What Is Catherine O’Hara’s Net Worth?
Catherine O’Hara, a celebrated Canadian-American actress, comedian, and writer, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $10 million. This financial standing is primarily attributed to her extensive career in television and film, spanning several decades.
Early Career and “SCTV” Foundation
Catherine O’Hara’s career began in Toronto, where she was born on March 4, 1954. She started as a cast member of The Second City in Toronto in 1974, an early step toward building her net worth. Before joining “Saturday Night Live”, she was Gilda Radner’s understudy. Her involvement with “SCTV” (Second City Television) from 1976 to 1984 marked a significant point in her career. “SCTV,” which showcased O’Hara alongside future “Schitt’s Creek” co-star Eugene Levy, John Candy, Andrea Martin, and Harold Ramis, produced 135 episodes. In addition to her on-screen performances, she also contributed as a writer, further enriching her contributions to the show and building her creative foundation.
Film Career: Box Office Successes
O’Hara’s net worth has significantly benefited from her roles in several commercially successful films. Her film debut was in 1980’s “Nothing Personal”. She acted in “After Hours” (1985) and “Heartburn” (1986). She gained wider recognition with “Beetlejuice” (1988), directed by Tim Burton. The film, which also starred Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Alec Baldwin, and Geena Davis, earned $84.6 million on a $15 million budget.
In 1990, O’Hara played Texie Garcia in “Dick Tracy,” which made $162.7 million at the box office. In the same year, she played Kate McCallister in “Home Alone,” followed by “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” in 1992. These films were very successful. “Home Alone” made $476.7 million worldwide, while “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” made $359 million.
Television Roles and “Schitt’s Creek” Phenomenon
Catherine O’Hara’s net worth saw another boost from her extensive television work. This included roles on “The Larry Sanders Show” (1992), “Tales from the Crypt” (1994), “The Outer Limits” (1997), and “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” (1998). She guest-starred on “Six Feet Under”, appearing in four episodes of the award-winning HBO series starting in 2003. She guest-starred on “30 Rock” (2012) and “Modern Family” (2015).
Her portrayal of Moira Rose in “Schitt’s Creek” (2015–2020) stands out as a particularly lucrative role, contributing significantly to her $10 million net worth. The series, created by Eugene Levy and his son, Dan Levy, spanned six seasons and 80 episodes. O’Hara also served as a consulting producer for the show, increasing her involvement and potential earnings. Her performance in “Schitt’s Creek” earned her a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2020 and a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy.
Voice Acting and Animation
O’Hara’s versatility extends to voice acting, contributing to her net worth through various projects. She voiced Sally and Shock in “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993). She also lent her voice to “Over the Hedge” (2006), “Monster House” (2006), “Where the Wild Things Are” (2009), and “Frankenweenie” (2012). More recently, she voiced Grandma Frump in “The Addams Family” (2019), Morgana on “Sofia the First” (2016), Aunt Tennelli on “The Magic School Bus Rides Again” (2018), and Skaelka on “The Last Kids on Earth” (2019–2020).
Other Notable Roles
O’Hara played Justice Strauss in “Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events” in 2004. She also appeared in the 2017 Netflix adaptation as Dr. Georgina Orwell. She co-starred with Christina Ricci in “Penelope” (2006) and with John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph in “Away We Go” (2009). In the 1990s, Catherine appeared in the Western “Wyatt Earp” (1994), co-starred with Steve Martin in “A Simple Twist of Fate” (1994), and portrayed Calamity Jane in “Tall Tale” (1995).
Real Estate Investments
Catherine O’Hara’s real estate investments contribute to her overall net worth. In 1994, Catherine and her husband, Bo Welch, purchased a home in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles for $1.25 million. This 2,606 square foot home features four bedrooms and four bathrooms. Recent sales of comparable homes in the area suggest a current market value of around $4 million. This real estate investment has appreciated significantly over the years, adding to O’Hara’s financial portfolio.
Awards and Recognition
Catherine O’Hara’s net worth is indirectly enhanced by the prestige and opportunities that come with awards and recognition. She has been nominated for eight Primetime Emmy Awards, winning Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for “Schitt’s Creek” in 2020 and sharing the award for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program with her fellow “SCTV Network 90” writers in 1982. “Schitt’s Creek” has also earned her a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy as well as awards from the ACTRA Awards, Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards, Canadian Screen Awards, Gold Derby Awards, IGN Summer Movie Awards, Online Film & Television Association, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Television Critics Association Awards.
She won an American Comedy Award and Canadian Comedy Award for “Best in Show”. “For Your Consideration” earned her a National Board of Review Award and Kansas City Film Critics Circle Award. In 2020, GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics honored O’Hara with a Timeless Award. In 2018, she received a Legacy Award for Best Comedy Artist Female at the Legionnaires of Laughter Legacy Awards. The cast of “SCTV” was presented with an Earle Grey Award at the 1995 Gemini Awards. Catherine has received lifetime achievement awards from the Toronto International Film Festival (2015), Canadian Screen Awards (2016), ACTRA Awards (2020), and Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards (2020).
