Hollywood is mourning the loss of Catherine O’Hara, who sadly passed away at 71. O’Hara was one of the most beloved and influential performers of her generation, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across Hollywood, including Michael Keaton, Macaulay Culkin, Tim Burton, Pedro Pascal, and longtime collaborators who praised the icon.
O’Hara, born and raised in Toronto, was famous for her roles in films like Home Alone, Beetlejuice, Schitt’s Creek, and The Last of Us. The star was said to have passed away in her home on Friday, January 30, after dealing with an unspecified illness, as confirmed by her agency.
Tributes from across the entertainment industry have poured in, with actors, directors, and studios honoring O’Hara’s extraordinary talent, generosity, and legacy. Among them was Beetlejuice co-star Michael Keaton, and actor Paul Walter Hauser, who memorably referred to O’Hara as “his Meryl Streep.” See some of the tributes below:
Other stars that have honoured the late O’Hara include Katie Couric, and The Studio co-star Ike Barinholtz, who wrote, “I never in a million years thought I would get to work with Catherine O’Hara, let alone become friends with her. So profoundly sad she’s somewhere else now. So incredibly grateful I got to spend the time I did with her. Thank you Catherine I love you.”
Martin Scorsese and his daughter Francesca took to Instagram stories to say, “F*cking devastated. Literally in shock.”
O’Hara’s career spanned decades and mediums, beginning with her breakout work on the Canadian comedy scene with the improv troupe The Second City and later on with SCTV, where her razor-sharp comedic instincts and fearless character work helped redefine sketch comedy. O’Hara earned her first Emmy win for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series for SCTV.
After that, O’Hara stepped onto the big screen, finding success with Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice and Nightmare Before Christmas, as well as Chris Columbus’ Home Alone, which have now become staples in cinema. Later in her career, O’Hara experienced a cultural resurgence with Schitt’s Creek, reuniting her with fellow The Second City alum, Eugene Levy. She soon earned widespread acclaim and awards for her portrayal of Moira Rose, a character who became a pop-culture phenomenon.
As Hollywood continues to reflect on O’Hara’s legacy, one sentiment rings consistently through the tributes: that she was singular. A great performer of immense range, generosity, and intelligence, Catherine O’Hara leaves behind a body of work that will continue to inspire artists and audiences alike.