Remembering Catherine O'Hara
The entertainment world lost a true gem with the passing of Catherine O'Hara, who passed away at the age of 71. Celebrated for her extraordinary range, O'Hara had a knack for infusing her roles with a uniquely playful spirit and heartfelt authenticity. Whether she was a quirky mother or a flamboyant artist, her characters were always memorable.
Where to Stream the Best of O'Hara
Let's explore where you can find her most cherished performances that blend comedy, pathos, and eccentricity.
'SCTV' (1976-84)
Before she charmed Hollywood, O'Hara made waves in Canada on the late-night sketch show “SCTV,” where her zany characters and impressionist skills set her apart.
Stream it on YouTube.
'After Hours' (1985)
O'Hara's role in Martin Scorsese's quirky drama proved her versatility, playing a mischievous Mister Softee truck driver whose chaos adds a twist to the film's story.
Rent or buy it on Amazon.
'Beetlejuice' (1988) and 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' (2024)
In Tim Burton's cult classic, O'Hara's Delia Deetz was not just eccentric; she was a reflection of the fabulous and flawed artist in us all.
Rent or buy “Beetlejuice” on Amazon.
'Home Alone' (1990) and 'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York' (1992)
As Kate McCallister, O'Hara's blend of frantic determination and maternal love provided both comedy and heart in these holiday classics.
Stream “Home Alone” on Disney+.
'The Nightmare Before Christmas' (1993)
O'Hara lent her voice to Sally, showcasing her musical talent in the beloved tale of love and Halloween.
Stream it on Disney+.
Mockumentary Masterpieces with Christopher Guest
Guest recognized O'Hara's unique ability to balance humor and depth, such as in “Best in Show,” where she humorously portrayed Cookie Fleck, a dog show competitor caught up in her past.
Rent “Best in Show” on Amazon.
'Schitt's Creek' (2015-2020)
As the hilariously dramatic Moira Rose, O'Hara received acclaim, capturing the essence of a woman embracing her identity amidst chaos.
Stream it on Hulu.
Final Thoughts
Catherine O'Hara's body of work not only reflects an extraordinary comedic talent but also a deep dives into the complexities of human nature. She played characters that were not only flamboyant and eccentric but somehow always relatable. Each of them was a unique combination of charm, depth, and creativity, unraveling stories that made us laugh and cry.
As we delve into her performances on streaming platforms, let's celebrate the remarkable legacy she has left behind.
Source reference: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/30/arts/television/catherine-ohara-movies-tv-shows-watch.html
