The world is a little less bright today as Toronto says goodbye to one of its most cherished icons. Catherine O’Hara, the comedic genius who transitioned seamlessly from the stages of Second City to Hollywood stardom, has passed away at the age of 71.
Born and raised in Toronto as the sixth of seven children, O’Hara wasn’t just a global superstar; she was a local treasure. While the rest of the world knew her as the dramatic and eccentric Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek, or the frantic mother searching for Kevin in Home Alone, Torontonians remember her roots in the legendary SCTV.
O’Hara’s impact on the entertainment industry is hard to overstate. Her career was a masterclass in versatility, spanning decades of beloved roles and earning her a permanent place in the hearts of fans across generations.
She got her start right here in the city, winning her first Emmy in 1982 for her brilliant writing on the sketch comedy series SCTV. She then became a staple of Christopher Guest’s iconic films, including Best in Show and A Mighty Wind.
Later, O’Hara captivated audiences as Delia Deetz in the original Beetlejuice and recently returned to the screen for its long-awaited sequel. In fan-favourite Schitt’s Creek, her portrayal of the wig-wearing matriarch Moira Rose earned her a 2020 Emmy and turned her into a modern-day fashion and meme icon.
Beyond her trophy shelf, O’Hara was known for her incredible wit and her deep connection to her craft. Even in her most recent work alongside Seth Rogen in The Studio, she continued to prove why she was a force to be reckoned with, earning yet another Emmy nomination for her performance.
She is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, whom she met on the set of the original Beetlejuice, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke.
While the cause of death has not yet been shared, the outpouring of love from the city she called home is a testament to her legacy. Toronto has lost a piece of its comedic soul, but Catherine O’Hara’s “bebe” accent and legendary characters will live on forever.