Actress Catherine O’Hara, the beloved actor who played Kate McCallister (Kevin McCallister’s mom) in Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), died at the age of 71.
When and where
- O’Hara passed away on January 30, 2026.
- She died in Los Angeles, California, after a brief illness.
Career highlights
Catherine O’Hara had a remarkable 50+ year career as an actress, comedian, and writer:
- She first gained fame with the Canadian comedy troupe Second City Television (SCTV) in the 1970s.
- Starred in classic films like Beetlejuice, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and several Christopher Guest mockumentaries.
- Played Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek, a role that won her multiple awards including an Emmy and a Golden Globe.
- Continued acting into her final years, earning nominations for recent projects like The Studio and The Last of Us.
Home Alone legacy
O’Hara’s portrayal of Kevin’s mom in Home Alone made her a memorable part of one of the world’s most beloved holiday films — a role audiences continue to cherish decades later.
Tributes & impact
- Macaulay Culkin (Kevin McCallister), her Home Alone co-star, shared an emotional tribute calling her “Mama” and expressing profound sadness at her loss.
- Tributes poured in from many colleagues and fans worldwide, praising O’Hara’s warmth, comic genius, and influence on generations of viewers.
Family
Catherine O’Hara is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, and their two sons.
