Catherine O'Hara, the Emmy-winning actress and comedian celebrated for her roles in Schitt's Creek, Home Alone, and Beetlejuice, has died at the age of 71. O'Hara passed away on Friday, January 30th, in Los Angeles following what has been described as a brief illness. News of her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans alike, recognizing her immense talent and contributions to the world of entertainment.
In the wake of her passing, O'Hara's family has announced that they will be holding a private celebration of life to honor her memory. According to an obituary shared by her representative, the ceremony will be a private affair, allowing her loved ones to grieve and remember her away from the public eye.
Catherine O'Hara is survived by her husband of 33 years, Bo Welch, an Oscar-nominated production designer whom she met on the set of Beetlejuice. She is also survived by her two adult sons, Luke and Matthew, and her siblings Michael O'Hara; Mary Margaret O'Hara; Maureen Jolley; Marcus O'Hara; Tom O'Hara; and Patricia Wallice.
News of O'Hara's passing first emerged after first responders were called to her home in Brentwood around 4:48 a.m. on January 30th. A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that an "approximately 70-year-old" female, presumed to be O'Hara, was transported to the hospital in serious condition. She later passed away in the hospital. The specific cause of death has not been disclosed.
Tributes to O'Hara have flooded social media, with many of her former co-stars sharing heartfelt messages. Macaulay Culkin, who played her on-screen son in Home Alone, posted throwback photos of himself with O'Hara, expressing his love and regret that they didn't have more time together. Pedro Pascal, who starred alongside O'Hara in The Last of Us, shared his gratitude for her genius and the light she brought to the world. Michael Keaton, her Beetlejuice co-star, reminisced about their long friendship and expressed how much he would miss her.
O'Hara's career spanned decades, marked by her versatility and comedic brilliance. She was a prolific actress, writer, and comedian, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Her work in Christopher Guest's mockumentary films, such as Best in Show and A Mighty Wind, further cemented her status as a comedic icon. In a 2024 interview with Elle Canada, O'Hara reflected on her career and expressed gratitude for the opportunities she had. "You look forward," she said. "I'm lucky [I get] to keep doing things like this at my age -- I can't believe it".
Catherine O'Hara's legacy is one of laughter, warmth, and unforgettable characters. Her contributions to comedy and her ability to connect with audiences will be remembered for generations to come.
