Today, the world of comedy and the heart of Canada feel a little quieter. It is with profound sadness that we remember the legendary Catherine O’Hara, who passed away today, January 30, 2026, at the age of 71.
From the stages of Second City to the high-fashion wigs of Moira Rose, O’Hara wasn’t just an actress; she was a masterclass in character. She had the rare ability to find the humanity in the eccentric and the comedy in the mundane.
A Legacy of Laughter: From SCTV to Schitt’s Creek
Catherine O’Hara’s career was a journey through the very best of modern comedy. She leaves behind a body of work that defined generations:
- The SCTV Years: Alongside Eugene Levy and John Candy, she helped put Canadian comedy on the map. Characters like the boozy Lola Heatherton showed early on that O’Hara was fearless.
- The Iconic “Mom”: To millions, she will always be Kate McCallister from Home Alone. Her frantic “KEVIN!” scream is one of the most recognizable moments in cinema history.
- The Muse of Christopher Guest: Her collaborations in mockumentaries like Best in Show and A Mighty Wind proved she was the queen of improvisation.
- The Renaissance of Moira Rose: In Schitt’s Creek, she gave us a performance for the ages. With an unidentifiable accent and a wardrobe that belonged in a museum, she turned Moira into a global icon of resilience and “bebe” culture.
Tributes from the Industry
As news of her passing spread, those who worked closest with her shared their heartbreak. Macaulay Culkin shared a touching tribute, simply saying, “Mama, I thought we had time… I love you.” Long-time collaborator and friend Eugene Levy has often remarked that there was no one like her—a sentiment echoed by the Governor General of Canada today, who called her a “cultural trailblazer.”
Major Career Milestones
| Award | Project | Category |
| Emmy Award | Schitt’s Creek | Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series |
| Golden Globe | Schitt’s Creek | Best Actress in a Television Series |
| Order of Canada | Lifetime Achievement | Officer (O.C.) |
| Emmy Award | SCTV | Outstanding Writing |
Saying Goodbye to a Legend
Catherine O’Hara didn’t just make us laugh; she made us look at the world with a bit more color and a lot more wit. Whether she was playing a frantic mother, a quirky dog owner, or a washed-up soap star, she did so with a “whip-smart compassion” that made her characters unforgettable.
She is survived by her husband, Bo Welch, and her two sons. Tonight, fans across the world are surely raising a glass of “Herb Ertlinger” fruit wine in her honor.
“I’m a firm believer that if you’re not laughing, you’re not living.” — Catherine O’Hara
Canadian Country Life 
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