Catherine O’Hara, the Emmy-winning actress celebrated for her decades-long career in comedy, passed away on Friday at the age of 71 at her Los Angeles home following a brief illness, her agency, Creative Artists Agency, confirmed.

Born on March 4, 1954, in Toronto, Canada, O’Hara was the sixth of seven children and the elder sister of musician and actress Mary Margaret O’Hara. She completed her schooling at Burnhamthorpe Collegiate Institute before embarking on a career that would make her one of the most iconic comedic actors of her generation.

O’Hara first gained attention with the sketch comedy series Second City Television (1976–1984), a platform that earned her a Primetime Emmy Award and helped establish her as a rising star. She went on to appear in memorable films such as Beetlejuice, Home Alone, and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, where her portrayal of Kevin McCallister’s mother became widely recognized. She also frequently collaborated with director Christopher Guest in films like Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, and A Mighty Wind.

In recent years, O’Hara experienced a career renaissance with her role as the eccentric Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020), earning both a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe for her performance. Over her lifetime, she received numerous accolades, including two Emmys, a Golden Globe, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Her final screen appearance was in HBO’s hit series The Last of Us. O’Hara is survived by her husband, Bo Welch, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke. Fans and colleagues alike continue to celebrate her warmth, wit, and enduring influence on comedy and popular culture.