Entertainment
Catherine O’Hara, star of Schitt’s Creek and Home Alone, dies at 71
Catherine O’Hara, the beloved Hollywood and television star whose career spanned decades and generations, has died at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy defined by fearless comedy, warmth and remarkable versatility. Best known to global audiences as the frazzled but unforgettable mother in the Home Alone films and the flamboyant Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, O’Hara remained creatively active and deeply admired until the very end of her life.
True to her lifelong dedication to her craft, O’Hara was working almost until her death. Just last year, she starred in Seth Rogen’s critically acclaimed Hollywood satire The Studio, where she played Patty Leigh, a long-serving studio boss whose firing at the start of the series sets the story in motion. The role once again showcased O’Hara’s ability to balance sharp satire with humanity, as Patty later reinvents herself as a successful producer behind some of the industry’s biggest hits.
Beyond her iconic turn as Kevin McCallister’s overwhelmed mother in Home Alone, O’Hara carefully built a zany, self-aware persona that became one of the most delightful fixtures in Hollywood. With roots in improvisational comedy, she brought spontaneity and intelligence to every performance. Whenever the Canadian star stepped onto an awards-show stage, even the most jaded viewers could expect something memorable.
One standout moment came during the socially distanced 2020 Canadian Screen Awards, when O’Hara joked about “enjoying the great indoors” and delivered her acceptance speech from home. Fully committing to the gag, she played herself off with music — then continued singing her speech to the tune, embodying the eccentric charm fans had come to adore, particularly through her portrayal of Moira Rose.
That same year, when she won the Emmy for lead actress in a comedy, O’Hara celebrated the chance to portray “a woman of a certain age — my age — who gets to fully be her ridiculous self.” Appearing from a Toronto viewing party during Covid restrictions, she turned a virtual ceremony into an intimate, joyful moment. The following year, her reunion onstage with Schitt’s Creek co-stars Dan Levy, Eugene Levy and Annie Murphy was warmly received, especially as the group lovingly teased Eugene Levy in front of a global audience.
O’Hara continued to steal the spotlight in later years. At the 2024 Emmy Awards, she memorably delayed presenting an award by asking, “Must we really choose one winner?” before theatrically ripping up the envelope. At the Oscars that same year, she reunited with her Beetlejuice co-star Michael Keaton to present the make-up and hairstyling awards, joking that “the last thing we want is for anyone to know what we actually look like or the squalor in which we actually live.”
Her partnership with Seth Rogen also extended beyond The Studio. Last year, the pair presented together at the Golden Globe Awards, delivering a rambling, self-aware routine about Canada’s imaginary awards shows that ran long but earned plenty of laughs, particularly for its affectionate digs at Americans and the excesses of awards culture.
In The Studio, O’Hara’s Patty Leigh shone brightest during an episode set entirely at the Golden Globes, where her character effortlessly schmoozed a room full of Hollywood stars and power brokers. The performance earned O’Hara a Golden Globe nomination earlier this month, and she is also nominated for best female comedy performance at the forthcoming Actor Awards (formerly the SAG Awards). That honour, now awarded posthumously, carries a bittersweet poignancy.
Catherine O’Hara’s death marks the loss of a rare talent — an actress who embraced age, absurdity and reinvention with joy, and who consistently elevated every project she touched. While she is gone, the laughter she created, the characters she embodied and the generosity she brought to her art ensure that her presence will continue to be felt, celebrated and cherished for many years to come.
Entertainment
Coroner Says Investigation Into Liam Payne’s Death Still Awaiting Evidence From Argentina
A coroner overseeing the inquest into the death of former One Direction singer Liam Payne has said authorities in the UK are still waiting for additional evidence from Argentina as investigations there continue.
During a pre-inquest review hearing held at Beaconsfield Coroner’s Court on Thursday, senior coroner Crispin Butler said there had been no significant updates since a previous hearing in January 2025.
“We have had no further disclosure of evidence from Argentina via the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office,” Butler told the court.
Payne, who was 31, died in October 2024 after falling from a balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires.
A post-mortem examination found the singer died from multiple traumas and “internal and external haemorrhage” after falling from the hotel’s third-floor balcony.
