Catherine O’Hara has spent decades popping up in films and shows that became cultural staples. Comedy fans grew up watching her, then grew older and realized how much range she always had. She could play anxious, dramatic, loving, selfish, ridiculous, or deeply human, sometimes all in the same role.
Now that we have lost the gem at the age of 71, here’s a list for you to look at the best performances of her career: the roles we return to again and again, and the characters that made Catherine O’Hara unforgettable on screen.
1. Moira Rose in ‘Schitt’s Creek’ (2015-2020)
Moira Rose feels like a character Catherine O’Hara was born to play. From the accent to the wigs to the dramatic pauses, everything about the performance feels intentional. O’Hara makes Moira over-the-top, but she never turns her into a cartoon. Beneath the drama, you can see fear, pride, and insecurity. Moira doesn’t always know how to show love, but she feels things deeply in her own way.
Related: 15 Best ‘Schitt’s Creek’ Episodes, Ranked
2. Mickey Crabbe in ‘A Mighty Wind’ (2003)
Mickey Crabbe shows Catherine O’Hara at her most sincere and emotionally open. She plays a folk singer reconnecting with her past, and every scene feels warm and lived-in. Mickey carries old memories, missed chances, and genuine affection for the music she once loved. O’Hara never pushes the jokes here. She lets the character breathe, especially during musical moments that feel personal rather than performative.
3. Kate McCallister in ‘Home Alone’ (1990)
Kate McCallister works because Catherine O’Hara treats her like a real person, not just a frantic movie mom. Panic, guilt, and love drive every decision Kate makes once she realizes Kevin is missing. O’Hara sells that fear through her voice, her pacing, and the way she moves through each scene. Even surrounded by slapstick comedy, her performance remains an important part of the story.
4. Jessica Wilhern in ‘Penelope’ (2006)
Jessica Wilhern is one of Catherine O’Hara’s more unsettling roles. She plays Penelope’s mother as polished, controlled, and deeply concerned about appearances. Every word feels measured, every look carries expectation. O’Hara never turns Jessica into a cartoon villain. Instead, she shows how pressure and control can exist under the surface of love. The character’s need to “fix” her daughter drives much of the story’s conflict.
In case you missed it: The Hilarious True Story Behind The ‘Schitt’s Creek’ Episode That Left Eugene Levy Completely Soaked
5. Gail in ‘The Last of Us’ (2025)
Gail gives Catherine O’Hara a chance to work far outside her usual comedy space. She plays a therapist carrying deep grief while trying to help others survive the emotional damage of their own. O’Hara keeps the performance restrained, and her expressions and pauses do enough justice. Anger surfaces slowly as the truth about her husband’s death comes out.
6. Dr. Georgina Orwell in ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’ (2017)
Dr. Georgina Orwell allows Catherine O’Hara to explore her villainous side. She plays the character as polished, cold, and motivated by greed. The friendliness feels forced, which makes the character even more unsettling. O’Hara understands the story’s exaggerated tone and fits right into it without overpowering the scenes. Her Orwell feels dangerous because she hides bad intentions behind professional manners. Even alongside Count Olaf, she stands out as a serious threat.
7. Dr. Debra Radcliffe in ‘Modern Family’ (2015)
Dr. Debra Radcliffe appears briefly on ‘Modern Family,’ but Catherine O’Hara makes the most of her time. She plays a famous self-help expert who enjoys pushing couples into uncomfortable territory. Her advice pushes couples right where it hurts, and she knows it. O’Hara slides into the show’s rhythm easily and plays off the cast without effort. Even in a limited time, she leaves a strong impression and lifts the episode.
8. Delia Deetz in ‘Beetlejuice’ (1988)
Delia Deetz remains one of Catherine O’Hara’s most memorable early roles. She plays Delia as dramatic, confident, and completely serious about her strange artistic vision. O’Hara commits fully, never winking at the audience. Delia truly believes she’s brilliant, which makes every scene funnier. Her reactions, fashion, and artistic rants still define the film’s strange tone.
9. Cookie Fleck in ‘Best in Show’ (2000)
Catherine O’Hara plays Cookie Fleck as sexually open, unbothered, and completely devoted to winning for her dog. Money problems and awkward situations never slow Cookie down. O’Hara’s chemistry with Eugene Levy feels natural, like a couple that has survived years of chaos together. Even when Cookie and Gerry end up sleeping in a closet, her enthusiasm never drops.
10. Carol Ward in ‘Six Feet Under’ (2003-2005)
Carol Ward ranks among Catherine O’Hara’s most uncomfortable characters. She portrays Carol as emotionally draining, self-centered, and unpredictable. Early scenes may feel amusing, but discomfort builds over time. O’Hara lets that tension grow naturally through behavior rather than exaggeration. Carol dominates conversations and leaves others feeling exhausted.
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