O'Hara passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026, at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness, according to a statement from her representatives at Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Her manager confirmed the news to multiple outlets, including Variety, People, and TMZ, which first reported the death.
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Details regarding the exact cause of death have not been publicly disclosed. However, the Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed to media outlets, including People and ABC News affiliates, that emergency responders received a call at 4:48 a.m. on January 30 for medical aid at an address linked to O'Hara. An approximately 70-year-old woman—presumed to be the actress—was transported to a hospital in serious condition. She later died that day.
O'Hara's six-decade career spanned sketch comedy, film, and television, earning her widespread acclaim for her sharp wit, improvisational skills, and ability to portray eccentric yet deeply human characters. She first gained prominence as a cast member and writer on the influential Canadian sketch series "SCTV" in the 1970s and 1980s, where her comedic timing and versatility shone.
She became a household name with her portrayal of Kate McCallister, the devoted yet frantic mother of Macaulay Culkin's character in the 1990 holiday classic "Home Alone" and its 1992 sequel. The role offered a warm, relatable depiction of motherhood amid chaos, endearing her to generations of viewers. O'Hara also starred as the eccentric Delia Deetz in Tim Burton's 1988 fantasy-comedy "Beetlejuice," a performance that showcased her flair for the surreal and offbeat.
In recent years, O'Hara experienced a major career resurgence with her role as Moira Rose, the glamorous, dramatic matriarch on the CBC/Pop TV series "Schitt's Creek" (2015–2020), created by and starring Eugene Levy and his son Dan Levy. Her portrayal earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (2019 and 2020), along with a Screen Actors Guild Award and widespread critical praise. The show's success, culminating in a historic sweep at the 2020 Emmys, introduced her talents to a new audience.
O'Hara is survived by her husband, Oscar-nominated production designer Bo Welch, whom she married in 1992 after meeting on the set of "Beetlejuice." The couple shared two sons, Matthew and Luke.
Tributes poured in from co-stars, colleagues, and fans following the announcement. Macaulay Culkin, her on-screen son from "Home Alone," mourned her on Instagram, sharing memories of their collaboration and expressing profound grief. Other remembrances came from Michael Keaton, Christopher Guest, Dan Levy, Eugene Levy, Seth Rogen, Tim Burton, and Michael McKean, who described her as one of the "comic giants of our age" and called the loss "heartbreaking."
O'Hara's unique comedic voice—blending absurdity, vulnerability, and razor-sharp delivery—left an indelible mark on entertainment. From her early improv roots with The Second City to her late-career triumphs, she brought humor and humanity to every role, shaping decades of storytelling.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. The entertainment industry and fans worldwide continue to celebrate her legacy as one of comedy's most original and cherished talents.
