Legendary actress Catherine O'Hara, whose impeccable comic timing delighted ’90s kids and often tugged at their heartstrings, has passed away at 71. News of her death has left fans worldwide stunned and mourning, especially those who grew up watching her in everything from holiday classics to offbeat, sharp TV comedies.

O’Hara had a rare screen presence—no shouting required. She could command a scene with just a glance, a pause, or a perfectly timed line. Whether portraying a frantic mother, a dramatic diva, or an eccentric socialite, her characters always felt real. She first captured attention on Canada’s iconic sketch show Second City Television (SCTV) in the late ’70s, sharing the screen with comedy legends like John Candy, Eugene Levy, and Rick Moranis. Her bold, fearless, and quirky characters helped define a generation’s sense of humour. For many, though, she will forever be remembered as Kevin McCallister’s mom. In Home Alone, O’Hara played Kate McCallister, the determined mother racing across the globe to reunite with her son—a role that gave the beloved holiday film its emotional core.

In 2015, she introduced the world to Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek. With her elaborate wigs, dramatic wardrobe, and an accent nobody could quite place, O’Hara turned Moira into a television icon. What might have been mere comedy became a heartfelt portrayal of a woman clinging to dignity while learning to start over. The role earned her an Emmy and won her a whole new generation of fans.

Her talent also shone in cult classics like Beetlejuice, where she played the eccentric, art-obsessed Delia Deetz, and Best in Show, with her portrayal of Cookie Fleck cementing her as a comedy legend. Even in later years, O’Hara continued to impress, with notable roles in Netflix’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, Apple TV+’s The Studio, and memorable guest appearances on shows like 30 Rock. Every performance carried her unique energy and timing.

Born on March 4, 1954, in Toronto, O’Hara joined the city’s Second City troupe at 20, initially as an understudy to Gilda Radner before stepping into the main cast when Radner moved on to the original Saturday Night Live. Catherine O’Hara passed away on Friday at her Los Angeles home after a brief illness. Though she is no longer with us, her unmatched comic genius, iconic voice, and enduring spirit will live on in the hearts of fans everywhere.