Philanthropy and Other Ventures
In 2020, Catherine O’Hara participated in “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” where she won $250,000 for Upward Bound House. Upward Bound House is a Los Angeles-based charity that aims to eliminate homelessness among families with children in Los Angeles by offering housing, support services, and advocacy. This contribution adds to her public image and highlights her commitment to social causes, although it does not directly affect her net worth.
Personal Life and Marriage
Catherine O’Hara married production designer Bo Welch on April 25, 1992, after they met on the set of “Beetlejuice.” They have two sons, Matthew (born 1994) and Luke (born 1997). O’Hara holds dual citizenship between Canada and the U.S. This factor influences her professional opportunities and choices. The details of her personal life, while not directly impacting her net worth, provide context to her career choices and long-term financial planning.
Detailed Analysis of Key Roles and Projects
To further illustrate the factors contributing to Catherine O’Hara’s $10 million net worth, it’s helpful to examine the financial impact of some of her most prominent roles and projects:
- “SCTV” (1976-1984): While specific salary figures from the 1970s are not publicly available, being a key cast member and writer for 135 episodes of a successful sketch comedy show like “SCTV” would have provided a steady income stream. The experience gained during this period was invaluable, opening doors to future opportunities.
- “Beetlejuice” (1988): As mentioned earlier, the film grossed $84.6 million against a $15 million budget. Although her exact salary for the role is not public knowledge, appearing in a major box office hit would have provided a significant boost to her income.
- “Home Alone” and “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” (1990, 1992): These films were enormous successes, generating $476.7 million and $359 million worldwide, respectively. O’Hara’s role as Kate McCallister would have commanded a substantial salary, especially considering the films’ popularity and her established presence in the industry. It is reasonable to assume that she earned several hundred thousand dollars for each film.
- Voice Acting Roles (1993-Present): While voice acting roles may not always command the same upfront fees as live-action roles, they provide a consistent source of income over time. Her voice work in projects like “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Over the Hedge,” and “Frankenweenie” would have contributed steadily to her earnings.
- “Schitt’s Creek” (2015-2020): This series was a major turning point in her career, both critically and financially. As a star and consulting producer, she likely received a per-episode salary, along with a share of any backend profits. Given the show’s popularity and awards success, it is plausible that she earned several million dollars over the course of the series. For instance, if O’Hara earned an estimated $100,000 per episode for the 80 episodes, this would amount to $8 million over the series’ run, significantly contributing to her net worth.
Analyzing Financial Decisions and Strategies
Catherine O’Hara’s $10 million net worth is not solely the result of her acting income. Strategic financial decisions and diversification have played a crucial role. While specific details of her investment portfolio are not publicly available, it is reasonable to assume that she has invested in a mix of assets, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate, to ensure long-term financial security.
Her decision to purchase a home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, in 1994 for $1.25 million demonstrates a savvy real estate investment. With comparable homes in the area now valued at around $4 million, this investment has generated a substantial return over the years. Prudent financial planning, combined with a successful acting career, has allowed Catherine O’Hara to accumulate a substantial net worth and secure her financial future.
Future Prospects and Potential Growth
Catherine O’Hara’s career shows no signs of slowing down, suggesting that her net worth may continue to grow in the years to come. With her established reputation, she is likely to continue receiving offers for film, television, and voice acting roles. Her success on “Schitt’s Creek” has increased her visibility and appeal, potentially leading to more lucrative opportunities.
In addition to her acting work, O’Hara may also explore other avenues to expand her income, such as writing, producing, or directing. Her experience and expertise in the entertainment industry make her well-positioned to take on new challenges and increase her earning potential. By continuing to make smart financial decisions and leverage her talent and experience, Catherine O’Hara can build upon her existing net worth and ensure a comfortable financial future.
Impact of Endorsements and Partnerships
While there is no publicly available information about Catherine O’Hara participating in significant endorsement deals or partnerships, such opportunities could further augment her net worth. Celebrities often leverage their fame and public image to promote products or services. Catherine O’Hara’s respected reputation and broad appeal could make her an attractive spokesperson for various brands. Potential endorsements could include partnerships with luxury brands, travel companies, or financial institutions. Such ventures could add significantly to her annual income and overall net worth.
Comparative Analysis with Co-Stars
When assessing Catherine O’Hara’s net worth, it is useful to compare it to that of her co-stars, particularly those from “Schitt’s Creek.” Eugene Levy, her longtime collaborator, has a reported net worth of approximately $30 million. Dan Levy, the show’s co-creator and star, has an estimated net worth of around $25 million. Annie Murphy, who played Alexis Rose, has a net worth of approximately $4 million.
