Actor Macaulay Culkin Shares Emotional Tribute to His ‘Home Alone’ ‘Mama,’ Catherine O’Hara, Following Her Sudden Death at 71
The holiday season will never feel quite the same. On January 30, 2026, the world lost one of its most beloved comedic treasures when Catherine O’Hara passed away at her home in Los Angeles at the age of 71. The news, confirmed by her representatives at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), described her death as coming “following a brief illness.” While the exact cause has not been publicly disclosed, reports indicate O’Hara was rushed to a hospital in the early morning hours in serious condition after experiencing breathing difficulties. The suddenness of her passing sent shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond, prompting an outpouring of grief from fans, colleagues, and the extended “family” she helped create on screen.
Among the most poignant tributes came from Macaulay Culkin, who played her son Kevin McCallister in the iconic Home Alone films. In a raw, heartfelt Instagram post shared shortly after the news broke, Culkin addressed O’Hara directly as “Mama,” capturing the deep, enduring bond they forged more than three decades earlier. “Mama. I thought we had time,” he wrote. “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.”
The post included two cherished photos: one from the original 1990 Home Alone, showing young Kevin embracing his frantic yet loving mother Kate McCallister in the film’s emotional reunion scene, and another from 2023, when O’Hara attended Culkin’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony and delivered a tearful, hilarious speech that left him visibly moved. The juxtaposition of those images—mother and son across time—underscored the genuine affection that transcended the screen. Culkin’s words resonated deeply, turning a childhood classic into a personal farewell that left fans in tears.
Catherine O’Hara was more than a comedic force—she was a singular talent whose improvisational brilliance, impeccable timing, and warmth elevated every project she touched. Born in Toronto in 1954, she rose to fame as part of the groundbreaking Canadian sketch comedy series SCTV (1976–1984), where her characters—from the eccentric Lola Heatherton to the deadpan housewife—showcased her gift for physical comedy and sharp satire. Her work with the Toronto-based Second City improv troupe honed the skills that made her unforgettable.
The 1990 holiday blockbuster Home Alone introduced her to a global audience as Kate McCallister, the harried yet fiercely protective mother who realizes mid-flight that she’s left her youngest son behind in Chicago. O’Hara’s performance—equal parts exasperation, guilt, and fierce maternal love—became the emotional core of the film. Her frantic airport scenes, the tearful reunion with Kevin, and her exasperated line deliveries (“Kevin!”) turned Kate into one of cinema’s most relatable moms. The sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), reunited her with Culkin, solidifying their on-screen mother-son dynamic.
Beyond the McCallister family, O’Hara’s filmography sparkled with memorable roles. She played the eccentric Delia Deetz in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice (1988), bringing manic energy to the character opposite Michael Keaton and Geena Davis. In Christopher Guest’s mockumentary masterpieces like Waiting for Guffman (1996), Best in Show (2000), and A Mighty Wind (2003), she delivered improvised gold, earning praise for her ability to make absurdity feel authentic and endearing.
Her crowning achievement came later with Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020), created by Eugene Levy and his son Dan Levy. As Moira Rose, the dramatic, wig-obsessed former soap star forced to relocate to a rundown motel after losing her fortune, O’Hara found a role that perfectly matched her talents. Moira’s over-the-top vocabulary (“fold in the cheese”), extravagant outfits, and unshakeable confidence made her a cultural phenomenon. O’Hara won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2020, capping a career that had long deserved such recognition. The show’s massive popularity introduced her to a new generation, who embraced her as a queer icon and comedic legend.
Tributes poured in from across the industry. Dan Levy called her “the heart and soul” of Schitt’s Creek, saying it was “hard to imagine a world without her in it.” Eugene Levy described her as “irreplaceable.” Michael Keaton remembered her Beetlejuice energy. Seth Rogen, who worked with her on recent projects, praised her kindness and genius. Even Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered condolences, honoring her as a national treasure.
For Culkin, the loss felt profoundly personal. Their real-life connection extended far beyond the set. In interviews over the years, Culkin spoke warmly of O’Hara as a guiding figure during his tumultuous childhood in the spotlight. At his 2023 Walk of Fame ceremony, O’Hara’s speech was equal parts roast and heartfelt love letter—she joked about his childhood antics while expressing pride in the man he’d become. Culkin, visibly emotional, hugged her tightly. That moment now feels like a cherished memory made bittersweet by her absence.
O’Hara was survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch (whom she met on the set of Beetlejuice and married in 1992), and their two sons, Matthew and Luke, both of whom pursued careers in set design. Her family requested privacy as they mourned.
In the hours following her death, clips of her most iconic scenes flooded social media: Kate McCallister’s airport panic, Moira’s dramatic entrances, Delia Deetz’s wild decorating schemes. Fans shared stories of how her performances brought joy during tough times, how her humor felt like a warm embrace.
Catherine O’Hara’s legacy is one of laughter laced with heart. She made us believe in the absurdity of life while reminding us of its tenderness. As Macaulay Culkin so eloquently said, there was so much more to say. But her work speaks volumes. She gave us holidays filled with chaos and love, small-town dreams turned grand, and characters who felt real even in their most exaggerated moments.
Rest well, Mama. The world is a little quieter without your voice, but infinitely richer for having heard it. We’ll see you later.
