Beloved Comedian Catherine O’Hara Passes Away at 71

Beloved actor Catherine O’Hara has passed away at the age of 71 due to an undisclosed illness.

Her manager confirmed the news.

O’Hara rose to fame as a key member of the Second City comedy troupe, becoming a regular on the cult classic sketch show SCTV. After years of making her mark in various comedy series and television appearances, she made her film debut in Tim Burton’s 1988 hit Beetlejuice, portraying the delightfully eccentric Delia Deetz.

This role sparked a series of collaborations with Burton, including Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Frankenweenie, and the sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. She also formed a strong partnership with director Christopher Guest, featuring in his improvised mockumentaries such as Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, and For Your Consideration.

O’Hara’s extensive film and television credits include iconic roles in Home Alone and Home Alone 2, Dick Tracy, and her standout performance as Moira Rose in the acclaimed comedy series Schitt’s Creek. More recently, she portrayed former studio executive Patty Leigh in The Studio and made a memorable guest appearance on The Last of Us.

Throughout her career, O’Hara garnered numerous award nominations, winning two Primetime Emmys—one for her writing on SCTV and another for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Schitt’s Creek. She also received a nomination in 2025 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for The Studio, and her role in Schitt’s Creek earned her a Golden Globe in 2021.