Catherine O’Hara, the beloved Canadian-American actress and comedian, had an estimated net worth of $10 million at the time of her death in 2026. Over a career spanning more than five decades, she became one of the most respected and versatile performers in film and television.
Known for her roles as the frantic mother in Home Alone and the eccentric Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, O’Hara earned fame, critical acclaim, and substantial earnings through movies, television, and voice acting. Her work on SCTV, collaborations with Christopher Guest, and numerous awards helped build her career, while investments and real estate holdings further contributed to her impressive financial legacy.
What Is Catherine O’Hara’s Net Worth in 2026?
Catherine O’Hara had an estimated $10 million net worth at the time of her death in January 2026. She earned her wealth from a long career as a Canadian actress and comedian, starring in films, television shows, and voice acting projects. Her status as a Home Alone actress and performer on Schitt’s Creek contributed significantly to her earnings.
Her income came from multiple sources. This included salaries from feature films, Hollywood salaries for television shows, and voice work. She also earned from her writing and producing contributions. Over five decades, Catherine built a diverse portfolio, blending talent with smart celebrity assets and investments.
Early Life and Education
Catherine Anne O’Hara was born on March 4, 1954, in Toronto, Canada. Growing up in a large Catholic family, she developed an early interest in performance. Her sister, Mary Margaret O’Hara, became a celebrated singer-songwriter, which influenced Catherine’s artistic ambitions. She attended Burnhamthorpe Collegiate Institute, where she performed in school plays.
Her early life in Toronto shaped her unique comedic voice. She honed skills in acting and improvisation that would later define her career. Early life in Toronto was not only about academics; she learned timing, character work, and stage presence that led to her becoming a Canadian-American performer in Hollywood.
How Catherine O’Hara Started Her Career
Catherine started her career with The Second City Toronto, an influential improv troupe. She worked alongside notable performers like Eugene Levy and John Candy. In 1976, she joined SCTV sketch comedy, a show that aired for eight years and became famous for its witty, satirical humor.
On SCTV, Catherine was both a performer and a writer. She created memorable characters and sketches that showcased her comedic talent. Her work as a SCTV cast member gave her exposure and opened doors to movies and television, setting the stage for her long-lasting film and television career.
Breakthrough Movies and Rise to Fame
Her first major film roles came in the 1980s, including Nothing Personal (1980), After Hours (1985), and Heartburn (1986). Her big breakthrough came in 1988 with Tim Burton Beetlejuice, where she starred alongside Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder. The film grossed over $84 million worldwide, making her a recognized Beetlejuice cast member.
Catherine continued to work in mockumentary films with director Christopher Guest, including Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, and For Your Consideration. These films highlighted her improvisational skills and earned her critical acclaim, establishing her as a versatile comedy actress.
Home Alone Success and Salary Details
Catherine played Kate McCallister in Home Alone 1990 and reprised the role in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. These films earned massive box office success, with Home Alone grossing $476 million globally and the sequel $359 million. Her performance became iconic.
Her salary for these films contributed greatly to her net worth. She reportedly earned hundreds of thousands for each project, which added to her acting career earnings. The success of these movies cemented her position as a beloved Home Alone actress in Hollywood.
Television Career and Schitt’s Creek Earnings
Catherine’s television career included guest appearances on shows like 30 Rock, Modern Family, and Saturday Night Live. However, her biggest TV success came with Schitt’s Creek, where she played Moira Rose. The series ran for six seasons and won critical acclaim.
Her salary on Schitt’s Creek and streaming royalties further boosted her celebrity net worth. The show earned multiple awards, including Primetime Emmy Awards. Working with Eugene Levy and Dan Levy, Catherine achieved a career renaissance in her later years.
Major Film Salaries and Income Breakdown
Catherine earned from films, television, voice acting, and producing. Her most notable film salaries include Beetlejuice, Home Alone, and Christopher Guest films. Voice roles in The Nightmare Before Christmas and Over the Hedge added to her income.
| Project | Type | Estimated Earnings | Notes |
| Home Alone (1990) | Film | $500,000 | Box office $476M |
| Home Alone 2 | Film | $600,000 | Box office $359M |
| Beetlejuice (1988) | Film | $200,000 | Cult classic |
| Schitt’s Creek | TV | $100,000/episode | 80 episodes |
| Voice Acting Roles | Film/TV | $50,000–$100,000 each | Includes The Nightmare Before Christmas |
These earnings reflect her diversified career and highlight how her film and television career contributed to a substantial celebrity net worth.
Awards, Emmys, and Industry Recognition
Catherine received eight Primetime Emmy Awards nominations, winning Outstanding Lead Actress in 2020 for Schitt’s Creek. She also earned a Golden Globe for her Moira Rose performance and won awards for Christopher Guest films.
She was recognized with lifetime honors, including the Canadian Screen Awards, induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame, and being named an Officer of the Order of Canada. These accolades solidified her reputation as an Emmy-winning actress and influential comedy actress.
Real Estate, Assets, and Investments
Catherine and her husband, Bo Welch, purchased a Los Angeles Brentwood home in 1994 for $1.25 million. Today, similar properties in the area sell for around $4 million. Her real estate holdings contributed significantly to her celebrity assets and investments.
Beyond property, she invested in career-related projects and maintained a portfolio of assets linked to her acting and producing work. These smart decisions increased her $10 million net worth and reflected her careful financial planning.
Personal Life and Family
Catherine married production designer Bo Welch in 1992, and the couple had two sons, Matthew and Luke. She balanced a busy career while raising a family and remained closely connected to her Canadian roots.
Her dual citizenship as a Canadian-American performer allowed her to work freely in Hollywood. She maintained friendships with co-stars like Eugene Levy and colleagues from SCTV, enriching both her personal life and professional network.
Final Projects and Career Legacy
Catherine’s last projects included voice roles, streaming adaptations, and guest appearances. She left a lasting mark on comedy and film, influencing new generations of performers.
Her legacy includes pioneering roles in sketch comedy shows, cult classics, and mockumentary films. She remains remembered as a talented, versatile, and highly respected comedy actress whose work spanned decades.
Catherine O’Hara’s Death and Public Reaction
Catherine passed away in January 2026 at age 71. Tributes poured in from Hollywood, fans, and co-stars, celebrating her contributions to comedy and film.
Her death marked the end of an era for sketch comedy, family films, and television. She is remembered not only for her Home Alone roles or Emmy-winning performances but also for shaping the landscape of modern comedy.
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