Emmy-winning actor Catherine O’Hara, known for comedic roles such as Kevin’s mother in “Home Alone” and Moira Rose in “Schitt’s Creek” has died aged 71.
The Canadian-born comedian died at her home in Los Angeles “following a brief illness”, according to a statement from her agency, Creative Artists Agency, on Friday. There were no further details available on the circumstances of her death.
O’Hara’s career began at the Second City, an improvisational comedy show, in Toronto in the 1970s. It was there that she started working with Eugene Levy, who would then become a lifelong collaborator.
Levy was her co-star in “Schitt’s Creek”, and the pair were also the original cast for the sketch show “SCTV”, which would help launch the careers of other comedians such as Martin Short, Andrea Martin, John Candy and Rick Moranis.
“Schitt’s Creek” was her career-capping triumph and the personification of her comedic talent. The show, which was about a wealthy family forced to live in a small town, dominated the Emmys in its sixth and final season after airing in 2020.
O’Hara is survived by her husband, Bo Welch and two sons, Matthew and Luke.