SYDNEY, 02 March 2026 – The global entertainment community continues to mourn the loss of legendary Canadian-American actress Catherine O’Hara, who passed away on 30 January 2026, at the age of 71. Known for her unparalleled versatility and sharp comedic timing, O’Hara’s legacy was further cemented yesterday at the 32nd annual Actor Awards, where she received a significant posthumous honour.
Posthumous Win at the 2026 Actor Awards
On Sunday, 01 March 2026, Catherine O’Hara made history at the Actor Awards (formerly the SAG Awards) by winning Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series. The award was granted for her final television role as Patty Leigh in the series The Studio.
The win comes just one month after her unexpected passing. Her co-star and collaborator, Seth Rogen, accepted the award on her behalf, delivering a moving tribute that highlighted her influence on generations of comedians. Rogen encouraged the audience to celebrate her life by revisiting her iconic work, from her early days in sketch comedy to her later career-defining roles.
A Career of Iconic Roles
O’Hara’s career spanned over five decades, beginning with the influential Canadian sketch show SCTV. She became a household name through her collaborations with director Tim Burton and her unforgettable portrayal of Kate McCallister in the Home Alone franchise. In recent years, she experienced a massive career resurgence playing the eccentric matriarch Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, a role that earned her a clean sweep of major television awards.
Career Highlights and Accolades
Throughout her life, O’Hara was recognised with numerous prestigious awards across North America. The following table outlines her primary career milestones and major wins based on historical records.
| Award Body | Notable Wins / Honours |
|---|---|
| Primetime Emmy Awards | 2 Wins (Outstanding Writing for SCTV; Lead Actress for Schitt’s Creek) |
| Golden Globe Awards | 1 Win (Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy) |
| Screen Actors Guild (Actor Awards) | 4 Wins (including 2026 Posthumous Win) |
| Order of Canada | Officer (OC) |
| Canada’s Walk of Fame | Inducted Member |
| Canadian Screen Awards | Multiple Wins (including 4 consecutive for Schitt’s Creek) |
Final Projects and Health
Before her passing, O’Hara completed work on The Studio, appearing alongside Kathryn Hahn and Ike Barinholtz. She also had a highly anticipated role in the upcoming season of The Last of Us. While the exact cause of her death on 30 January remained private, reports in the weeks following suggested she had been in declining health for several months, with some sources noting her rare congenital condition, dextrocardia situs inversus (where the heart is on the right side of the body), though it is unclear if this contributed to her passing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Catherine O’Hara die?
Catherine O’Hara passed away on 30 January 2026, at the age of 71.
What was Catherine O’Hara’s final role?
Her final completed role was playing Patty Leigh in the comedy series The Studio. She also filmed scenes for the second season of The Last of Us prior to her death.
What award did she win yesterday?
On 01 March 2026, she won a posthumous Actor Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series for her work in The Studio.
Who accepted her posthumous award?
Her The Studio co-star Seth Rogen accepted the award on her behalf during the ceremony.