Fans Heartbroken as Beloved ‘Home Alone’ Star Dies — Tributes Pour In Worldwide

Catherine O’Hara, the award-winning actress loved by generations of fans, has died at the age of 71. Her manager confirmed the news, while her agency CAA said she passed away on Friday at her home in Los Angeles after a short illness.

O’Hara built a career that lasted more than 50 years and made her one of the most respected names in comedy and film. Many viewers remember her as the caring but overwhelmed mother in the first two “Home Alone” movies.

She also appeared in popular films like “Beetlejuice,” “After Hours,” and several mockumentary projects directed by Christopher Guest, including “Best in Show,” “Waiting for Guffman,” “For Your Consideration,” and “A Mighty Wind.” She also lent her voice to animated favorites such as “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Chicken Little.”

Her journey in entertainment began in Canada with the sketch comedy show “Second City Television,” which she created alongside Eugene Levy. The show earned her an Emmy and several nominations, helping launch her long career.

Later in life, O’Hara found a whole new wave of success. Her role as Moira Rose on the hit series “Schitt’s Creek,” where she starred with Eugene Levy, Dan Levy, and Annie Murphy, introduced her to a younger audience. The performance won her another Emmy and opened the door to more television work, including roles in HBO’s “The Last of Us” and Apple TV’s “The Studio.” Production on the second season of “The Studio” had recently started.

Speaking to Variety in 2025 about her role in “The Studio,” O’Hara shared her thoughts on the modern entertainment industry. “It must be a much more nervous business now, than in the past,” she said. “The internet and streaming must have opened up a world of good and horrific possibilities for people.” She added, “Most people are trying to do and want to do good work. And most people want to be entertained.”

In recent years, she returned to one of her classic roles in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” and also appeared in the Apple action movie “Argylle.” Her ability to move between comedy, drama, and voice acting kept her career active across decades.

Although she was born in Toronto, O’Hara became a familiar and beloved presence in Los Angeles. In 2021, she was even named honorary mayor of Brentwood, a sign of how much the local community appreciated her.

O’Hara is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, their sons Matthew and Luke, and several siblings.

Her passing marks the loss of a performer who brought humor and heart to every role. From classic comedies to modern television, her work left a lasting mark on the industry and on audiences around the world.

Catherine O’Hara was one of those rare actors who could make people laugh without trying too hard. She stayed relevant for decades and proved that talent does not fade with age. Her legacy will likely continue through the characters she created and the joy she gave viewers. What do you think about Catherine O’Hara’s impact on film and television? Share your thoughts in the comments.