The entertainment world is mourning the loss of beloved actress Catherine O'Hara, who passed away at her Los Angeles home on Friday at the age of 71. According to a statement from her agency, CAA, her death followed a brief illness, though no specific cause has yet been released. Her passing has brought renewed attention to one of her final public appearances: an emotional reunion with her former on-screen son, Macaulay Culkin, at his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in December 2023.
A Heartfelt Hollywood Reunion
O'Hara, who famously portrayed Culkin's mother in the first two Home Alone films, was invited by the actor to introduce him at the star-studded ceremony. The moment proved to be a poignant full-circle event for the pair, whose chemistry in the 1990 holiday classic endeared them to millions worldwide. During her speech, O'Hara delivered a touching tribute to Culkin's talent and legacy.
"Home Alone was, is and always will be a beloved global sensation... the reason families all over the world can't let a year go by without watching and loving Home Alone together is because of Macaulay Culkin," she gushed to the audience. She praised his performance in the original film as "perfect" and remarked on how he made acting appear effortlessly natural.
Sweet Gestures and Tearful Embraces
Photographs and videos from the event captured several intimate moments between the two stars. O'Hara was seen gently touching Culkin's face in a maternal gesture, and the pair shared a tearful embrace before posing for photos together. In her speech, she humorously referenced their fictional relationship, stating, "And thank you for including me, your fake mom who left you home alone not once but twice, to share in this happy occasion. I'm so proud of you."
Reflecting on the invitation afterwards, O'Hara recalled her initial reaction during an appearance on Sunday Today. "Out of the blue, he asked me. And my first reaction was, 'Aww.' I told my husband, 'Aww.' It just was the sweetest idea," she said. She expressed happiness at being able to witness Culkin receive the honour, noting his evident joy and his lovely family.
Culkin's Heartbreaking Tribute
Following news of her passing, Macaulay Culkin broke his silence with a poignant social media tribute. He shared a throwback photo from their Home Alone days alongside an image from their 2023 reunion, captioning it: "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." The post underscored the deep, enduring bond formed through their iconic collaboration.
Details Surrounding Her Passing
The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed responding to a medical aid request at O'Hara's address early on Friday morning. A spokesperson stated they transported "an approximately 70-year-old female in serious condition" at around 4:48 am. O'Hara is survived by her husband of over three decades, production designer Bo Welch, and their two sons, Matthew, 32, and Luke, 29.
Her last major public appearance was at the Emmy Awards in September 2025, where observers noted she appeared frail on the red carpet. She was notably absent from the Golden Globes in January 2026, where she had received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Studio.
A Legendary Career in Comedy
Catherine O'Hara's career spanned decades and left an indelible mark on comedy. A Toronto native, she first gained prominence as a cast member on the legendary sketch show Second City Television (SCTV), helping launch the careers of comedy greats like John Candy and Eugene Levy. Her filmography includes memorable roles in Tim Burton's Beetlejuice and Christopher Guest's mockumentaries such as Best in Show and A Mighty Wind.
Late-Career Acclaim and Accolades
In recent years, O'Hara experienced a significant career resurgence with the critically adored series Schitt's Creek. Her portrayal of the eccentric Moira Rose earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2020. Her Emmy shelf was already impressive, having won in 1982 for her work on SCTV and accumulating eight additional nominations over her career.
Just a week before the 2025 Emmys, she was honoured with the Norman Jewison Career Achievement Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by her longtime friend and collaborator Eugene Levy. In 2017, she was appointed to the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest civilian honours.
The reunion at Culkin's star ceremony now stands as a fitting, bittersweet final chapter to her public life—a moment of warmth and recognition between two artists whose work together brought joy to generations. The entertainment industry and fans worldwide remember her not only for her immense talent but for the genuine connections she fostered throughout her storied career.
