Catherine O’Hara has been a beloved fixture in the entertainment world for nearly five decades, capturing audiences with her unique comedic timing and remarkable versatility. From a frantic mother in a holiday classic to an outrageously eccentric matriarch in a modern sitcom, her characters are unforgettable.

This enduring career has not only earned her critical acclaim but also a significant fortune. As of 2025, Catherine O’Hara’s net worth is estimated at $10 million, a testament to her longevity and success in Hollywood.

Early Life and the Start of a Comedy Career

From Toronto to Second City Theatre

Born on March 4, 1954, in Toronto, Ontario, Catherine O’Hara grew up in a large Irish Catholic family with six siblings. Her journey into comedy began not on stage, but behind the scenes as a waitress at The Second City, Toronto’s famed improv comedy club.

Her natural talent was undeniable, and she soon became an understudy for the legendary Gilda Radner. By the mid-1970s, O’Hara was a full-fledged member of the resident troupe, honing her skills alongside other future comedy giants.

SCTV Breakthrough and First Emmy Win

In 1976, The Second City troupe launched the sketch comedy show SCTV (Second City Television), which became a massive hit in both Canada and the United States. O’Hara was a standout performer and a key writer for the series, contributing to 135 episodes.

Her work on SCTV earned her widespread recognition and her first Emmy Award in 1982 for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program. This early success laid the foundation for a long and fruitful career, often alongside collaborators like Eugene Levy and John Candy.

Hollywood Success in the 1980s and 1990s

Beetlejuice and Tim Burton Collaboration

O’Hara’s transition to the big screen was marked by several memorable roles, but her part as the dramatic and artistic Delia Deetz in Tim Burton’s 1988 classic Beetlejuice was a standout. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $84 million, and has since become a cult classic.

The set of Beetlejuice was also where she met her future husband, production designer Bo Welch. O’Hara reprised her role in the highly anticipated 2024 sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.

The Home Alone Phenomenon

In 1990, Catherine O’Hara became a household name for a new generation, playing Kate McCallister, the forgetful but loving mother in Home Alone. The film was a global phenomenon, earning an incredible $476.7 million worldwide.

She returned for the 1992 sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, which also saw massive success with $359 million at the box office. These films cemented her place in pop culture history and remain holiday staples for families everywhere.

Christopher Guest Mockumentaries

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, O’Hara became a key player in Christopher Guest’s acclaimed mockumentary films. Her roles in Waiting for Guffman (1996), Best in Show (2000), A Mighty Wind (2003), and For Your Consideration (2006) showcased her incredible improvisational skills and earned her critical praise.

Voice Work and Versatility

Beyond her on-screen roles, Catherine O’Hara has built an impressive career as a voice actress. She lent her voice to the dual roles of Sally and Shock in Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993).

Her distinctive voice can also be heard in animated features like Over the Hedge (2006), Monster House (2006), Frankenweenie (2012), and The Addams Family (2019). This work has provided another consistent and significant stream of income throughout her career.

Schitt’s Creek and Career Resurgence

The Role of Moira Rose

While always a respected actress, Catherine O’Hara experienced a massive career resurgence with the CBC sitcom Schitt’s Creek (2015-2020). Her portrayal of the eccentric, fashion-forward matriarch Moira Rose became a cultural phenomenon.

Serving as a consulting producer on the show, O’Hara’s performance was universally praised. Moira’s bizarre accent, high-fashion wardrobe, and dramatic flair made her one of the most iconic television characters of the 21st century.

Awards and Critical Acclaim

The role of Moira Rose brought O’Hara some of the highest accolades of her career. In 2020, she won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series as part of the show’s historic sweep of all major comedy categories.

She followed this with a Golden Globe Award in 2021 and multiple Screen Actors Guild Awards, cementing her status as a comedy legend and validating her decades of work in the industry.

Catherine O’Hara Net Worth Breakdown

Income Sources

Catherine O’Hara’s $10 million net worth comes from a diverse range of sources. While she keeps her specific salaries private, her income is derived from film and television acting, voice work, and her contributions as a writer and producer.

Her long career ensures she benefits from residuals for her many popular films and shows, providing a steady income stream years after the projects have wrapped.

Real Estate Investments

A significant part of her wealth is tied to real estate. In 1994, O’Hara and her husband purchased a 2,606-square-foot home in the upscale Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles for $1.25 million.

Today, that property is estimated to be worth around $4 million, showcasing a savvy long-term investment that has paid off handsomely.

Personal Life and Family

Catherine O’Hara has been married to production designer Bo Welch since 1992. The couple has two sons, Matthew (born 1994) and Luke (born 1997). She maintains dual Canadian and American citizenship.

Despite her fame, O’Hara is known for being private about her personal life, preferring to let her work speak for itself.

Recent Work and Legacy

Catherine O’Hara shows no signs of slowing down. In 2025, she earned Emmy nominations for her roles in the drama series The Last of Us and the comedy series The Studio, showcasing her continued range.

With a career spanning nearly 50 years, Catherine O’Hara has built a legacy as one of the most versatile and beloved comedy actresses of her generation. Her $10 million net worth is a reflection of a career built on talent, hard work, and an unforgettable presence on screen.