Catherine O’Hara, the acclaimed actress whose memorable performances in “Home Alone,” “Beetlejuice” and “Schitt’s Creek” made her a beloved figure across generations, died Friday in Los Angeles. She was 71 years old.

O’Hara died following a brief illness, according to her agency CAA. The news marked the end of a career that spanned five decades and brought joy to millions through her unique comedic talents and unforgettable characters.

Born March 4, 1954, in Toronto, O’Hara became one of Canada’s most celebrated performers before achieving international stardom. Her journey began at Second City Television, where she helped create the groundbreaking sketch comedy series alongside Eugene Levy. That early collaboration earned her first Emmy Award in 1982 and established a creative partnership with Levy that would last throughout her career.

O’Hara’s film work showcased her remarkable range as a performer. She played Delia Deetz in “Beetlejuice,” a role she would reprise decades later in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” Her portrayal of Kate McCallister, the frantic mother racing home to her son in “Home Alone,” became iconic and remains a holiday season staple. The chemistry she shared with young star Macaulay Culkin extended beyond the screen, with the two maintaining a close friendship throughout the years.

Her collaboration with director Christopher Guest produced some of comedy’s most enduring mockumentaries. O’Hara appeared in “Best in Show,” “Waiting for Guffman,” and “A Mighty Wind,” bringing her improvisational skills and sharp comedic timing to each ensemble cast. These films demonstrated her ability to create fully realized characters through subtle gestures and perfectly timed deliveries.

The role that introduced O’Hara to a new generation of fans came with “Schitt’s Creek.” As Moira Rose, the eccentric former soap opera star adjusting to life in a small town, O’Hara delivered a performance that was simultaneously outrageous and deeply human. The character’s elaborate wigs, fluctuating accent, and theatrical mannerisms could have been mere caricatures in less skilled hands, but O’Hara infused Moira with genuine emotion and vulnerability.

“I will forever be grateful to Eugene and Daniel Levy for bestowing upon me the opportunity to play a woman of a certain age, my age, who gets to fully be her ridiculous self,” O’Hara said during her 2020 Emmy acceptance speech.

That Emmy, her second, came as “Schitt’s Creek” swept the comedy categories at the 2020 ceremony. The show’s success during its final seasons, particularly as it found a massive streaming audience, represented a remarkable late-career triumph. O’Hara also won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Moira Rose, cementing the character’s place in television history alongside her co-stars Eugene Levy, Dan Levy, and Annie Murphy.

O’Hara’s talent was recognized with ten Emmy nominations throughout her career, reflecting the consistent excellence she brought to every project. Her work demonstrated a rare ability to balance broad comedy with genuine pathos, creating characters that audiences could laugh at and with simultaneously.

Most recently, O’Hara appeared in two critically acclaimed series. She starred in “The Studio,” a showbiz satire from Seth Rogen, and made a memorable appearance in “The Last of Us,” where she worked alongside Pedro Pascal. The second season of “The Studio” began filming in mid-January, with O’Hara set to continue her role before her death.

Beyond her screen work, O’Hara’s personal life reflected the same warmth and creativity she brought to her performances. She married Bo Welch in 1992, having met him on the set of “Beetlejuice.” Together they raised two sons, Matthew and Luke.

Tributes poured in following news of O’Hara’s death. Macaulay Culkin paid tribute on Instagram, sharing his grief over losing his on-screen mother and real-life friend. Michael Keaton, who starred alongside O’Hara in both “Beetlejuice” films, reflected on their decades-long friendship and professional relationship.

Eugene Levy, her longtime collaborator and friend, expressed the depth of his loss in a statement. “We go back before the first Beetlejuice,” he said, acknowledging the profound impact O’Hara had on his life and career.

The Canadian Prime Minister joined those mourning O’Hara’s passing, recognizing her contributions to Canadian culture. The tribute acknowledged her journey from SCTV to “Schitt’s Creek” and the lasting legacy she created over five decades in entertainment.

O’Hara’s impact on comedy extends far beyond her individual performances. She helped pave the way for women in comedy, demonstrating that female performers could be just as fearless, physical, and absurd as their male counterparts. Her willingness to fully commit to even the most outlandish characters set a standard for comedic authenticity that influenced countless performers who followed.

Her work in ensemble casts showcased her generosity as a performer. Whether sharing scenes with comedy legends or supporting younger actors, O’Hara elevated every project through her professionalism and collaborative spirit. Directors and co-stars consistently praised her ability to find new layers in characters through improvisation and careful observation of human behavior.

The versatility O’Hara displayed throughout her career distinguished her from many of her contemporaries. She moved effortlessly between broad slapstick comedy and subtle character work, between film and television, between supporting roles and leading performances. This adaptability allowed her to remain relevant and in-demand throughout the constantly evolving entertainment landscape.

O’Hara is survived by her husband Bo Welch and sons Matthew and Luke. Her legacy lives on through the characters she created, the laughter she inspired, and the countless performers she influenced throughout her remarkable career.