Hollywood is mourning the death of comedy icon Catherine O’Hara, who passed away at her long-time home leaving a staggering $US10 million ($A15 million) legacy.
The two-time Emmy winner, legendary for her roles in Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, died following a brief illness.
While the world remembers her as Kevin McAllister’s mum and the eccentric Moira Rose, O’Hara was a savvy real estate player who resided in the same Los Angeles mansion for more than 30 years.
Records show O’Hara and husband Bo Welch purchased the four-bedroom estate in 1994 for just $US1.25 million ($1.85 million) — the same year they welcomed their first son.
The property, which features a classic kidney-shaped pool and tennis courts, has likely skyrocketed in value since the mid-90s purchase.
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Catherine O’Hara and husband Bo Welch. Picture: Amy Sussman/Getty Images
O’Hara and Welch have resided in the same Los Angeles mansion since 1994. Picture: Google Maps
The legendary comedic star — who starred in cult classics including Beetlejuice and After Hours — rose to mainstream fame after starring in Home Alone in 1990.
The actress once famously revealed that while she was offered “the most money I have ever been offered” for the Home Alone sequel, she actually took a pay cut to spend more time at home.
“It was not until I negotiated for the second movie was I aware that I was maybe part of a big project,” she previously told Vulture.
“I took less money, which was still an insane amount of money, and they condensed my work. I’m kind of a homebody … I didn’t want to have to be there for the whole shoot.”
Catherine O’Hara played Kevin’s mum in Home Alone.
Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy in the TV series Schitt’s Creek. Picture: ABC-TV
In more recent years, the actress experienced a career resurgence with prominent roles in Schitt’s Creek and The Studio.
In a resurfaced 2024 interview, the actress divulged that she felt “lucky to be alive” and continuing to field high-profile opportunities.
“I’m lucky [I get] to keep doing things like this at my age — I can’t believe it,” she told Elle Canada in August 2024.
“Over the past few years, when I’ve gotten scared or nervous, or if I start grousing about something, I’ve tried to really practice turning it around and being grateful.
“Like, ‘How lucky are you right now to be alive? And then to have this opportunity right here in this moment?’”
The actress is survived by her husband and two sons, Luke, 28, and Matthew, 31. Her team confirmed a private celebration of life will be held for the family.
Parts of this story first appeared in Page Six and was republished with permission.
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