Macaulay Culkin has shared an emotional tribute for his on-screen ‘mama’.
Catherine O’Hara died at the age of 71 today (30 January), as her management, the Creative Artists Agency said in a statement: “Prolific multi-award-winning actress, writer, and comedian Catherine O’Hara died today at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness.”
She started off with Canadian sketch comedy series Second City Television and had a resurgence in her 60s thanks to Schitt’s Creek.
And amongst her incredible list of TV and film credits spanning five decades is of course her unforgettable performance as Kate McCallister in Home Alone.
Following the sad news, Culkin shared side-by-side pictures of himself with the star in the 1990 Christmas classic
The former child star wrote: “Mama. I thought we had time.
“I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you but I had so much more to say.
“I love you. I’ll see you later.”
During their reunion at the Walk of Fame ceremony, O’Hara expressed just how ‘proud’ she was of Culkin as she said: “Home Alone was, is and always will be a beloved global sensation … the reason families all over the world can’t let a year go by without watching and loving Home Alone together is because of Macaulay Culkin.”
The actors had maintained a close friendship over the years.
O’Hara and Culkin at the latter’s 2023 Walk of Fame ceremony (Anna Webber/Variety via Getty Images)
O’Hara started off her iconic career with Canadian sketch comedy series Second City Television and had a resurgence in her 60s thanks to Schitt’s Creek.
Between 1996 and 2006, the Canadian collaborated with Christopher Guest and appeared in a number of his mockumentary films including Best in Show and For Your Consideration.
She also appeared in the likes of Beetlejuice, After Hours and Heartburn. And her talent wasn’t just limited to physically appearing on screen, as the legend also voiced various roles for popular animations such as The Nightmare Before Christmas, Chicken Little and Over the Hedge.
O’Hara died following ‘a brief illness’ (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)
Most recently, O’Hara starred alongside Seth Rogen in Apple TV’s comedy hit The Studio.
The second season of the newly Golden Globe-winning show had recently begun filming.
The Screen Actors Guild also paid tribute to O’Hara as the union said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Catherine O’Hara. A beloved actor and comedian, she was a two-time Actor Award winner and a current nominee. Our condolences to her family, colleagues and legions of fans.”
Home Alone star Catherine O’Hara dies aged 71
Television and film legend Catherine O’Hara has died at the age of 71.
Known for her legendary list of credits such as Home Alone, Schitt’s Creek and Beetlejuice, the star’s manager confirmed the sad news to Variety this evening (30 January).
The Canadian died at her home in Los Angeles today ‘following a brief illness’, with further details not yet given.
O’Hara’s incredible career spanned five decades, kicking off with Canadian sketch comedy series Second City Television, for which she picked up her first Emmy.
She then went on to pick up another Emmy, a Golden Globe, a Critics’ Choice Award and other accolades.
Between 1996 and 2006, O’Hara collaborated with Christopher Guest and appeared in a number of his mockumentary films including Best in Show and For Your Consideration.
O’Hara as Kate McCallister in Home Alone (20th Century Studios)
And as well as appearing on screen, the icon voiced various roles for popular animations such as The Nightmare Before Christmas, Chicken Little and Over the Hedge.
Most recently, she starred alongside Seth Rogen in Apple TV’s comedy hit The Studio and HBO drama The Last of Us.
Marking a resurgence in her career, these roles followed her unforgettable appearance as Moria Rose in Schitt’s Creek, which bagged her the second Emmy.
The second season of the newly Golden Globe winning The Studio had recently begun filming.
O’Hara previously spoke to LADbible about the show as she talked about never being able to know if Rogen was ‘stoned’ or ‘smoking all day’ during production.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever worked with anyone who is more aware of everything going on on the set. [Rogen] is director, producer, star in the scene and you’re so aware, so collaborative and so loose and fun, but on the money,” the comedy icon said. “It’s crazy. Really, [Rogen] is seriously impressive.”
O’Hara had an incredible career (Jemal Countess/Getty Images)
In 2023, O’Hara reunited with Macaulay Culkin as the Home Alone child actor was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
With no one able to scream ‘KEVIN’ quite like her, the actor expressed how ‘proud’ she was of her on-screen son as she said: “Home Alone was, is and always will be a beloved global sensation … the reason families all over the world can’t let a year go by without watching and loving Home Alone together is because of Macaulay Culkin.”
The pair maintained a close friendship.
O’Hara married Bo Welch in 1992, after meeting the production designer on Beetlejuice, and the pair share two sons, Matthew and Luke.