Beloved Actress Catherine O'Hara Dies at 71

The iconic star of Beetlejuice, Nightmare Before Christmas, and Schitt's Creek passes away after battling a rare heart condition.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Acclaimed actress Catherine O'Hara, known for her roles in beloved films and TV shows like Beetlejuice, Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Schitt's Creek, has died at the age of 71. O'Hara had been living with dextrocardia, a rare condition where the heart is positioned on the right side of the body rather than the left. While the exact cause of her passing is not yet confirmed, her death has left fans and co-stars mourning the loss of a true entertainment icon.

Why it matters

Catherine O'Hara was a beloved and influential figure in the entertainment industry, known for her incredible versatility as an actress and her ability to bring unique and memorable characters to life. Her passing is a significant loss for the film and television community, as well as for her many devoted fans who have found comfort and joy in her work over the years.

The details

O'Hara first gained widespread recognition for her role as the eccentric stepmother Delia Deets in the 1988 Tim Burton film Beetlejuice. She later lent her voice to the character of Sally in the 1993 stop-motion classic The Nightmare Before Christmas. More recently, O'Hara received critical acclaim for her portrayal of the flamboyant matriarch Moira Rose on the hit comedy series Schitt's Creek, a role that showcased her incredible comedic talents.

  • Catherine O'Hara passed away on January 30, 2026 at the age of 71.
  • She had been living with the rare heart condition dextrocardia for several years prior to her death.

The players

Catherine O'Hara

A legendary actress known for her roles in iconic films and TV shows like Beetlejuice, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Schitt's Creek.

Tim Burton

The acclaimed director who worked with O'Hara on the films Beetlejuice and The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Henry Selick

The director of The Nightmare Before Christmas, in which O'Hara voiced the character of Sally.

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What they’re saying

“Catherine O'Hara was a true icon, and her passing is a devastating loss for the entertainment world. She brought so much joy and laughter to audiences through her unforgettable performances.”

— Dan Levy, Co-star on Schitt's Creek (CBC Television)

“Working with Catherine was always a masterclass in acting. She had an incredible talent for making even the most eccentric characters feel relatable and human.”

— Tim Burton, Director (@WBHomeEnt via X)

What’s next

Fans and co-stars are expected to continue sharing memories and tributes to Catherine O'Hara in the wake of her passing, celebrating her remarkable career and legacy.

The takeaway

Catherine O'Hara's passing is a profound loss for the entertainment industry, but her iconic performances and the joy she brought to audiences will ensure that her memory lives on. She leaves behind an incredible body of work that will continue to inspire and delight fans for generations to come.