Catherine O’Hara

Catherine O’Hara is a legendary Canadian-American actress and comedian whose career spans over five decades in film, television, and voice acting. Born in Toronto, Ontario, she was the youngest of seven children in an Irish-Canadian family. O’Hara got her start in comedy as a cast member of the Toronto branch of The Second City improv troupe in the mid-1970s, where she honed the comedic skills that would define her career. She became a household name as part of the original cast of the sketch comedy series SCTV (1976-1984), alongside fellow Canadian comedy legends John Candy, Eugene Levy, and Rick Moranis.

O’Hara went on to build an impressive film career, becoming a favorite collaborator of director Tim Burton. She voiced Sally in the beloved animated classic The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) and appeared in Beetlejuice (1988) and its 2024 sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. She is also cherished for her role as Kate McCallister in the Home Alone franchise (1990, 1992), one of the most successful comedy film series of all time. Her work with Christopher Guest in mockumentary films like Best in Show (2000), A Mighty Wind (2003), and For Your Consideration (2006) further showcased her improvisational brilliance.

O’Hara experienced a remarkable career renaissance with her portrayal of Moira Rose in the critically acclaimed CBC/Pop TV series Schitt’s Creek (2015-2020). Her flamboyant, wig-wearing character became an iconic figure in modern television comedy, earning her multiple Emmy nominations and a win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2020. The role introduced her to an entirely new generation of fans and solidified her status as one of the greatest comedic actresses of all time.

With a net worth estimated at $10 million, O’Hara’s wealth reflects decades of consistent work across multiple entertainment mediums. She has been married to production designer Bo Welch since 1992, and the couple has two sons. O’Hara continues to take on selective roles, including her return as Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, proving that her talent and appeal remain as strong as ever.