Catherine O’Hara, the beloved actress known for Home Alone, Schitt’s Creek, and Beetlejuice, has died at the age of 71. Details about her final moments have now emerged.
According to reports, O’Hara experienced a medical emergency and had trouble breathing shortly before her death. She was rushed from her Brentwood, Los Angeles home to a hospital in “serious condition” after first responders were called at 4:48 a.m. on Friday, TMZ and Page Six reported. A 911 dispatch log confirmed the call described her condition as “breathing difficulty.”
Hours later, the iconic star was pronounced dead. Her agency, CAA, confirmed she passed away in Los Angeles following a brief illness. Tributes immediately poured in from fans and fellow celebrities worldwide.
O’Hara had been scheduled to begin filming for The Studio this January. Production reportedly adjusted the schedule to accommodate scenes without her character, though it was not publicly known she had been facing any health concerns. A source told The Sun: “She was scheduled to film, but they reworked the schedule to focus on scenes without her character. It was not widely known she was dealing with any health or major issues.”
Fellow stars shared heartfelt tributes. Macaulay Culkin, who played her son Kevin in Home Alone, wrote: “Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more… I love you. I’ll see you later.” Michael Keaton, her Beetlejuice co-star, remembered her as “my pretend wife, my pretend nemesis and my real life, true friend. This one hurts. Man am I gonna miss her.” Meryl Streep added: “Catherine O’Hara brought love and light to our world… such a loss for her family, friends, and the audience.” Pedro Pascal said: “There is less light in my world; this lucky world that had you will keep you always.” Rita Wilson shared: “Catherine O’Hara – a woman who was authentic and truthful in all she did… our deepest sympathies. May her memory be eternal.”
O’Hara is survived by her husband, Bo Welch, and their sons, Matthew and Luke. Her family plans a private celebration of her life.
