Catherine O’Hara Biography
Catherine O’Hara was a Canadian-American actress, writer, and comedian, born on March 4, 1954, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She became a beloved performer across television, film, and stage. Early in her career, she joined Second City Theatre in Toronto, where she honed her improvisational and comedic skills. This experience helped launch her into national recognition.
She rose to fame as a cast member on SCTV, showcasing her sharp wit and memorable characters. Catherine transitioned successfully into film with roles in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice and voice work in The Nightmare Before Christmas. She captured global hearts as Kate McCallister in Home Alone and its sequel, cementing her status as a versatile actress.
Later, Catherine earned critical acclaim as Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek. Her performance won a Primetime Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award, highlighting her impact on modern television comedy. She continued acting in major projects, including the Beetlejuice sequel, the Apple TV+ series The Studio, and HBO’s The Last of Us season 2.
Off-screen, O’Hara married production designer Bo Welch in 1992, and they had two sons. They shared a life grounded in creativity, humor, and family. Tragically, Catherine O’Hara passed away on January 30, 2026, at age 71, leaving an enduring mark on comedy and entertainment.
Her legacy lives on through iconic characters, bold performances, and her contributions to comedy worldwide. Audiences continue to celebrate her unforgettable humor, talent, and timeless presence.
Catherine O’Hara Age | How Old Was Catherine O’Hara?
Catherine O’Hara was 71 years old at the time of her passing. She was born on March 4, 1954, in Toronto, Canada. Known for her roles in SCTV, Home Alone, and Schitt’s Creek, Catherine became a comedy icon over decades. She passed away on January 30, 2026, leaving fans mourning her loss. Her age reflected a lifetime of talent, creativity, and unforgettable performances that influenced television, film, and comedy worldwide.
Catherine O’Hara Height | How Tall Was Catherine O’Hara ?
Catherine O’Hara stood about 5 ft 4 in tall (163–164 cm). She often appeared confident and poised on screen, even when wearing heels. Her height complemented her expressive performances in iconic roles like Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek and Kate McCallister in Home Alone. Moreover, Catherine brought commanding presence to films such as Beetlejuice and voice roles in The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Catherine O’Hara Husband: Bo Welch & Marriage Facts
Catherine O’Hara married production designer Bo Welch on April 25, 1992 after meeting him on the set of Beetlejuice in 1988. Bo Welch worked as the film’s production designer and later became a respected Hollywood art director.
Together, they built a strong marriage rooted in humor and creativity. They welcomed two sons, Matthew (born 1994) and Luke (born 1997), both of whom later worked in entertainment production.
Moreover, Catherine often spoke about how Tim Burton encouraged their first date on Beetlejuice, sparking their lifelong partnership. Throughout her career, Bo supported Catherine’s work on major films and television projects.
Catherine O’Hara Children | Kids | Sons
Catherine O’Hara had two sons, Matthew (born 1994) and Luke (born 1997), with her husband Bo Welch. Both sons pursued private lives but contributed to Hollywood behind the scenes, including work on Schitt’s Creek. Catherine often praised their creativity, humor, and strong family bond. Despite few public appearances, Matthew and Luke played integral roles in their mother’s life and career. Their presence highlighted how Catherine balanced personal life with decades of entertainment success, leaving a lasting family legacy.
Catherine O’Hara Family: Parents, Siblings & Early Life
Catherine O’Hara grew up in a large family in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She was the sixth of seven children born to her Irish Catholic parents, who encouraged humor and creativity in family life. Her father worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway and loved telling jokes at home. Meanwhile, her mother raised seven children and often performed comedic impressions at family dinners.
In addition, Catherine’s siblings included Mary Margaret O’Hara, a noted singer-songwriter and musician, as well as brothers Marc O’Hara and Michael Patrick O’Hara. Together, they helped foster her sense of humor and performance drive. Ultimately, her family background played a key role in shaping her long, successful career in comedy and acting.
