Catherine O'Hara's Family Announces Private Memorial Following Actress's Death at 71
The entertainment world is mourning the loss of beloved actress Catherine O'Hara, who has died at the age of 71. The Canadian-born star, celebrated for her iconic roles in Home Alone and Schitt's Creek, passed away on Friday in Los Angeles following what has been described as a brief illness.
Private Family Celebration of Life Planned
According to an obituary seen by entertainment outlet Just Jared, O'Hara's family will hold a private memorial service to honour her life and legacy. The statement confirmed that a private celebration of life will be held by the family, including her husband of over three decades, production designer Bo Welch, and their two sons, Matthew, 32, and Luke, 29.
The actress was reportedly rushed to hospital after suffering a medical emergency at her Brentwood home in the early hours of Friday morning. Los Angeles Fire Department records indicate that first responders were called to the address at approximately 4:48 AM following reports of a 70-year-old woman experiencing breathing difficulties.
An LAFD spokesperson confirmed to the Daily Mail that the patient was transported to a nearby medical facility in serious condition. At this time, the exact cause of death has not been publicly disclosed by the family or medical authorities.
Heartfelt Tributes Pour In From Co-Stars and Colleagues
News of O'Hara's passing prompted an outpouring of grief from across the entertainment industry, with many of her former co-stars and collaborators sharing emotional tributes.
Macaulay Culkin, who played her son in the first two Home Alone films, led the memorials with a heartbreaking Instagram post featuring a split image from the classic holiday movie and a more recent reunion at his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2023.
"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," Culkin wrote in his caption.
Other notable figures paying tribute included:
- Pedro Pascal, who appeared alongside O'Hara in the second season of HBO's The Last of Us, wrote: "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 the upcoming Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, shared a photograph of her on-set chair bearing her name with the simple message: "Oh Catherine. You will be so so missed."
- Ron Howard, who directed O'Hara in the 1994 film The Paper, described the news as "shattering" and praised her as "a wonderful person, artist and collaborator" whose brilliance only grew with each passing year.
A Distinguished Career Spanning Five Decades
Catherine O'Hara's remarkable career began in the 1970s as a member of the legendary Second City Television (SCTV) cast in her native Toronto, where she helped launch the careers of comedy icons including John Candy, Eugene Levy, and Rick Moranis.
Her breakthrough to international fame came with her portrayal of Kate McCallister, the frantic mother in the first two Home Alone films opposite Macaulay Culkin. This role established her as a household name and demonstrated her exceptional talent for blending heartfelt emotion with impeccable comic timing.
O'Hara's collaboration with director Christopher Guest produced some of her most memorable work, including standout performances in the mockumentaries Waiting for Guffman (1996), Best in Show (2000), A Mighty Wind (2003), and For Your Consideration (2006).
Her career experienced a significant resurgence in the 2010s with her portrayal of the eccentric, vocabulary-obsessed Moira Rose in all 80 episodes of the critically acclaimed series Schitt's Creek. This role earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2020, adding to her earlier Emmy win in 1982 for her work on SCTV.
Other notable career highlights include:
- Her unforgettable performance as Delia Deetz in Tim Burton's cult classic Beetlejuice (1988)
- Being named to the Order of Canada in 2017, one of the country's highest civilian honours
- A rare double nomination in 2025 for her guest role on HBO's The Last of Us and her performance in The Studio
- Receiving the Norman Jewison Career Achievement Award at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025, presented by her longtime collaborator Eugene Levy
Recent Public Appearances and Professional Activities
Just weeks before her passing, O'Hara had been notably absent from the 2026 Golden Globes ceremony on January 11, where she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress on Television for her work in The Studio. The ceremony saw her Home Alone co-star Macaulay Culkin take to the stage to present an award and reflect on their work together in the holiday classic.
In September 2025, O'Hara delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech when honoured with the Norman Jewison Career Achievement Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. During her emotional address, she paid tribute to her frequent collaborator Eugene Levy, stating: "When I think of my happiest days in this adventure in show business, I realize most of them have been with you."
The actress's final public appearance occurred at the 2025 Emmy Awards in September, where she presented an award and was photographed looking vibrant and engaged with colleagues and fans.
Catherine O'Hara leaves behind a legacy of extraordinary comedic talent, memorable characters, and profound influence on multiple generations of performers and audiences. Her family's decision to hold a private celebration of life reflects their desire to mourn their loss intimately while the world remembers a truly remarkable artist whose work brought joy to millions.
