LOS ANGELES — Catherine O’Hara, the Emmy-winning actor celebrated for her work across film and television, has died at age 71, according to multiple confirmed reports published January 30, 2026.
Her death was confirmed by her manager and representatives, with officials saying further details will be released at the family’s discretion. No official cause of death has been publicly disclosed as of this writing.
In a statement cited by media outlets, her agency said, “We are saddened to announce the passing of Catherine O’Hara.”
Career Spanning Five Decades Across Film And Television
O’Hara built one of the most recognizable careers in comedy, becoming a household name through projects including Schitt’s Creek and Home Alone, along with numerous films, television appearances, and voice acting roles.
She began her career in Toronto’s Second City comedy scene before rising to international fame through sketch comedy and film. Over time, she became known for her distinctive character work and improvisational style.
Her portrayal of Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek earned her major industry recognition, including Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG awards, cementing her status as one of television’s defining comedic performers of the modern era.
Final Years Included Award Nominations And Major TV Projects
In recent years, O’Hara continued to work in high-profile productions, including the Apple TV+ series The Studio and a role in The Last of Us Season 2, reflecting her continued relevance across generations of audiences.
Some reports noted emergency responders were called to her Los Angeles home prior to hospitalization, though officials have not confirmed further medical details publicly.
Colleagues and fans widely described O’Hara as a defining comedic voice. Industry retrospectives emphasized her decades-long ability to move between sketch comedy, television, and film without losing her distinct character-driven style.
During her 2020 Emmy acceptance speech, O’Hara reflected on her career and collaborators, saying, “I will forever be grateful to Eugene and Daniel Levy for the opportunity to play a woman of a certain age, my age, who gets to fully be herself.”
O’Hara is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, and their two sons.
Across more than 50 years in entertainment, O’Hara became widely regarded as one of comedy’s most versatile performers, moving seamlessly from ensemble sketch comedy to mainstream blockbuster films and critically acclaimed television.
Her death marks the loss of a performer whose characters and performances shaped multiple generations of television and film audiences worldwide.
