- Catherine O'Hara died at 71 following a brief illness at her Los Angeles home
- She was born in Toronto on March 4, 1954, and was the sixth of seven children
- Her career began with Second City Television, winning a Primetime Emmy Award
Catherine O'Hara died on Friday. The Canadian-American star was 71. The Emmy-winning actor, known for comedic roles across the decades, breathed her last at her home in Los Angeles “following a brief illness,” according to a statement from her agency, Creative Artists Agency.
With a career that stretched across film, television and voice work, Catherine O'Hara was one of the most loved faces in the entertainment industry. Over the years, she became part of pop culture in ways that still feel fresh today.
Here is all you need to know about the legendary actress:
1. Catherine O'Hara was born March 4, 1954, in Toronto, Canada. She grew up as the sixth of seven children. She was elder sister to musician-actress Mary Margaret O'Hara. Catherine O'Hara reportedly completed her schooling at Burnhamthorpe Collegiate Institute.
2. Catherine O'Hara started her career in the sketch comedy series Second City Television (1976–1984). This show became a big turning point for her. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for her work on the show.
3. She gained wide recognition with films like Beetlejuice, Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Her role as Kevin's mom made her a household name. Catherine O'Hara often with Christopher Guest in films like Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show and A Mighty Wind.
4. Catherine O'Hara saw a major career resurgence with her role as Moira Rose in Schitt's Creek. The show ran from 2015 to 2020. Her performance earned her a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award.
5. She received several accolades, including two Primetime Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award and two Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Catherine O'Hara was last seen in HBO's The Last of Us. She is survived by her husband, Bo Welch and sons Matthew and Luke.