Comedy legend Catherine O’Hara was beloved by many generations. She brought eccentric characters to life across a wide range of iconic projects, from Beetlejuice and Best in Show to the hilarious TV hit Schitt’s Creek. Her talent and humour left a lasting mark on both film and television audiences.
Yet it’s her portrayal of frantic but loving mother Kate McCallister in classic Christmas film Home Alone that remains the pinnacle of Catherine’s acting legacy. Last week, her onscreen son Macaulay Culkin led the heartbroken tributes following her sudden death at 71.
“Mama, I thought we had time,” he wrote on Instagram alongside a touching photo of their Home Alone characters Kate and Kevin, plus their real-life reunion in 2023.
“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.”
A bond beyond the screen
An insider tells Woman’s Day that losing Catherine has “hit him hard”, especially as Macaulay, 45, always viewed her as more than just another co-star.
“Her death has affected him deeply,” the source says of the bond they formed while making the Home Alone films in the early ’90s.
“She saw the real kid behind the job, not the pay cheque and he loved her for it.”
Macaulay’s troubled childhood is well known – he famously battled his parents for his $80 million fortune at just 16 and has been estranged from his dad Kit for 30 years. It’s easy to see why Catherine drew a young Mac in.
“Macaulay has spoken before about the terrible situation at home and his challenging upbringing,” our insider says.
“Catherine was like a fairy godmother for someone like Macaulay. She was there for him in ways she didn’t even realise.”
Remembering her love on and off screen
Her affection for her onscreen son was clear during an emotional speech at his Hollywood star ceremony. She praised the “beautiful, dear, little 10-year-old boy” she knew. She also highlighted his ability to navigate the pitfalls of childhood stardom.
Catherine said, “Thank you for including me – your fake mum – who left you home alone not once, but twice – to share in this happy occasion. I’m so proud of you.”
Her death from a “brief illness” was felt enormously by her Hollywood peers, who expressed love for her husband of 34 years Bo Welch and sons Matthew and Luke.
Eugene Levy, her longtime friend and collaborator, said, “Words seem inadequate to express the loss I feel. I had the honour of knowing and working with the great Catherine O’Hara for more than 50 years. I cherished our working relationship, but most of all our friendship.”
Eugene, 79, and his son Dan, 42, created and starred in the TV hit Schitt’s Creek. The show introduced Catherine’s comedic genius to a new generation. Her wonderfully absurd character, Moira Rose, quickly became iconic.
“What a gift to have gotten to dance in the warm glow of her brilliance for all those years,” posted her other onscreen son Dan.
“Catherine was extended family before she ever played my family.”
Despite her illustrious and incredible career, the role Catherine held most dear was one far away from the spotlight. When recently asked what she hoped the world would remember her for, the actress unhesitatingly answered, “Mother of my children.”
