Catherine O'Gara , a famous Canadian -American film and television actress who gained worldwide fame thanks to her roles in the films “Home Alone” and the sitcom ” Schitt's Creek,” has died at the age of 71. The actress's death was announced by her manager in a comment to Variety .
Catherine O'Gara in the movie “Home Alone”, 1995
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Catherine O'Gara died on Friday , January 30, 2026, at her home in Los Angeles after a short illness. The information about the death of the actress was confirmed by her official representatives. The cause of death was not specified.
Catherine O'Gara's career in film and television spanned over fifty years. She began her professional career in Canada. She first gained widespread fame through her participation in the sketch comedy television show Second City Television . This project was an important starting point for her career . For her work on the show, Catherine O'Gara received her first Emmy Award.
Catherine O'Gara in the film “After Work”, 1985
After her success on television, O'Gara began to actively act in films. She played in the films “After Work” (1985) and ” Beetlejuice ” (1988), which later became cult classics. The first two parts of the film “Home Alone” brought the actress wide international recognition. In these films, Catherine played the role of the mother of Kevin – the character of Macaulay Culkin . The actress maintained a warm and friendly relationship with Culkin for many years. In 2023 , she took part in the ceremony of unveiling his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and gave a speech in his honor.
Catherine O'Hara in the movie “Beetlejuice”, 1988
An important part of Catherine O'Gara's creative biography was her long-term collaboration with director Christopher Guest . The actress starred in his mockumentary films ” Best in Show “, ” For Your Consideration “, ” Waiting for Guffman ” and “A Mighty Wind “. These projects became iconic for the genre and strengthened Catherine O'Gara's reputation as one of the strongest comedic actresses in modern cinema.
In addition to feature films, Catherine O'Gara has been actively involved in voice acting. She participated in the creation of the animated films “The Horror Before Christmas” and “Chicken Chowder “. These works also became an important part of her work and found a wide audience among viewers of all ages.
Catherine O'Hara in the TV series “Schitt's Creek”
In later years, Catherine O'Hara continued to actively act in major film projects . She returned to the role of Delia Dietz in the film ” Beetlejuice Beetlejuice “, which became a sequel to the cult film. She also starred in the spy film Apple ” Argyle “. Catherine O'Hara received new professional recognition at the age of sixty after the role of Moira Rose in the CBC sitcom ” Schitt's Creek “. The series became a global hit and brought the actress a new wave of popularity. For her role in the show , O'Hara received her second Emmy Award. The success of the series ” Schitt's Creek ” opened up new opportunities for her in television shows. She starred in the HBO series ” The Last of Us “, as well as in the Apple TV project ” The Studio “.
Catherine O'Gara in The Last of Us
O'Hara is survived by two adult sons, Luke and Matthew Welch . Catherine's death was a significant loss to the world of film, television, and comedy. Her work and roles remain an important part of modern pop culture.