Catherine O’Hara Dies at 71, Leaving a Storied Legacy Across Film and TV

Catherine O’Hara has died at the age of 71, with her death confirmed by her agency, CAA. She passed away at her Los Angeles home on Friday, January 30, following a brief illness. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Tributes quickly poured in from colleagues and fans alike. One of her most famous collaborators, Macaulay Culkin, paid homage on social media, expressing love and saying goodbye to the performer who shaped so many beloved moments on screen.

O’Hara’s career spans decades, beginning in sketch and improv before making a mark on the big screen. She famously portrayed Kevin’s mom in the Home Alone franchise and Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice. Yet in recent years she became a standout on television, earning acclaim for a string of acclaimed performances.

Her final acting role came on the Apple TV+ satire The Studio, created in part by Seth Rogen. In the series, O’Hara plays Patty Leigh, a powerful studio executive who mentors Rogen’s character, Matt Remick. Viewers and critics lauded her for capturing the show’s frantic, absurd energy with sharp timing and wit. The Studio was celebrated as one of 2025’s standout series for its pointed critique of Hollywood’s inner workings.

At the 2025 Emmys, O’Hara received nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on The Studio, and Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Gail in The Last of Us, underscoring the breadth of her talents across genres.

Seth Rogen, who collaborated with O’Hara on The Studio, shared a heartfelt tribute after her passing. He posted a photo of the two together and recalled meeting her as one of the funniest experiences of his career. He described her as hysterical, generous, and capable of elevating any project, noting that working with her inspired him to strive for excellence in their show.

The Studio Season 1 is currently streaming on Apple TV+.