Catherine O’Hara, the legendary actor known for her roles in television and film like Schitt’s Creek, the Home Alone films, the second season of The Last of Us, and much, much more, has passed away at the age of 71. TMZ reports that she died earlier today, January 30, though the cause of death is currently unconfirmed.
O’Hara’s death came as a bit of a shock, as she had been keeping busy in recent years, appearing in the second season of The Last of Us as Gail, an original character for the live-action series. Pedro Pascal, who plays Joel in the show, was one of the first of her co-stars to publicly pay tribute after O’Hara’s passing, sharing a lovely photo and calling the comic star a “genius” who he was grateful to be near.
Since her storied career spanned decades, O’Hara’s fans have many touchstones to think back on, whether that be her presence on the beloved Canadian sketch comedy show SCTV early in her career or some of her voice acting roles, such as Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas. When news broke, fans immediately started flooding the internet with tributes, condolences, and jokes about how the wrong Home Alone 2 star died.
RIP to the most iconic on-screen Mom of all time, Christmas won’t be the same knowing Catherine O’Hara isn’t out looking for Kevin. pic.twitter.com/eTqw5CBJOX
— Joe Russo (@joerussotweets) January 30, 2026
some people should not be able to die!!!!!! https://t.co/z1Lo5UOjPv
— kelsey weekman (@kelsaywhat) January 30, 2026
One of the best actors of her generation. Easily one of the best comedians of all time. As much Catherine O’Hara as we got, it was nowhere near enough. https://t.co/tU7XI7lBDE
— Mike Drucker (@MikeDrucker) January 30, 2026
the day-o scene from beetlejuice is probably one of the most iconic scenes in cinematic history thanks to catherine o’hara’s incredible comedic timing and physical comedy. what a huge loss it is to hear of her passing, rip to an icon ❤️ pic.twitter.com/VoSxPgofF8
— ⟡mich⟡ (@classiccinemich) January 30, 2026
Catherine O’Hara turned in easily one of the greatest comedic television performances as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek. Television is a better art form for her having appeared on it. We are better for having witnessed her craft. pic.twitter.com/J4jnuova5K
— bobbi loves vampires ❤️ (@hiimbobbi) January 30, 2026
Catherine O’Hara died today and people are still talking about Donald Trump. That’s what’s wrong with our world! pic.twitter.com/rgbBFgyzEK
— DOGSRULE (@Jeffreyaasen5) January 30, 2026
catherine o’hara is dead at 71 and yet that man still fucking lives pic.twitter.com/ZQKjyws7PI
— titlor swift (@GAYLANDTOO) January 30, 2026
catherine o’hara please say sike right now pic.twitter.com/LabEfzJcVh
— sammy (@biglittlerivera) January 30, 2026
O’Hara is survived by two children and her husband, director Bo Welch. I leave you with a roundup of some of her best moments as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek.