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Tributes continue to pour in for Canadian-American comedian-actress, screenwriter Catherine O’Hara as the world over learns of her passing on 30 January 2026. I say she’s the mother of comedy, not only because she’s best known for her onscreen portrayal of Kevin’s mum in two parts of the entire Home Alone (1990) movie series, but because she’d shaped generations – via screens, in living rooms, all through her entire career, spanning five decades.

Her last few roles included one for “The Studio” (2025-), the episodic series up for a new season (season 2) on the streaming service Apple TV+, as well as the black comedy films Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024), the long-awaited sequel to Beetlejuice (1988), directed by British director, artist Tim Burton.

Prior to that, O’Hara appeared in the Netflix version of Lemony Snicket’s “A Series of Unfortunate Events” (2017-2018) as Dr. Georgina Orwell for a total of three episodes. One could safely say that she was given the role due to her familiarity with the series, as she had earlier played Justice Strauss in the film version (2004) alongside Jim Carrey, yet another comedy veteran.

Notably, it was through her role of Moira Rose in the Canadian television sitcom “Schitt’s Creek” (2015-2020) that she had gained a career resurgence.

O’Hara had also lent her voice for roles in Chicken Little (2005) and Frankenweenie (2012).

She held various roles in the 1974 TV series Second City Television (SCTV), a sketch comedy geared towards the Canadian audience and market. She was also part of the cast for Martin Scorsese’s “After Hours” (1985), understood as a cult classic. Beyond that, her portfolio included guest-starring in the 63-episode “Six Feet Under” (2001-2005), an American dark comedy about the Fisher family running a funeral home with their friends and romantic partners.

Born with a congenital health condition that means she has organs in a reverse position, she used this to approach comedy rather untraditionally, bringing her own presence, touch and charisma in the way(s) that only she knew best – hence, creating striking moments that changed the way viewers take in and understand comedy.

O’Hara leaved behind her husband, her two children by birth, and a stunning almanac of movies and TV series that will continue to be cherished by families across the globe.

Sources indicate that she had respiratory difficulties, before being rushed to the hospital where she subsequently breathed her last. Prior to that, she was briefly ill.

Farewell, mama. Your confidence and wit will be remembered. We love you.

EDITED 1 FEB 2026