Catherine O’Hara’s 8 Best Roles Ahead of Her Career Renaissance with Two New Buzzy Shows
Catherine O’Hara has never exactly gone anywhere—but in recent years, the world has rediscovered just how much of a powerhouse she is. With two buzzy new TV roles on “The Studio” and “The Last of Us“, both earning her Emmy buzz, the beloved comedic icon is in the middle of a full-blown career renaissance. And honestly? It’s about time.
Let’s rewind and look at the roles that have made O’Hara a singular force in comedy and drama alike—from her early turns in cult classics to her Emmy-winning work on “Schitt’s Creek”, and now, to her newest scene-stealing performances that have critics and fans alike calling her a frontrunner in the upcoming awards season.
1. “After Hours” (1985)
In Martin Scorsese’s black comedy “After Hours”, O’Hara took on the role of Peggy, a wild-eyed telephone operator caught up in the film’s increasingly surreal nighttime odyssey through New York City. It was one of her first major film roles, and it hinted early on at her gift for playing unpredictable, delightfully strange characters. Though the part was relatively small, her electric presence stood out amid the chaos, proving she had the chops to shine in even the most stylized of cinematic landscapes. It was a bold beginning for an actress whose career would be anything but predictable.
2. “Beetlejuice” (1998)
O’Hara’s collaboration with director Tim Burton yielded one of her most iconic early performances: Delia Deetz, the chic, high-strung stepmother obsessed with modern art and self-expression, much to the chagrin of the ghostly residents of her new home. Equal parts shrill, fabulous, and hilariously self-important, Delia was the perfect foil for the film’s supernatural hijinks. O’Hara’s ability to ground even the most absurd characters with a sense of humanity was on full display here—and “Beetlejuice” remains a cult favorite in no small part due to her over-the-top brilliance. Who else could turn a dinner party into a demonic dance-off with such gusto?
3. “Home Alone” (1990)
Few roles are as universally remembered as O’Hara’s portrayal of Kate McCallister, the frantic but loving mother in the “Home Alone” films. Her performance struck a perfect balance between comedic panic and genuine maternal devotion. The infamous airport realization—“Kevin!”—is now the stuff of meme legend, but what truly elevates her role is the emotional heart she brings to it. In the second film, her desperate search through New York City feels just as heartfelt, and her reunion with Kevin in both movies adds a powerful emotional core to the otherwise slapstick-heavy franchise. O’Hara made Kate a fully rounded character, and her performance helped elevate the series into holiday movie royalty.
4. “Waiting for Guffman” (1996)
O’Hara’s first collaboration with Christopher Guest and his ensemble of improv comedy veterans came with “Waiting for Guffman”, a mockumentary about a small-town theater production that dreams big—very big. As Sheila Huffman, one half of a hilariously awkward husband-wife theater duo, O’Hara played up every ounce of community theater ambition and misplaced confidence. Her chemistry with Fred Willard was electric, and her comic timing in the improvised scenes was sharp, weird, and utterly original. This film would lay the groundwork for several more mockumentary masterpieces and solidify O’Hara’s place as one of the most inventive improvisational actors of her generation.
5. “Best in Show” (2000)
In perhaps her most beloved Christopher Guest role, O’Hara portrayed Cookie Fleck, a trophy wife with a colorful past and a deeply competitive streak when it comes to dog shows. Teamed once again with Eugene Levy, the two created a couple so quirky and believable it felt like they could’ve walked right out of a dog park in the Midwest. O’Hara’s ability to drop lines about her “old boyfriends” with casual flair and impeccable comic timing made Cookie a fan favorite. What’s especially impressive is how she manages to bring vulnerability and authenticity to such an outrageous character—a testament to her skill at mixing farce with heart.
6. “A Mighty Wind” (2003)
O’Hara took on a more grounded, emotionally resonant role in “A Mighty Wind”, playing folk singer Mickey Crabbe, who reunites with her ex-husband for a tribute concert. While still operating within the Guest-style comedic universe, this film gave O’Hara the space to explore more dramatic notes, particularly in the music. Her performance of “A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow” with Eugene Levy is surprisingly moving and earned the song an Oscar nomination. The subtlety and sadness she brought to Mickey—alongside her usual oddball charm—showed a different side of O’Hara and further proved she could shine in layered, character-driven storytelling.
7. “For Your Consideration” (2006)
In this satirical take on Hollywood’s awards obsession, O’Hara played Marilyn Hack, a seasoned actress in a low-budget indie film who finds herself swept up in unexpected Oscar buzz. The irony, of course, is that O’Hara herself gave an awards-worthy performance in a movie about awards hype—yet was overlooked in real life. Her portrayal of Marilyn is both hilarious and heartbreaking, as we watch a woman slowly lose her sense of self to the promise of recognition. O’Hara walks that tragicomic tightrope with ease, reminding audiences that beneath every great comedian lies a truly great actor.
8. “Schitt’s Creek” (2015-2020)
And then came “Schitt’s Creek”—the Emmy-winning juggernaut that introduced Catherine O’Hara to a whole new generation. As Moira Rose, she created one of television’s most original and unforgettable characters. With her theatrical speech patterns, outrageous wardrobe, and deep-seated narcissism, Moira was a walking caricature—until O’Hara made her something far more complex. Underneath the wigs and affectations was a woman learning to reconnect with her family, rediscover her values, and even find joy in small-town life. O’Hara won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for the show’s final season, a much-deserved honor that felt like both a celebration and a coronation of her incredible career.
From cult comedies to prestige dramas, Catherine O’Hara has always had the range—but now, the industry is catching up. Whether she’s making us laugh, cry, or somewhere beautifully in between, O’Hara’s performances are marked by a singular voice, a commitment to character, and a seemingly endless ability to surprise us. With Emmy buzz surrounding both of her new roles, it’s clear that O’Hara’s renaissance is not a comeback—it’s a long-overdue recognition of a legend in her prime.
