Emmy-winning star Catherine O’Hara died in her home in Los Angeles on Jan. 30. She was 71.

Known for her roles as the fabulous Delia Deetz in “Beetlejuice,” Kevin’s frazzled mother in “Home Alone,” the flamboyant Moira on “Schitt’s Creek” and her recent turn as Patty Leigh in “The Studio,” O’Hara built a career defined by outrageous comedy and strong, unforgettable characters.  

Along the way, the Canadian comedian and actor also appeared in a number of notable projects adapted from books, comics and classic literature.

One of her most direct literary adaptations came with “Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events,” based on the best-selling book series by Daniel Handler. O’Hara played Count Olaf’s neighbor, Justice Strauss, in the 2004 film adaptation. She played a role in the 2017 Netflix adaptation, as optometrist and Count Olaf’s ex-girlfriend Dr. Georgina Orwell.   

She also lent her voice to several animated films, including Mrs. Helga Prysselius in 1997’s “Pippi Longstocking,” based on the popular children’s series by Astrid Lindgren. She later voiced Judith, one of the Wild Things, in 2009’s “Where the Wild Things Are,” adapted from Maurice Sendak’s novel.   

In addition, she voiced multiple characters in 2012’s “Frankenweenie,” including Susan Frankenstein, Gym Teacher and Weird Girl, which, while adapted from Tim Burton’s earlier short film, draws from literary legend “Frankenstein.”

O’Hara appeared in the 2010 HBO biopic “Temple Grandin,” adapted from Grandin’s autobiographical writings, including “Emergence” and “Thinking in Pictures.” She played Temple Grandin’s beloved Aunt Ann, whose ranch inspires Grandin’s life path.  

Her earlier career included adaptations of other literary forms, including the role of “Texie” Garcia in the 1990 live-action film “Dick Tracy,” adapted from the comic strip by Chester Gould.

More recently, O’Hara voiced Pinktail, a Virginia opossum in 2024’s “The Wild Robot,” based on the children’s novel by Peter Brown.

Across decades, Catherine O’Hara’s career, memorable voice and once-in-a-lifetime talent covered several genres of beloved books.

About the writer

S. Lynn Bonanno is the co-founder and co-editor of Booked & Screened, covering book-to-screen adaptations, film and TV development. She has been a fan of Catherine O’Hara since she saw her play the outrageous artiste Delia Deetz in “Beetlejuice.” She plans to spend the week rewatching “Schitt’s Creek” in her honor and overenunciating words a la Moira Rose.