Comedic legend Catherine O'Hara, who passed away at 71, leaves behind an eternal onscreen legacy defined by warmth and genius, even when playing eccentric or flawed characters. She expressed a desire to be remembered as a "mother," a role she perfected both in life and as the unforgettable fictional matriarch Moira Rose in 'Schitt's Creek,' for which she won major awards.
Her presence is a holiday staple thanks to 'Home Alone,' and her career spans decades of iconic performances. This list celebrates some of her finest work across film and television.
Heartburn (1986): O'Hara steals scenes as the best friend delivering hard truths in Nora Ephron's marital drama.
Home Alone (1990) & Home Alone 2 (1992): As Kate McCallister, she made the inadvertently neglectful mother endearing and relatable.
Best in Show (2000): She shines in Christopher Guest's mockumentary as Cookie Fleck, a woman plagued by her past flames.
Beetlejuice (1988) & Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024): O'Hara's Delia Deetz is a fabulous, wacky villain who dominates both Halloween and the sequel.
After Hours (1985): In Scorsese's black comedy, she displays her range as a menacing ice cream truck driver.
Waiting for Guffman (1996): Another Guest collaboration where her timing and charm as a community theater performer stand out.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993): She showcased impressive voice acting as the gentle, singing Sally.
Second City Television (1976-1984): An original cast member, she created memorable characters and celebrity impressions.
The Studio (2025): This role earned her a final Golden Globe nomination, satirizing Hollywood politics.
Schitt’s Creek (2015-2020): Her performance as the bizarrely accented Moira Rose is her most iconic, earning an Emmy and inspiring countless fans.