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Catherine O’Hara was a Canadian-American actress, comedian, and writer best known for her breakout work on SCTV, her iconic role as Kate McCallister in Home Alone, and her Emmy-winning performance as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek.
Quick Bio
- Full Name: Catherine Anne O’Hara
- Date of Birth: March 4, 1954
- Age: 71 years (at the time of her passing in 2026)
- Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Nationality: Canadian-American
- Ethnicity: Irish descent
- Zodiac Sign: Pisces
- Profession: Actress, Comedian, Writer, Voice Artist
- Years Active: 1974 – 2025
- Breakthrough Role: Various characters on SCTV (1976–1984)
Early Life, Family & Education
Catherine O’Hara was born on March 4, 1954, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, into a large Irish-Catholic family.
She grew up as one of seven children and developed a strong interest in comedy and performance early in life.
She attended Catholic schools in Toronto before joining The Second City improvisational troupe, where she built the foundation of her acting and writing career.
Her work with Second City led directly to her role on Second City Television (SCTV), which became her professional breakthrough and established her as a major comedic talent.
Parents & Siblings
Catherine O’Hara’s parents were:
Father: Charles O’Hara
Mother: Marcella O’Hara (née Sullivan)
O’Hara was one of seven siblings, including musician and actress Mary Margaret O’Hara
Education
Catherine O’Hara attended Burnhamthorpe Collegiate Institute in Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada.
Career
O’Hara gained national prominence in the late 1970s as a performer and writer on SCTV, earning a Primetime Emmy Award for writing.
She transitioned into film with roles in After Hours (1985) and Beetlejuice (1988).
She achieved global recognition as Kate McCallister in Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992).
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, she frequently collaborated with director Christopher Guest in mockumentary films such as Best in Show and A Mighty Wind.
Her portrayal of Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020) earned her a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award, marking one of the most celebrated performances of her career.
Notable Works
- SCTV (1976–1984)
- Beetlejuice (1988)
- Home Alone (1990)
- Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
- Best in Show (2000)
- A Mighty Wind (2003)
- Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020)
Awards & Recognition
- Primetime Emmy Award – Writing (SCTV)
- Primetime Emmy Award – Outstanding Lead Actress (Schitt’s Creek)
- Golden Globe Award – Best Actress in a Television Series Musical or Comedy
- Order of Canada (2017)
Relationships, Husband & Children
Catherine O’Hara married production designer Bo Welch on April 25, 1992, after meeting him on the set of Beetlejuice.
The couple had two sons, Matthew Welch (born 1994) and Luke Welch (born 1997). They maintained a largely private family life.
Physical Measurements
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 4½ inches (164 cm)
- Weight: Not publicly disclosed
- Body Type: Average
- Hair Color: Blonde
- Eye Color: Blue
Social Media
- Instagram: No official public personal account
- Twitter/X: No verified personal account
Net Worth
At the time of her passing in 2026, Catherine O’Hara’s estimated net worth was between $10–15 million.
Trivia
- She was one of the original cast members of SCTV, which launched several major comedy careers.
- She met her husband Bo Welch while filming Beetlejuice.
- Her character Moira Rose became widely known for her distinctive accent and collection of elaborate wigs.
- She was appointed to the Order of Canada for her contributions to entertainment.
- She publicly shared that she had situs inversus, a rare condition in which internal organs are mirrored.
FAQs
How old was Catherine O’Hara?
She was 71 years old at the time of her passing in 2026.
How tall was Catherine O’Hara?
She was approximately 5 feet 4½ inches (164 cm) tall.
Who was Catherine O’Hara married to?
She was married to production designer Bo Welch.
Did Catherine O’Hara have children?
Yes, she had two sons, Matthew and Luke Welch.
What was Catherine O’Hara best known for?
She was best known for Home Alone, Beetlejuice, and Schitt’s Creek.
