Beyond the Headlines – Catherine O’Hara | InQuinte.ca
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Beyond the Headlines – Catherine O’Hara

By Paul Martin Feb 2, 2026 | 10:05 AM

The world is mourning the loss of a Canadian icon who shall be remembered in many different ways by fans of all ages.

The legendary Catherine O’Hara passed away following a brief illness on Friday at the age of 71.

How you remember her is likely shaped by where and when you saw her first.

I, like many (mature) Canadians adored her from her early days on SCTV, where the stole every scene she was in.

For younger and more modern fans, you likely devoured O’Hara for her work on the award-winning Canadian show Schitt’s Creek.

If you are more my eldest son’s age, they you probably know her iconic role as Kevin’s mom in the film Home Alone, or for her amazing one-liners as the mom in Beetlejuice.

Her work is so amazing and so diverse across the decades spanning comedy and the odd serious role as well as big blockbusters as well as hidden gems like “A Mighty Wind” and “Best in Show”.

However, it is her early work on SCTV that I shall always remember, thriving as part of a team elevating the entire production and yet shining as the giving and brilliant star she was.

In case you didn’t know, she also had situs inversus, a very rare condition where her heart is on the opposite side of the body.

Ironic, because the woman whose heart was in the wrong place still had more than enough of it for everyone in the room and everyone watching at home. She will be greatly missed.

I’m Paul Martin and that’s what I see looking beyond the Headlines.