Canadian Comedy Legend Catherine O'Hara Passes Away at Age 71
The Canadian entertainment world is in mourning following the death of beloved actress and comedy icon Catherine O'Hara at the age of 71. The star, best known for her Emmy-winning role as Moira Rose on the hit series Schitt's Creek, died after what has been described as "a brief illness."
Emergency Response and Hospitalization
A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed to PEOPLE magazine that emergency services received a call at 4:48 a.m. on Friday. O'Hara was transported to hospital in serious condition after experiencing breathing difficulties. The exact nature of her illness has not been publicly disclosed.
A Storied Career Spanning Five Decades
O'Hara's remarkable career began in the early 1970s when she joined the legendary Second City comedy troupe alongside future stars including:
- John Candy
- Joe Flaherty
- Eugene Levy
- Martin Short
- Dan Aykroyd
Following her time on SCTV, which ended in 1984, O'Hara transitioned to film, delivering memorable performances in classics such as:
- Beetlejuice (1988)
- After Hours (1985)
- The first two Home Alone films as Kate McAlister
Schitt's Creek and Critical Acclaim
O'Hara experienced a career resurgence with her portrayal of the eccentric Moira Rose on Schitt's Creek, which aired from 2015 to 2020. The Canadian sitcom followed the wealthy Rose family who lose their fortune and must adjust to life in a small town they once purchased as a joke.
Her performance earned numerous awards, including:
- An Emmy Award
- A Golden Globe
- SAG-AFTRA's Actor Award
- TCA Award
- Critics Choice Award
Heartfelt Tributes from Co-Stars and Colleagues
Dan Levy, who co-created Schitt's Creek with his father Eugene and played O'Hara's on-screen son, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram. "What a gift to have gotten to dance in the warm glow of Catherine O'Hara's brilliance for all those years," he wrote. "Having spent over fifty years collaborating with my Dad, Catherine was extended family before she ever played my family. It's hard to imagine a world without her in it."
Eugene Levy, who worked with O'Hara for more than five decades across multiple projects, released a statement saying, "Words seem inadequate to express the loss I feel today. I had the honour of knowing and working with the great Catherine O'Hara for over fifty years." He noted their collaborations spanned from Second City to SCTV, Christopher Guest films, and their six years on Schitt's Creek.
Sarah Levy, Dan's sister who played Twyla Sands on the show, posted: "This one cuts deep. What an honour it has been to know and work with and love Catherine O'Hara. Cheers to all that you brought to this world – you will be so, so missed."
CBC Honors a National Treasure
CBC Television, which produced Schitt's Creek, issued a statement calling O'Hara "a beloved Canadian icon whose brilliance lit up screens and stages around the world." The broadcaster continued, "From SCTV and Home Alone to her unforgettable portrayal of Moira Rose in Schitt's Creek, Catherine brought unmatched talent and a rare and radiant spirit to everything she touched. With her passing, a light has gone out."
Legacy of Kindness and Canadian Pride
In a 2020 interview with Postmedia, Dan Levy reflected on why Schitt's Creek resonated globally, particularly during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. He credited the show's philosophy of kindness and mutual support. Levy also emphasized the importance of Canadian support, noting "we succeeded when this show was a hit in Canada and this show was a hit in Canada long before it was a hit in the States."
While the series concluded in 2020, Levy left the door open for potential future projects, stating he would consider revisiting the Rose family if the right idea emerged that honored the cast and crew's legacy.
Catherine O'Hara's passing marks the end of an era in Canadian comedy, leaving behind a body of work that has entertained generations and a legacy of artistic excellence that will continue to inspire performers and audiences alike.
