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Catherine O'Hara, Beloved Actress, Dies at 71

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/10/catherine-o-hara-beloved-actress-dies-at-71.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 2:58 GMT by Today
      Locales: New York, Connecticut, California, UNITED STATES

Toronto, Canada - February 10th, 2026 - The world of comedy and entertainment is mourning the loss of Catherine O'Hara, a truly unique and beloved actress, who passed away yesterday at the age of 71. While the cause of death remains private, the news has sparked an outpouring of grief and remembrance from colleagues, fans, and those whose lives she touched with her distinctive talent. O'Hara leaves behind a husband, Mark McEown, and their two children, as well as a body of work that continues to delight and inspire.

O'Hara's career, stretching over five decades, was a masterclass in comedic versatility. She wasn't simply a funny woman; she was a chameleon, effortlessly transitioning between eccentric characters and imbuing each with a specific, unforgettable energy. Many will immediately remember her as Moira Rose in the critically acclaimed Canadian sitcom Schitt's Creek. However, limiting her legacy to a single role, however iconic, would be a disservice to the breadth of her accomplishments.

Schitt's Creek, which ran from 2015 to 2020, arguably propelled O'Hara to a new level of recognition. Her portrayal of the flamboyant, dramatically-inclined Moira Rose, a former soap opera star adjusting to life in a small town after financial ruin, earned her a remarkable four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and a Screen Actors Guild Award. The dynamic between O'Hara and her real-life brother and co-star, Eugene Levy, added another layer of authenticity and warmth to the show, creating a palpable sibling chemistry that resonated with audiences worldwide. Their on-screen partnership, and the overall success of Schitt's Creek, was a late-career highlight that cemented O'Hara's status as a comedic force.

But O'Hara's talent predates Schitt's Creek by decades. Her early career was heavily influenced by her involvement with the Second City comedy troupe in Toronto, a breeding ground for some of Canada's most talented comedic minds. It was there she honed her improvisational skills and developed the quirky, character-driven style that would define her work. This foundation led to roles in a string of memorable films throughout the 1980s and 90s.

Many remember her vividly from Home Alone (1990), where she played Kate McCallister, Kevin's frantic mother. Though a relatively short role, O'Hara's performance captured the universal anxieties of parenthood with both humor and heart. However, her collaborations with director Christopher Guest proved to be particularly fruitful. Films like Waiting for Guffman (1996), Best in Show (2000), and A Mighty Wind (2003) showcased O'Hara's ability to improvise and create delightfully bizarre characters within mockumentary settings. These films weren't just funny; they were astute social commentaries delivered with a gentle, observational humor. She excelled at finding the humanity within the absurd.

Beyond comedy, O'Hara demonstrated her dramatic range in films like Frankie and Alice (2010), a biographical drama where she portrayed a complex character struggling with Dissociative Identity Disorder. This role highlighted her commitment to challenging herself as an actress and proving she was far more than just a comedic performer.

O'Hara's influence extends beyond her on-screen work. She was known as a generous and supportive colleague, fostering a collaborative spirit on set. Her dedication to her craft and her willingness to take risks inspired a generation of actors and comedians. The outpouring of tributes following her death speaks volumes about the respect and affection she earned throughout her career.

Catherine O'Hara wasn't just a comedian; she was a storyteller, a character actor of exceptional skill, and a genuinely kind soul. Her legacy will live on through her unforgettable performances and the laughter she brought to millions around the world. She will be deeply missed.