What to know
- Fans are flooding social media with tributes after TMZ reported that Canadian comedy icon Catherine O’Hara died Friday.
- Many are praising her and reflecting on how her performances resonated across generations and earned her a place as a cultural touchstone.
- Admirers revisited her most iconic roles, from Home Alone and Beetlejuice to Schitt’s Creek, celebrating her lasting legacy in comedy and film.
Fans are reacting to Catherine O’Hara’s death and remembering her best moments in cinema.
The Toronto-born comedy icon died at 71 years old on Friday, according to TMZ. Details of her death are still unknown at this time. She leaves behind her husband Bo Welch and two sons, Matthew and Luke.
The actress is known for her work in Home Alone, Beetlejuice, Schitt’s Creek and most recently The Studio.
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Following news of O’Hara’s death, her former co-star Macaulay Culkin, who played her son Kevin McCallister in the Christmas classic Home Alone made a heartfelt post to the actress.
“Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you. But I had so much more to say. I love you. I’ll see you later,” he wrote on Instagram.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also paid homage to the actress and offered condolences to her family through a social media post.
“From SCTV to Home Alone to her unforgettable role as Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek, Catherine O’Hara was a beloved Canadian icon with a rare gift for comedy and heart. She made people laugh across generations and helped bring Canadian storytelling to the world in a way only she could,” he wrote on X.
Canadian singer Michael Bublé also reacted to O’Hara’s death, calling the actress “an ambassador for Canada” and saying he is beyond heartbroken with her loss.
“Heartbroken doesn’t even begin to cover it.Catherine O’Hara was one of a kind. A rare light in this world and her passing hits with a weight I can’t fully put into words,” he said on X.
“As an artist, she inspired me more than she’ll ever know. She set the bar for what it means to represent your country with excellence and grace and all without ever losing warmth or humility.”
News of O’Hara’s death also shocked fans worldwide, who are mourning the actress online.
“Truly the end of an era. Catherine O’Hara brought unforgettable characters to life with unmatched humour and heart. Her legacy in both comedy and drama will live on forever,” one person said on X.
“The way that multiple generations of people viewed Catherine O’Hara as their mom in some way or another…this is a massive, massive loss,” another user said.
“Absolutely devastated. RIP to the nation’s favourite mother, Catherine O’Hara,” a different person added.
Other fans are taking the opportunity to remember the actress’s most iconic roles.
“She’s kept me and millions of others entertained throughout my lifetime — from her brilliant work on SCTV, to Home Alone, Beetlejuice, Best in Show, Schitt’s Creek, and so many other films and television classics. Her characters brought so much joy and laughter to the world,” fellow Canadian actor and comedian Tom Green said on X. “It’s with a heavy heart that I share this today. Rest in peace, Catherine O’Hara — one of the greatest Canadian comedy icons of all time.”
“RIP to the iconic Catherine O’Hara, I hope you’re having a laugh with John Candy,” another person said.
“Amazing woman. Like truly. From Beetlejuice to Home Alone, I mean, she was iconic,” a different fan added.
