Catherine O’Hara: Moira in Schitts Creek has died after short illness

Catherine O’Hara has died, aged 71, following a short illness.

Creative Artists Agency confirmed the news via a statement, released tonight:

"Prolific multi-award-winning actress, writer, and comedian Catherine O’Hara died today at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness”.

"O’Hara is survived by her husband Bo Welch and sons Matthew and Luke, along with siblings Michael O’Hara, Mary Margaret O’Hara, Maureen Jolley, Marcus O‘Hara, Tom O’Hara, Patricia Wallice," the statement says.

It added that the family will hold a private celebration of life.

The legendary actress is best known for playing Moira, the Mum in Netflix comedy Schitt’s Creek and of course the mother of Kevin in Home Alone.

She was also nominated for an Emmy in two of her recent roles, in HBO's post-apocalypse drama, The Last of Us, and as a Hollywood producer in Apple TV’s The Studio.

Catherine last made a public appearance three months ago.