The global entertainment industry mourns the loss of Catherine O'Hara, a legendary actress who died at age 71 in Los Angeles after a brief illness, leaving behind iconic works like Home Alone and Schitt's Creek.
On 30 Jan 2026, international news agencies reported that Catherine O'Hara, a Canadian actress known for playing the loving mother in Home Alone and Moira Rose in the series Schitt's Creek, died at age 71 on that day following a short illness at her home in Los Angeles, according to confirmations from her manager and agency.
O'Hara began her entertainment career with the Canadian comedy troupe Second City before moving on to the popular sketch show SCTV and then to Hollywood films. She became one of the most influential female comedians of her era. Her key works that made her globally recognized include the 1990 film Home Alone and its 1992 sequel, followed by the acclaimed series Schitt's Creek, which earned her Emmy and Golden Globe awards for her role as Moira Rose, receiving widespread acclaim.
Throughout her acting career, she also worked with many renowned directors and appeared in numerous notable projects, including The Studio and season 2 of The Last of Us, which earned her another Emmy nomination.
After the news of her passing spread, many colleagues in the industry expressed their condolences. Macaulay Culkin, who played her son in Home Alone, posted a heartfelt tribute to her.
Source: TMZ / CNN