Catherine O'Hara: Beyond Moira Rose

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, January 30th 2026 at 20:38 GMT by Los Angeles Times
      Locales: UNITED STATES, UNITED KINGDOM, IRELAND, FRANCE

Catherine O'Hara: A Legacy of Comedic Brilliance and Unexpected Depth

Catherine O'Hara is, without question, one of the most consistently delightful and uniquely talented performers working today. While many recognize her recent triumph as Moira Rose in Schitt's Creek, a character that secured her multiple Emmy Awards and a dedicated global fanbase, limiting her career to that role does a profound disservice to decades of work filled with brilliant comedic timing, masterful character work, and surprising dramatic range. Celebrating a recent birthday, it's the perfect time to revisit and appreciate the breadth of O'Hara's contributions to film and television. This isn't simply a comedian's catalog; it's a testament to a dedicated artist who consistently elevates every project she touches.

O'Hara's career took off in the early 1980s with her work on Canadian sketch comedy show SCTV, where she honed her improvisational skills and established a knack for creating memorable, eccentric characters. This foundation in alternative comedy would prove invaluable throughout her career. While SCTV launched the careers of many, O'Hara's ability to embody wildly different personalities--often with a distinct physicality and vocal delivery--quickly set her apart. It's this talent that propelled her into a series of increasingly prominent roles.

Many first encountered O'Hara in the wildly popular Home Alone (1990). Though a family-friendly Christmas classic, O'Hara's portrayal of Kate McCallister, the frantic mother desperately trying to return to her son, Kevin, showcases her ability to find relatable humanity even within heightened, comedic scenarios. It's a performance filled with genuine anxiety and maternal love, anchoring the film's more slapstick elements. This role, while formative for many viewers, only hinted at the complexity she'd bring to later characters.

Christopher Guest's mockumentaries proved to be fertile ground for O'Hara's talents. Best in Show (2000) is arguably the pinnacle, with her portrayal of dog show enthusiast Cookie Fleck being a masterclass in improvised absurdity. Fleck is a wonderfully strange, self-absorbed character whose unwavering belief in her poodle's potential is both hilarious and strangely endearing. This partnership with Guest would continue, demonstrating O'Hara's commitment to ensemble work and her comfort with long-form improvisation.

What's often overlooked is O'Hara's willingness to embrace roles drastically different from her comedic persona. Once Upon a Time (2011-2018), saw her step into the villainous role of Regina, the Evil Queen. This wasn't simply a comedic actress playing a villain; it was a nuanced performance that explored the character's motivations and vulnerabilities. The series showcased a dramatic depth often hidden beneath her comedic brilliance. This versatility is key to understanding her lasting appeal.

More recently, O'Hara has tackled roles in both live-action and animated projects, showing an adaptability that defies categorization. After Yang (2021), a contemplative sci-fi drama, sees her delivering a subtly moving performance as a mother grappling with loss and the meaning of connection. Short films like The Life Before This (2018), The American Society of Magical Negroes (2022), and Beatrice and Cecil (2023) further illustrate her willingness to experiment with different genres and storytelling formats. Beatrice and Cecil, in particular, highlights her skill as a voice actor and her ability to convey profound emotion through vocal performance alone.

Of course, no discussion of Catherine O'Hara is complete without acknowledging Schitt's Creek (2015-2020). As Moira Rose, she created a pop-culture icon--a wonderfully pretentious, perpetually overdressed, and hilariously out-of-touch former soap opera star. Her chemistry with Eugene Levy (who also co-created the show) is undeniable, and their performances are the beating heart of the series. The success of Schitt's Creek has rightfully brought O'Hara widespread acclaim, but it's important to remember that this role is a culmination of a career built on dedication, talent, and an unwavering commitment to artistic exploration. From frazzled mothers to evil queens to eccentric dog show enthusiasts, Catherine O'Hara continues to prove she is a true original.