Catherine O'Hara was a beloved Canadian-American actress, comedian, and screenwriter, renowned for her sharp wit, impeccable timing, and iconic roles across film and television. Born on March 4, 1954, in Toronto, Ontario, she passed away on January 30, 2026, at the age of 71 in Los Angeles, following a brief illness. Her death was confirmed by her agency, CAA, with no official cause released beyond the "brief illness" description. Reports noted she experienced breathing difficulties and was rushed to the hospital in serious condition earlier that day.
O'Hara had previously shared that she lived with a rare congenital condition called dextrocardia with situs inversus, where her heart and other internal organs were mirrored (heart on the right side). This condition is typically asymptomatic and affects about 1 in 10,000 people, but it was highlighted in coverage of her health following her passing. There is no confirmed link between this condition and her death, and speculation (including respiratory issues like COPD or asthma in some unverified reports) remains unconfirmed by official sources.
Catherine O'Hara Cause of Death
As of the latest reports from reliable outlets like People, Variety, TMZ, and E! News, an official cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. Her representatives stated she died "following a brief illness" at her Los Angeles home. She had been absent from recent events like the Golden Globes despite nominations, but no prior serious health announcements were made. Tributes from co-stars like Eugene Levy, Dan Levy, Macaulay Culkin, and others emphasized her vibrant spirit and lasting legacy.
Is Catherine O'Hara Still Alive? / Did Catherine O'Hara Die?
No, Catherine O'Hara passed away on January 30, 2026. Rumors or searches about her status spiked due to the sudden news, but major sources (including Wikipedia updates, NPR, CNN, BBC, and People) confirm her death at age 71. She is not alive.
Catherine O'Hara Age
At the time of her death, Catherine O'Hara was 71 years old (born March 4, 1954).
Catherine O'Hara Husband
Catherine O'Hara was married to production designer Bo Welch (full name Robert W. "Bo" Welch III) from 1992 until her death. They met on the set of Beetlejuice (1988), where she played Delia Deetz and he handled production design. Welch is an acclaimed art director with Oscar nominations for films like Men in Black and A Little Princess.
Catherine O'Hara Children / Catherine O'Hara Family / Catherine O'Hara Kids
O'Hara and Bo Welch had two sons:
- Matthew Welch (born 1994)
- Luke Welch (born 1997)
Both sons have largely stayed out of the spotlight but have pursued careers behind the scenes in entertainment. O'Hara was the sixth of seven children in her own family; her younger sister is singer-songwriter Mary Margaret O'Hara. Her family was of Irish descent and emphasized humor growing up in Toronto.
Catherine O'Hara Movies and TV Shows
O'Hara's career spanned over five decades, starting with improvisational comedy. Key highlights include:
- SCTV (1976–1984): Emmy-winning writing and performances.
- Beetlejuice (1988): As Delia Deetz.
- Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992): As Kate McCallister, the mom.
- Best in Show (2000) and other Christopher Guest mockumentaries.
- Schitt's Creek (2015–2020): Emmy-winning role as Moira Rose.
- Other notables: The Nightmare Before Christmas (voice of Sally), Nightmare Before Christmas, and recent appearances in The Studio and The Last of Us.
She earned two Emmys for Schitt's Creek and a Golden Globe, among other accolades.
Schitt's Creek / Moira Rose / Schitt's Creek Cast
In Schitt's Creek, O'Hara portrayed the eccentric, dramatic Moira Rose, earning widespread acclaim for her over-the-top yet heartfelt performance. The cast included Eugene Levy (Johnny Rose), Dan Levy (David Rose), and Annie Murphy (Alexis Rose). The show became a cultural phenomenon, with O'Hara's chemistry with Eugene Levy particularly celebrated.
Catherine O'Hara Home Alone / Home Alone Mom / Kate McCallister
O'Hara's role as the worried yet loving mother Kate McCallister in Home Alone (and its sequel) remains one of her most recognizable. Opposite Macaulay Culkin as Kevin, her performance captured holiday family chaos with humor and warmth.
Catherine O'Hara Beetlejuice / Delia Deetz
As the neurotic artist Delia Deetz in Tim Burton's Beetlejuice, O'Hara delivered a memorable, deadpan performance that became a cult favorite.
O'Hara's legacy endures through her contributions to comedy and her ability to blend eccentricity with humanity. Tributes continue to pour in from fans and colleagues alike.
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