The entertainment world is mourning the sudden loss of acclaimed actress Catherine O'Hara, who passed away at age 71 following a medical emergency at her Los Angeles home. The beloved star, best known for her iconic role as Kate McCallister in the Home Alone films, was rushed to hospital early Friday morning after experiencing breathing difficulties.
Emergency Response and Hospitalisation
According to dispatch audio obtained by TMZ, first responders were called to O'Hara's Brentwood residence at approximately 5 AM on Friday after she reported having "difficulty breathing." The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed they transported a woman in her seventies to a nearby medical facility in serious condition. A spokesperson detailed that crews responded to a request for medical aid at 4:48 AM and provided emergency care before rushing the patient to hospital.
Within hours of her admission, the celebrated actress was declared dead, sending shockwaves through the entertainment industry and among her legion of fans worldwide.
Recent Public Appearances and Career Highlights
O'Hara's final public appearance occurred at the Emmy Awards in September, where observers noted she appeared somewhat frail on the red carpet. Just one week prior to that ceremony, she had been honoured with the Norman Jewison Career Achievement Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, where she shared an emotional reunion with longtime collaborator Eugene Levy.
The actress was notably absent from the 2026 Golden Globes on January 11th, where she had received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Television Series for her work in The Studio. Her Home Alone co-star Macaulay Culkin presented an award during that same ceremony and reflected on his role in the holiday classic.
Heartfelt Tributes from Co-Stars and Colleagues
As news of O'Hara's tragic passing spread, Culkin led the outpouring of tributes with a heartbreaking Instagram post featuring split images from their Home Alone days and a more recent reunion at his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2023. His poignant caption read: "Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you. But I had so much more to say. I love you. I'll see you later."
Other notable figures from the entertainment world shared their condolences and memories. Pedro Pascal, who appeared alongside O'Hara in the second season of HBO's The Last of Us, posted on Instagram: "Oh, genius to be near you. Eternally grateful. There is less light in my world, this lucky world that had you, will keep you, always. Always."
Justin Theroux, her co-star in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, shared a photograph of her on-set chair bearing her name with the simple caption: "Oh Catherine. You will be so so missed."
Filmmaker Ron Howard, who collaborated with O'Hara on the 1994 film The Paper, described the loss as "shattering news," adding: "What a wonderful person, artist and collaborator. I was lucky enough to direct, produce and act in projects with her, and she only grew more brilliant each year. My heart goes out to Bo and family."
A Storied Career Spanning Decades
O'Hara's remarkable career began in her native Toronto as a member of the legendary Second City Television (SCTV) cast, where she helped launch the careers of comedy icons including John Candy, Eugene Levy, and Rick Moranis. She won her first Emmy in 1982 for her work on SCTV Network.
The actress achieved household name status through her portrayal of Macaulay Culkin's mother in the first two Home Alone films and later charmed audiences worldwide with her eccentric performance as Moira Rose in all 80 episodes of Schitt's Creek, earning her second Emmy in 2020 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.
Her comedic brilliance shone through in Christopher Guest's celebrated mockumentaries, including Waiting for Guffman (1996), Best in Show (2000), and A Mighty Wind (2003). Fans also remember her unforgettable performances in Tim Burton's Beetlejuice and its recent sequel.
Personal Life and Legacy
O'Hara leaves behind her husband of more than thirty years, production designer Bo Welch, whom she met on the set of Beetlejuice and married in 1992. Together they had two sons: Matthew, aged 32, and Luke, aged 29.
In addition to her Emmy wins, O'Hara received eight additional nominations for acting and writing throughout her career. She was named to the Order of Canada in 2017, one of the country's highest honours, and in 2025 received a rare double nomination for her guest role on The Last of Us and her performance in The Studio.
Her talent extended seamlessly between comedic and dramatic roles, with her final performance in The Studio showcasing her remarkable versatility. The entertainment industry has lost not only a gifted performer but a beloved figure whose influence spanned generations and genres.
