Catherine O’Hara’s Beautiful Roles and Legacy (And Why ‘Home Alone’ is Her Best Role)
Catherine O’Hara, beloved Canadian-born comedian, writer, and actress, has died at the age of 71. She lent her wit and comedic timing to many beloved movies such as “Beetlejuice” and “Home Alone.” She was also a voice actress, and her voice could be heard in a variety of animated movies and TV shows. Let’s take a look back at the life and roles that made her such an iconic figure, along with why she was at her best when shouting “KEVIN!”
Catherine O’Hara’s Beginnings
Catherine O’Hara was born on March 4, 1954. In 1974, she made her comedy debut with the improvisational comedy troupe “The Second City.” Her first television role was in “Second City Television,” or “SCTV,” a sketch comedy that derived from “The Second City” and ran from 1976 to 1981. She would perform various impressions on the show, including impressions of Lucille Ball and Katherine Hepburn. O’Hara also wrote for the show, and she would win a Primetime Emmy Award for her writing.
She would go on to star in a wide array of films and television shows, including guest roles on shows such as “Six Feet Under” and “Tales of the Crypt.” Her first movie role was as Judith in the 1980 film “Double Negative,” and she would appear in other well-known films such as “Dick Tracy,” “A Mighty Wind,” and “A Series of Unfortunate Events.” She won a Primetime Emmy and a Golden Globe for her performance in the comedy series “Schitt’s Creek.”
A Holiday Icon
O’Hara is probably best known for her iconic role as Kate McAlistar in the Christmas classics “Home Alone” and “Home Alone 2.” Her famous “KEVIN!” exclamation has been quoted and parodied countless times. She plays Kate as a loving mother who feels horrendously guilty for leaving her son behind (twice), but is still fiercely determined to return to him.
The brilliance of O’Hara’s performance is that she channels the audience’s anger at her through anger at herself. She frequently berates herself and wonders if she’s a bad mother. At the same time, she’s willing to go through anything to get back to her son, even hitch a ride with a polka band. When she finally reunites with Kevin, she is overcome with remorse, understanding that her son has every reason to be angry at her. Despite the fact that she should have been more responsible, the audience’s hearts go out to Kate because of O’Hara’s performance.
Many people also watch a Catherine O’Hara performance at Halloween when they watch the classic Tim Burton comedy horror “Beetlejuice.” O’Hara plays the gothic artist stepmother, Delia Deetz, who thinks having a haunted house is a great way to make money. She would reprise her role in the sequel, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.”
Catherine O’Hara Had A Thousand Voices
O’Hara also had a fine career as a voice actor. Her most well-known animated role is in yet another holiday movie, “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” She voiced Sally, the living ragdoll who longs for freedom from her creator, Dr. Finkelstein. She gave Sally a soft, warm voice, letting her be the voice of reason in the chaotic world of Halloweentown. In addition to Sally, O’Hara also voiced Shock, the wicked little trick-or-treater eager to kidnap Santa Claus. Shock has a shrill, raspy voice, and you would never guess that she and Sally had the same voice actor.
O’Hara also lent her voice to several other animated movies, including “The Wild Robot,” “Elemental,” “Monster House,” and “Chicken Little.” She could deliver a wide range of voices to the point where she wasn’t instantly recognizable when voicing animated characters. As such, she could easily melt into any kind of animated character.
We Will Always Remember Catherine O’Hara
Every Christmas, when we settle down with our families to watch “Home Alone,” “Home Alone 2,” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” we can remember Catherine O’Hara. Her comedic skill, her heartwarming performances, and her versatile voice acting roles will be missed, but she will always fill audiences with laughter and the occasional tear. Of course, her most quotable line consists of just one word: “KEVIN!”
