Comedy Legend Catherine O Hara Dead at 71 After Brief Illness
1 Video View·Jan 31, 2026
Hollywood is mourning the shocking death of comedy legend Catherine O’Hara, beloved for her roles in “Beetlejuice,” “Schitt’s Creek,” “Home Alone” and more. “Extra” has confirmed that she passed way after “a brief illness.” Catherine’s last public appearance was in September at the Emmys. She’s being remembered by friends and co-stars including her “Home Alone” movie son Macaulay Culkin, who shared a heartbreaking tribute.
The shocking news today. Comedy legend Catherine O'Hara is dead at 71.
The Los Angeles Fire Department rushed her to the hospital at 4 48 this morning.
TMZ broke the tragic news of Catherine's death. Executive producer Michael Babcock
revealing the latest. We have learned that around 5 a.m this morning there was an emergency call
made you know requesting assistance at her Brentwood home. Emergency responders go there
they take her to the hospital and then about two hours later she was pronounced dead. Extra has
confirmed that she passed away after what we were told was a brief illness. In her last public
appearance in September at the Emmys Catherine appeared more gone than in the past but she was
all smiles. Arriving with her husband Beau Welsh they were married since 1992.
Born in Canada Catherine got her start on the comedy show SCTV.
But her place in movie history was cemented as Macaulay Culkin's mom in Home Alone.
Macaulay posted this tribute to Catherine today. 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. Catherine became a fan favorite in the quirky comedy Schitt's Creek where she won
two Emmys playing a washed up soap actress. Now is not the time to lose focus darling. She joked
with us in 2021 about what her character would say about winning a Saga award. Something ridiculous
like it's about time. Where have you been? In 2023 she spoke at Macaulay Culkin's star on the
Walk of Fame ceremony. It is Macaulay's perfect performance as Kevin McCallister that gave us
that little every boy on an extraordinary adventure. And she spoofed her most famous
role alongside a different Kevin. Kevin Hart for a commercial and we were on set. Kevin where are
you? Kevin. Hey what's going on? I'm right here. What do you think Macaulay Culkin is saying if he
sees this commercial? Why didn't I play Kevin? They're gonna be laughing at us laughing at us.
Catherine was also a major player in the Apple TV smash hit The Studio where she played a high
powered executive and we talked to her in March of last year. Are you worried in any form that
any of the scenes could be a little bit too close to the truth and possibly finish your amazing
Hollywood career? Wow what do you know that I don't know. Don't say that you'll be happy. No I personally did not model my character on anyone.
Like this Catherine she's the one that should be worried. Exactly. We have learned she was scheduled
to appear this coming Tuesday at an Apple TV event. Catherine's comedy catalogue included
playing the voice of Sally in Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas. That feels like
And of course in Beetlejuice and the sequel
where she talked about her excitement at reuniting with the cast. What was so special
about diving back into this? I just couldn't believe it was happening. Yeah that's what we
kept saying to each other do you believe we're here we're actually doing this. Catherine is
survived by her husband and two sons. She said her favorite role was being a mom to her two sons
and I think it kind of goes to show that she was an actress that was her day job but it wasn't
her life and it didn't define her. A private celebration of life will be held by her family.