Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more. I love you. I’ll see you later.” His words echoed a bond that lasted decades beyond the screen, reminding fans that Catherine O’Hara was not just a star, but family to many who worked with her.