Catherine O’Hara Dead at 71 | Cause of Death & Latest Update
Catherine O’Hara died at age 71 on January 30, 2026, at her home in Los Angeles, California. Although her passing shocked fans worldwide, official reports confirm she died following a brief illness.
Moreover, news outlets report that no specific cause of death has been publicly disclosed yet. While speculation surrounds her final days, her representatives and family have not shared medical details.
Catherine’s death marks the loss of a beloved Emmy‑winning actress and comedy legend, known for Schitt’s Creek, Home Alone, Beetlejuice, and SCTV roles. Fans continue to remember her for iconic performances and lasting influence.
Catherine O’Hara Movies and TV Shows (Updated 2026)
Catherine O’Hara starred in many films and television shows across four decades. She gained fame on SCTV before breaking into movies in the 1980s.
Notable Movies:
- Beetlejuice (Delia Deetz) – cult classic role.
- Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) – reprise of Delia Deetz.
- Home Alone (Kate McCallister) – family favorite.
- Home Alone 2: Lost in New York – sequel role.
- Waiting for Guffman – Christopher Guest mockumentary.
- Best in Show – comedy favorite.
- A Mighty Wind – acclaimed ensemble.
- For Your Consideration – satirical comedy.
- The Wild Robot (voice) – animated family film.
- Argylle – 2024 action‑comedy.
- Elemental (voice) – Pixar animation.
- Pain Hustlers – drama role.
Notable TV Shows:
- SCTV – sketch comedy breakthrough.
- Schitt’s Creek (Moira Rose) – Emmy‑winning role.
- The Studio – Apple TV+ comedy series.
- The Last of Us – HBO drama.
- A Series of Unfortunate Events – Netflix series.
- Six Feet Under – guest appearance.
- Skylanders Academy – animated.
Catherine’s career combined comedy, voice acting, and dramatic work, creating unforgettable performances worldwide.
Catherine O’Hara Awards | Full List of Wins & Nominations
Catherine O’Hara earned major awards and nominations across film and television, celebrating her comedic talent. Her work on SCTV and Schitt’s Creek brought industry acclaim and multiple recognitions.
Major Awards:
- Primetime Emmy Award – Outstanding Writing for SCTV Network 90 (1982)
- Primetime Emmy Award – Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Schitt’s Creek, 2020)
- Golden Globe Award – Best Actress in a TV Series (Schitt’s Creek, 2021)
- Screen Actors Guild Award – Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor (Schitt’s Creek)
- Canadian Screen Awards – Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (multiple years)
Other Honors:
- Canadian Screen Awards Academy Icon Award – Lifetime honor (2023)
- Numerous Emmy nominations in acting and guest roles, including for The Studio and The Last of Us (2025)
Moreover, Catherine’s awards reflected both writing and acting excellence, spanning decades of creative achievement. Her recognitions highlighted her influence on comedy, television, and Canadian cultural arts.
Catherine O’Hara Beetlejuice: Role, Character, and Sequel Facts
Catherine O’Hara played Delia Deetz in Tim Burton’s 1988 cult classic Beetlejuice, portraying Lydia Deetz’s eccentric stepmother with bold fashion and quirky attitude. She reprised Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024), reuniting with Winona Ryder and Michael Keaton. Her performance added memorable comic energy to the gothic story about ghosts and a mischievous “bio‑exorcist.” Fans celebrated her role, which remains a defining highlight in her career and the horror‑comedy genre.
Catherine O’Hara Net Worth 2026
Catherine O’Hara’s estimated net worth was about $10 million in 2026. She built her fortune through decades of work in television, film, and voice acting. O’Hara earned income from iconic roles in Schitt’s Creek, Home Alone, Beetlejuice, and many Christopher Guest films.
Moreover, her net worth included real estate, including a long‑owned home in Brentwood, Los Angeles. She also benefited from her voice work in animated films like The Nightmare Before Christmas and Elemental. Additionally, her work as a writer and producer added to her overall career earnings.