The coroner said documentation already received from Argentina had undergone translation and confirmed that relevant material would be shared with Payne’s family, who were not present at the hearing.
Butler added that his understanding was that investigations by authorities in Argentina were still ongoing.
In February last year, an Argentine court dropped criminal negligence charges against three of the five people initially charged in connection with Payne’s death.
Payne rose to global fame as a member of One Direction before launching a successful solo career following the band’s hiatus. He released his debut solo album, LP1, in December 2019.
The inquest proceedings in the UK have now been adjourned until a further pre-inquest review scheduled for 1 December.
Entertainment
Pussycat Dolls Cancel US Tour Dates Amid Weak Ticket Sales
Pussycat Dolls have cancelled the North American leg of their reunion tour after disappointing ticket sales, while confirming that their European dates will proceed as planned.
Three members of the group—Nicole Scherzinger, Ashley Roberts and Kimberly Wyatt—had earlier announced a comeback with a new single and a global tour. However, the trio said they made the “difficult and heartbreaking decision” to cancel nearly all scheduled shows in the United States and Canada after reassessing demand.
“After taking an honest look” at the North American tour, the group said they concluded it was not viable to proceed with the planned dates.
The only performance that will go ahead in the U.S. is their appearance at WeHo Pride in Los Angeles on 6 June, which they described as a meaningful opportunity to connect with fans.
“We could not think of a more meaningful place to celebrate with our fans,” the group said, highlighting the long-standing support they have received from the LGBTQ+ community.
The Dolls had originally planned 33 dates across North America throughout June, July and August. Fans who purchased tickets via platforms like Ticketmaster or AXS will receive automatic refunds, while those who bought through third-party sellers have been advised to contact their vendors directly.
In contrast, the European leg of the tour is performing strongly. The group confirmed that multiple shows across the UK and Ireland are already sold out, with the tour set to begin in Copenhagen in September.
UK stops include Birmingham, Nottingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Dublin, Glasgow, Newcastle and Manchester, before concluding at The O2 Arena on 13 October.
The group said they are now focused on delivering “unforgettable” performances for European audiences, promising a celebration of their music and legacy.
The cancellation follows similar moves by other major artists, including Post Malone and Meghan Trainor, who have also scaled back or postponed U.S. shows in recent months.
Industry observers suggest that high ticket prices and the decision to book large arenas instead of smaller venues may have contributed to the weak sales in North America.
Known for hits such as “Buttons,” “Don’t Cha,” and “I Don’t Need a Man,” the Pussycat Dolls enjoyed major success in Europe during their peak years—a trend that appears to be continuing as they prepare for their return to the stage.
Entertainment
Dolly Parton Cancels Las Vegas Residency as She Focuses on Recovery
Dolly Parton has cancelled her planned Las Vegas residency as she continues treatment for ongoing health issues, reassuring fans that she is steadily improving.
The 80-year-old country music icon shared the update in a statement on social media, explaining that she has been “responding really well to meds and treatments” while managing a long-term struggle with kidney stones.
Parton had previously postponed her six-show residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace from December 2025 to September 2026 due to what she described at the time as “health challenges.” She has now confirmed that the shows will not go ahead as planned.
“I’ve still got some healing to do, but I am on my way!” she said in a video message announcing the cancellation.
Maintaining her trademark humour, Parton joked about the physical demands of performing, saying she could not risk being unsteady on stage.
“I can’t be dizzy carrying around banjos, guitars and such on 5-inch heels—and you know that I’m going to be wearing them,” she said. “Not to mention, all those heavy rhinestone outfits, the big hair, my big… uh, personality.”
She added that it will take time before she is fully “stage-performance ready,” and apologised to fans who had already purchased tickets.
“I am truly sorry that I’m going to miss all of you that had tickets to see me in Las Vegas. Well, you get on to Vegas, and you have a big time… and I’ll see you somewhere down the line,” she said.
Despite stepping back from live performances, Parton confirmed she remains active creatively. She is continuing to record music, produce videos, and work on a Broadway musical project, while also staying involved with Dollywood. Plans are also underway for a new museum and hotel in Nashville later this year.
A globally celebrated artist, Parton has won 10 Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She is widely known for classic hits including “Coat of Many Colors,” “I Will Always Love You,” “9 to 5,” and “Jolene.”
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