Los Angeles, January 31, 2026 – The Europe Today: Canadian-born actress and comedian Catherine O’Hara has died at the age of 71, her management agency confirmed on Friday. The Emmy-winning performer passed away at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness, according to the agency.
O’Hara was widely celebrated for her work in television and film, most notably for her role in the hit series Schitt’s Creek, as well as appearances in popular films including Home Alone and Beetlejuice. She was also known for her work in the Hollywood satire series The Studio.
US entertainment outlet Page Six reported that O’Hara was rushed to a hospital from her home in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles before dawn. However, the exact cause of her death has not been disclosed.
Tributes and condolences poured in following the announcement of her death. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney paid tribute on social media platform X, saying he joined Canadians and fans around the world in mourning her loss.
“Over five decades of work, Catherine earned her place in the canon of Canadian comedy,” the prime minister wrote.
O’Hara began her career in the 1970s with Toronto’s renowned Second City comedy group. She later became part of the original cast of the sketch comedy series SCTV (Second City Television), which aired on Canadian television before gaining popularity in the United States. Her work on the show earned her an Emmy Award for writing.
She later transitioned to film, taking on distinctive supporting roles in major productions, including Martin Scorsese’s After Hours (1985) and Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice (1988), cementing her reputation as a versatile and influential performer.
