Catherine O'Hara's Passing at 71 Reveals Tragic Contrast to Her Humorous Death Wish
The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Catherine O'Hara, the cherished comedy icon who passed away on Friday at the age of 71. Known for her unforgettable roles in classics like Home Alone and Schitt's Creek, her sudden death has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues alike.
Emergency Call and Hospitalisation
Haunting 911 dispatch audio, obtained by the Daily Mail, reveals that O'Hara was experiencing "difficulty breathing" before paramedics rushed to her Brentwood home in the early hours. She was transported to hospital in serious condition and pronounced dead within hours of the emergency call. The exact causes of her death have not yet been disclosed to the public.
A Cheeky Vision of Her Final Hours
In a poignant twist, a resurfaced interview from 2013 paints a vastly different picture of how O'Hara envisioned her final moments. When completing the famous Proust questionnaire for Vanity Fair, she was asked how she wanted to die. The actress provided a characteristically cheeky response, stating she hoped to pass away "laughing, surrounded by my old grandchildren, who are telling me to 'let go, already, Grandma!'" This humorous wish starkly contrasts the reality of her medical emergency.
Family and Survivors
O'Hara is survived by her husband of nearly 34 years, Bo Welch, a production designer she met while both were working on the 1988 classic Beetlejuice. The couple welcomed two sons, Matthew, 31, and Luke, 28, both of whom have followed their parents into the entertainment industry. One works as a set dresser, while the other is involved in set construction. She also leaves behind several siblings.
In the same Proust questionnaire, when asked to name "the greatest love of your life," O'Hara simply replied, "My family." This sentiment underscores the personal loss felt by her loved ones.
Health and Final Public Appearances
O'Hara was not publicly known to be ill prior to her death. However, observers noted she appeared frail during her last red carpet appearance at the Emmys in September. Notably, she was absent from the Golden Globes on January 11, despite being nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Studio.
The actress was known to have a rare medical condition called situs inversus, where organs in the chest and abdomen are mirrored from their normal positions. Her heart was located on the right side of her body, a fact discovered during routine tuberculosis testing. O'Hara humorously referred to herself as a "freak" in a 2021 interview, expressing a reluctance to engage deeply with medical terminology.
Flood of Tributes from Co-Stars and Icons
News of her death has triggered a wave of tributes from across Hollywood:
- Macaulay Culkin, whom she played mother to in Home Alone, shared his condolences.
- Brooke Shields, whom O'Hara parodied on SCTV, paid heartfelt respects.
- Co-stars from The Studio, Schitt's Creek, and Beetlejuice, including Seth Rogen, Dan Levy, and Michael Keaton, added their voices.
- Director Martin Scorsese, who worked with her on After Hours, was pictured looking aghast upon hearing the news.
The legacy of Catherine O'Hara, marked by her unparalleled comedic talent and warm personality, will undoubtedly endure, even as the circumstances of her passing highlight a sad divergence from the joyful exit she once imagined.
