Catherine O’Hara Dies A Look Back at Her Final Appearance Four Months Before Her Death

Beloved actress Catherine O’Hara, widely known for her iconic roles in Schitt’s Creek, Home Alone, and Best in Show, has died at the age of 71, according to reports from TMZ and People.

TMZ reported that O’Hara passed away on Friday, with two sources confirming the news. While her exact cause of death was not immediately disclosed, it was later reported that the actress died following a brief illness.

Catherine O’Hara attends the “Flatliners” Hollywood Premiere on August 6, 1990 | Source: Getty Images

Details Surrounding Her Passing

Additional information emerged in the hours following the announcement. A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department told People that first responders received a call at 4:48 a.m. on Friday, January 30, regarding an “approximately 70-year-old” woman at O’Hara’s home address. The individual was transported to a local hospital in serious condition.

According to LAFD dispatch audio, the woman was experiencing breathing difficulties at the time of the call. Authorities did not initially identify the individual by name, though subsequent reporting confirmed the address belonged to O’Hara.

A Career That Spanned Generations

Catherine O’Hara became a household name portraying Kate McCallister, the determined mother of Kevin McCallister, in Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, opposite Macaulay Culkin. The role cemented her place in pop culture and made her a beloved figure for generations of moviegoers.

Decades later, O’Hara reached an entirely new audience with her Emmy-winning performance as Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek. She appeared in 80 episodes of the series, helping transform it into a global cultural phenomenon and earning widespread critical acclaim.

Her career also included acclaimed collaborations with filmmaker Christopher Guest, including Best in Show (2000) and A Mighty Wind (2003). O’Hara additionally appeared in the Beetlejuice franchise, returning to the role decades after the original film.

Catherine O’Hara attends a red carpet for “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”. | Source: Getty Images

Her Final Public Appearance

O’Hara’s final public appearance took place on September 14, 2025, at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze, the ceremony featured nominees including Quinta Brunson and Ayo Edebiri.

Following the event, some viewers commented on O’Hara’s appearance on social media, expressing concern about her noticeable weight loss, while others defended her appearance, describing her as elegant and beautiful. At the time, no public statement was made regarding her health.

Catherine O’Hara attends Apple TV+’s Primetime Emmy Party Red Carpet on September 14, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Personal Life and Legacy

Born and raised in Toronto, O’Hara was the sixth of seven children. She met her husband, production designer Bo Welch, while working on Beetlejuice in 1988. The couple married in 1992 and shared two sons, Matthew and Luke.

In a statement released by her representative, it was noted that a private celebration of life will be held by the family.

Catherine O’Hara leaves behind a remarkable legacy defined by warmth, originality, and an unparalleled ability to blend comedy with emotional depth. Her work continues to resonate across generations, ensuring her place as one of the most cherished performers in modern entertainment history.