Catherine O'Hara loved many iconic characters but one role meant more than any other

Canadian actress Catherine O’Hara passed away on Friday, January 30, at the age of 71, according to PEOPLE. The actress was known for many iconic roles, including "Home Alone", "Schitts Creek", and "Beetlejuice", among many others. In a resurfaced video, O’Hara was asked about her favorite role, and she calmly replied, "Mother of my children." The simple answer resonated with fans and moms all over the world, especially for fans who loved her as a mom on "Home Alone" and "Beetlejuice."

Catherine O’Hara's last major appearance came in 2025 Emmys, along with her husband Bo Welch, in September of 2025. Tributes poured in for the actor from all quarters. Macaulay Culkin, who played O’Hara's onscreen son in "Home Alone," wrote, "Mama. I thought we had time. 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."

Catherine O’Hara was by Macaulay Culkin's side when he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in December 2023, reported Variety. "Macaulay, this beautiful, dear little 10-year-old boy, was called a superstar, a moneymaker, one of the hottest leading young men in Hollywood by the world over. How does anyone survive that?” said O’Hara. “Thank you for including me, your fake mom who left you home alone not once, but twice, to share in this happy occasion,” she said before adding. “I’m so proud of you.”

Michael Keaton recalled their time on the Beetlejuice films. “We go back before the first ‘Beetlejuice.’ She’s been my pretend wife, my pretend nemesis and my real life, true friend. This one hurts. Man, am I gonna miss her. Thinking about Beau as well,” wrote Michael Keaton.