Moira Rose to Kevin's mom: Catherine O’Hara’s most memorable performances through the years

Catherine has long been celebrated as one of the most brilliant comic performers of her generation.

• Catherine O'Hara, acclaimed comic actress, has died at age 71.
• She was known for iconic roles in Schitt's Creek, Home Alone, and Beetlejuice.
• O'Hara's legacy includes Emmy-winning performances and unforgettable characters.

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Veteran Hollywood actress Catherine O’Hara passed away on Friday at the age of 71, marking the end of an era defined by brilliance, versatility, and unforgettable comic performances. The news of her demise deeply saddened fans across the world.  Here’s a look at some of the most unforgettable roles that defined her extraordinary journey in film and television.

Catherine has long been celebrated as one of the most brilliant comic performers of her generation. With a career spanning decades, she has created some of the most unforgettable characters in film and television, earning admiration from audiences across generations. From playing a frantic mother in Home Alone to reinventing herself for a whole new fan base with Schitt’s Creek, O’Hara’s legacy remains unmatched.

One of her most defining and career-capping roles came with Schitt’s Creek, the Emmy-winning comedy series created by Eugene Levy and his son Dan Levy. Her portrayal of Moira Rose not only brought O’Hara legions of new fans but also introduced viewers to an entirely new vocabulary and comedic rhythm. The character quickly became iconic, earning O’Hara widespread acclaim and industry recognition.

O’Hara once told The Associated Press that she developed Moira by thinking about women married to wealthy men—women who wanted to be seen as special in their own right. A key part of Moira’s identity was her ever-changing appearance, particularly her eccentric wigs.

“I knew a woman who would have dinner parties at her house and she would keep disappearing and coming back with different wigs. And she would appear like, ‘Tada’” O’Hara said. Whatever Moira was feeling on a particular day would dictate what kind of wig she would wear.

Thirty-six years after the release of the original Beetlejuice, filmmaker Tim Burton returned with a sequel in 2024. O’Hara reprised her role as Delia Deetz, the narcissistic artist and stepmother to Winona Ryder’s Lydia Deetz. Though a supporting character, Delia once again stole the show with her dramatic flair and razor-sharp comic timing.

One standout moment perfectly captures her brilliance: Delia, while mounting a gallery show where she herself is the canvas, informs Lydia, “Your father has left me.”

“He’s divorcing you?” Lydia asks.

“What a horrible thought!” Delia replies, shocked. (Beat.) “No, he’s dead.”

For many audiences, O’Hara will forever be remembered as Kate McCallister, the panicked yet loving mother in Home Alone. During the family’s chaotic trip, Kate suddenly realizes something is wrong. “Did I turn off the coffee?” “Did you lock up?” And then comes the unforgettable scream: “KEVIN!”

Two years later, in the sequel, Kate—now sporting a stylish bob—finds herself in a similar nightmare when Kevin once again goes missing, this time at the Miami airport. Her shrill “KEVIN!” is followed by her collapsing backward in shock. These moments allowed O’Hara, in an otherwise grounded role, to inject her signature brand of zaniness.

Despite the comedy, the reunion scenes between Kate and Kevin (played by Macaulay Culkin) were deeply emotional. It was hard not to tear up when she apologised and softly said, “Merry Christmas, sweetheart.”

Also read: Catherine O'Hara, Emmy-winning comic actor of 'Schitt's Creek' and 'Home Alone' fame, dies at 71

While Schitt’s Creek offered audiences 80 episodes of O’Hara’s electric chemistry with Eugene Levy, fans looking for their early magic need look no further than Christopher Guest’s mockumentary classic Best in Show. O’Hara and Levy played Cookie and Gerry Fleck, married dog owners whose love for their Norwich Terrier knew no bounds.

One of the film’s most memorable scenes features the couple singing an ode to their beloved dog. O’Hara delivers her lines in a musical key so high it seems almost otherworldly: “God loves a terrier, yes he does,” they sing. “God didn’t miss a stitch, Be a dog or be a bitch. When he made the Norwich merrier with its cute little derriere; Yes, God loves a terrier.”

(With inputs from Associated Press)