Catherine O’Hara’s $10 million net worth is lower than that of Eugene and Dan Levy but higher than that of Annie Murphy. This difference can be attributed to factors such as longevity in the industry, roles as producers or creators, and individual financial decisions. However, all four actors have achieved significant financial success through their involvement with “Schitt’s Creek” and other ventures.
Detailed Look at Awards Impact
The numerous awards Catherine O’Hara has won, including the Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe for “Schitt’s Creek,” significantly impact her career trajectory and, consequently, her net worth. Awards recognition increases an actor’s visibility, prestige, and demand. This heightened profile often translates into higher salaries for future roles, as well as opportunities for endorsements and partnerships. The credibility and acclaim associated with major awards can also open doors to more selective and artistically fulfilling projects, which may not always be the most lucrative but contribute to long-term career satisfaction and stability.
For example, the Emmy win for “Schitt’s Creek” in 2020 likely led to increased offers for Catherine O’Hara, both in television and film. Directors and producers may be more inclined to cast an award-winning actress, even if it means paying a premium. The awards serve as a form of validation and assurance of an actor’s talent and ability to deliver a compelling performance.
Financial Impact of “Schitt’s Creek” on Net Worth
To pinpoint the exact financial influence of “Schitt’s Creek” on Catherine O’Hara’s net worth, it is essential to contemplate her different roles within the production and the financial rewards linked to them. As an actress portraying Moira Rose, she would have earned a salary per episode. While the precise figure is private, it is plausible that with the show’s growing fame and popularity, her salary would have increased with each season. This rise in salary is a common practice in the television industry, especially for principal cast members.
Moreover, Catherine O’Hara also functioned as a consulting producer for “Schitt’s Creek.” This position would have entitled her to extra compensation beyond her acting wage. Consulting producers often receive a percentage of the show’s profits or a fixed fee for their involvement in the creative and strategic decision-making. Considering the immense success of “Schitt’s Creek,” this additional revenue stream would have contributed significantly to her total income during the show’s run.
Beyond the direct monetary compensation, the accomplishment of “Schitt’s Creek” would have opened up other financial prospects for Catherine O’Hara. The show’s popularity amplified her public profile and heightened her demand as an actress. This could have led to higher salaries for subsequent roles in other projects, both in television and film. The increased visibility could have also attracted endorsement deals or partnership opportunities with brands looking to associate themselves with her well-known image.
Additionally, “Schitt’s Creek” gained significant acclaim and awards recognition, including multiple Emmy Awards. These accolades would have further elevated Catherine O’Hara’s standing in the industry and expanded her earning capacity. Awards and nominations frequently translate into higher fees for actors, as they serve as a validation of their talent and marketability.
In summary, “Schitt’s Creek” had a multifaceted financial influence on Catherine O’Hara’s net worth. Not only did she earn a considerable salary as an actress and consulting producer, but the show’s success also boosted her profile, increased her demand, and opened doors to more lucrative opportunities in the future. All of these factors combined to make “Schitt’s Creek” a significant contributor to her overall financial success.
Detailed Analysis of Real Estate Investment
Catherine O’Hara’s real estate investment in Brentwood, Los Angeles, represents a significant component of her net worth. Purchasing the home in 1994 for $1.25 million proved to be a judicious financial decision, as the property has considerably appreciated over the years. The real estate market in Brentwood, like many affluent areas in Los Angeles, has witnessed substantial growth, especially in recent decades.
The 2,606 square foot home, featuring four bedrooms and four bathrooms, offers ample living space and is situated in a desirable neighborhood. Comparable properties in the area have recently sold for approximately $4 million, indicating a more than threefold increase in value since O’Hara’s initial investment. This appreciation can be attributed to several factors, including the overall rise in real estate prices, the desirability of the Brentwood location, and any improvements or renovations that O’Hara may have made to the property over time.
Real estate investments can provide a reliable source of long-term capital appreciation, as well as potential rental income if the property is leased out. While it is not publicly known whether O’Hara has ever rented out her Brentwood home, the option to do so exists and could provide an additional revenue stream. Furthermore, real estate can serve as a hedge against inflation, as property values tend to increase along with the general rise in prices. By investing in real estate, Catherine O’Hara has effectively diversified her portfolio and secured a tangible asset that has the potential to generate further wealth in the future.
In addition to the financial benefits, owning a home also provides a sense of stability and security. For Catherine O’Hara, the Brentwood property has served as a residence for her and her family for over two decades, creating a sense of belonging and community. This personal value is an important aspect of real estate ownership, complementing the financial advantages.
Overall, Catherine O’Hara’s real estate investment in Brentwood has been a success, contributing significantly to her net worth and providing a stable foundation for her financial future. The appreciation of the property, combined with the potential for rental income and the personal value of homeownership, makes real estate a valuable asset in her portfolio.