Catherine O’Hara Dies at 71 After Medical Emergency in LA

Catherine O’Hara, the actress known for her roles in Schitt’s Creek and Home Alone, died on January 30, 2026, at her home in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles. She was 71. Emergency responders rushed her to a hospital early that morning after a call about breathing problems, but she passed away later that day following a brief illness.

Background

Catherine O’Hara built a long career in comedy that lasted more than 50 years. She started out on the sketch show Second City Television, or SCTV, in the 1970s and 1980s. That work earned her an Emmy Award for her writing and performing. From there, she moved into movies and TV shows that made her a familiar face to millions.

People remember her most for playing Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, a role that brought her more Emmy wins and praise from fans around the world. In Home Alone, she played the worried mom Kate McCallister, chasing after her kids during the holidays. She also appeared in films like Beetlejuice, where she was the quirky Delia Deetz, and Best in Show, a mockumentary about dog owners that showed off her talent for odd characters.

O’Hara came from a big family in Canada. She was one of seven kids born in Toronto. Her parents encouraged laughter at the dinner table, which helped shape her path into comedy. She once said her family’s sense of humor was key to her success. Over the years, she worked with top talents like Eugene Levy, her Schitt’s Creek co-star and longtime friend. They created many funny moments together on screen.

In her personal life, O’Hara married production designer Bo Welch in 1992. They had two sons, Matthew, now 32, and Luke, 28. The family lived a quiet life in Los Angeles, away from the spotlight most of the time. O’Hara kept working into her later years. Just recently, she had a role in the show The Studio with Seth Rogen. She even got a Golden Globe nomination for it but did not go to the event.

O’Hara learned later in life about a rare health condition called situs inversus. This means her major organs, like her heart and stomach, sat on the opposite side of her body from normal. Doctors found it by chance during a test. She shared the story in interviews, saying it surprised her since no one in her family had mentioned it before. Her parents had already passed away, and none of her six siblings knew about it either. People with this condition often live normal lives, but it stayed with her as part of her story.

Key Details

The events of O’Hara’s final day came to light through reports from emergency services. At around 4:48 a.m. on January 30, the Los Angeles Fire Department got a call to her Brentwood home. A voice recording from the 911 call mentioned breathing difficulties. Responders found her in serious condition and took her to a nearby hospital right away.

Final Hours and Response

Fire department members said she arrived at the hospital in serious shape. Her agency, Creative Artists Agency, later confirmed she died at home after a short illness. No one has given an exact cause of death yet. Some reports point to the breathing issue as the main problem in her last moments. TMZ first broke the news, saying two sources close to the family told them she passed that Friday.

O’Hara had spoken about health matters before. Years ago, she tested positive for COVID while shooting The Studio but kept working at a distance from others to finish the job. More recently, in a March interview, she talked about how her condition and family life influenced her comedy. She credited her survival skills in humor to finding light in tough spots.

“What a gift to have gotten to dance in the warm glow of Catherine O’Hara’s brilliance for all those years. I will cherish every funny memory I was fortunate enough to make with her.” – Dan Levy, Schitt’s Creek co-star

Tributes started coming in right away. Eugene Levy, who played her husband on Schitt’s Creek, shared memories of their time together. Macaulay Culkin, her Home Alone co-star, posted a note saying he thought they had more time and that he loved her. These messages show how much she meant to those who worked with her.

What This Means

O’Hara’s death marks the end of an era for comedy fans. Her work on SCTV helped launch a generation of performers, including many who went on to big careers. Schitt’s Creek became a huge hit partly because of her wild takes on Moira’s fashion and voice. The show won multiple Emmys, and her performance stood out every time.

Fans now turn to her films and shows to remember her. Places to watch include Home Alone for holiday fun, Beetlejuice for Tim Burton weirdness, and Best in Show for laughs about everyday people. Schitt’s Creek streams on many platforms, letting new viewers see why she won so many awards.

Her family faces a hard time ahead. Bo Welch and their sons will handle private services. The entertainment world keeps paying respects. Colleagues recall her kindness on set and her sharp timing. One friend noted how she always made rooms brighter with her energy.

O’Hara leaves a body of work that mixes heart with humor. Her characters often hid pain behind jokes, much like her own life with its surprises. People in Hollywood say her influence will stay for years. Younger actors look to her as a model for blending drama and comedy without losing the funny side. The loss hits hard for those who grew up with her on screen, from kids watching Home Alone to adults bingeing Schitt’s Creek.

Discussions about her health condition may grow. Situs inversus is rare, and her story brought attention to it. Doctors say it does not shorten life most times, but her brief illness adds questions. Families with history might check their own health after hearing this.

The industry moves on, but tributes keep coming. Shows like The Studio will feel her absence. Her Golden Globe nod showed she stayed relevant right up to the end. Fans share clips online, keeping her laughs alive. Her legacy sits in every over-the-top outfit Moira wore and every worried glance Kate gave in Home Alone.