A Light Has Gone Out in the World of Comedy and Camp
The world is a little less fabulous today. Catherine O'Hara, the legendary comedic actress whose career spanned decades but was recently defined by her iconic role as Moira Rose in Schitt's Creek, has died at the age of 71. The news was first reported by TMZ, citing sources close to the actress. The cause of death has not yet been made public.
For millions in the LGBTQ+ community, O'Hara was more than just an actress; she was an icon, a mood, and the matriarch we all secretly wished we had. Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of fans who found joy, inspiration, and a sense of belonging in her unforgettable performances.
The Moira Rose Effect: A Global Icon is Born
While O'Hara's career was filled with memorable roles, it was her turn as the eccentric, wig-wearing, vocabulary-bending Moira Rose that cemented her status as a queer legend. For six seasons, she captivated audiences with a performance that was pure camp, high drama, and deeply hilarious. Moira became a symbol of resilience, creativity, and unapologetic self-expression.
But it was Moira's role as a mother that resonated most deeply within our community. In a television landscape often filled with struggle and trauma, Moira's unconditional love and immediate acceptance of her pansexual son, David (played by Dan Levy), was a breath of fresh air. The world of Schitt's Creek, intentionally devoid of homophobia, showed us life as it should be. O'Hara frequently championed this aspect of the show, celebrating its positive and loving portrayal of a queer relationship.
A Career of Unforgettable Characters
Long before she picked up her first wig as Moira, Catherine O'Hara was a comedic force. She was the frantic mother Kate McCallister in the Home Alone films and the dramatic stepmother Delia Deetz in Tim Burton's classic Beetlejuice. Her collaborations with director Christopher Guest in mockumentaries like Best in Show and A Mighty Wind showcased her incredible talent for improvisation and character work, creating quirky, unforgettable personalities that have been quoted for years.
Her work earned her numerous accolades, including a much-deserved Emmy Award in 2020 for her role in Schitt's Creek, an award she first won back in 1982 for her writing on the sketch comedy series SCTV Network 90.
A Private Life, A Public Legacy
Born in Toronto, Canada, O'Hara was a beloved figure in Hollywood. She met her husband, production designer Bo Welch, on the set of Beetlejuice in 1988. They married in 1992 and raised two sons, Matthew and Luke. While she graced our screens with larger-than-life characters, she maintained a relatively private personal life.
Catherine O'Hara gave the world countless moments of laughter, but for the LGBTQ+ community, she gave us something more: a reflection of love without limits. She will be profoundly missed. Rest in peace, our forever bébé.
