Macaulay Culkin Shares Heartfelt Tribute as Beloved Home Alone Star Catherine O’Hara Passes Away at 71
The world of film and television is mourning one of its brightest comedic talents. Catherine O’Hara, the beloved actress known for her unforgettable roles in Home Alone, Beetlejuice, Schitt’s Creek and more, has died at the age of 71 after a brief illness, her manager confirmed.
As tributes pour in from fans and fellow actors around the globe, one of the most touching came from Macaulay Culkin, who played her on-screen son in the classic Home Alone films.
Culkin took to Instagram with a message that moved many:
“Mama. I thought we had time… I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you… I love you. I’ll see you later.”
A Career Defined by Heart, Humor, and Human Truth
Catherine O’Hara’s rise was not just a story of comedic skill, but of deep craft and emotional range.
Her early work with Second City Television helped define her as a performer capable of blending humor with genuine character depth — making audiences laugh and feel.
From scene-stealing roles in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice to her heartfelt performance as Kate McCallister in Home Alone, O’Hara brought warmth and emotional core to every character she played.
In Home Alone, her portrayal of a frantic yet determined mother gave the film a heart that audiences continue to embrace decades later.
Later in her career, she found a new generation of fans as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek.
What could have been merely exaggerated comic energy became one of the most celebrated characters in modern TV comedy — layered, tender, and unforgettable.
A Legacy Beyond Laughter
Across genres and decades, critics, co-stars, and audiences alike praised O’Hara for her generosity, precision, and collaborative spirit.
Colleagues described her as a performer whose work felt elevated yet unmistakably human — characters who welcomed empathy even amid strangeness.
She won multiple awards throughout her career and remained active in roles that showcased her versatility right up until the end.
Love From the Community and Beyond
In addition to Culkin’s emotional tribute, actors like Michael Keaton and Schitt’s Creek co-star Dan Levy also shared heartfelt messages, remembering her as a brilliant colleague and cherished friend.
The overwhelming outpouring from fans and fellow performers reflects just how much she meant to people across generations, not just as an actress, but as a presence that made entertainment feel warmer, funnier, and more personal.
Why She’ll Never Be Forgotten
Catherine O’Hara’s legacy is not defined by one performance, one genre, or one era. It is defined by a lifetime of characters who made us laugh, think, and feel.
From the frantic chaos of a holiday classic to the sharp satire of ensemble comedy, she reminded us that humor and humanity are deeply intertwined.
Her work didn’t just entertain — it connected. And for many, that connection will last long after the applause ends.
Rest in peace, Catherine O’Hara — a true icon of film and television.
