Catherine O’Hara and husband Beau Welch reportedly kept her mysterious illness a secret before her death.
O’Hara passed away on Friday at the age of 71, her agency CAA confirmed to Page Six after TMZ first reported the death. “Prolific award-winning actress, author, and comedian Catherine O’Hara passed away today at her home in Los Angeles after a brief illness,” they told us in a statement.
The Los Angeles Fire Department exclusively said Friday that they responded to a call to O’Hara’s home at 4:48 a.m. They then took her to the hospital in “serious” condition.
The cause of death has not yet been determined, but audio of the 911 call obtained by Page Six shows that she had been having “difficulty breathing” during her final hours.
The Daily Mail said that while Welch may have known “what was going to happen,” “many close to O’Hara were kept in the dark about her final condition.”
Sources told the outlet on Saturday that some of the “Schitt’s Creek” actress’ friends were in “complete shock” following her death.
Representatives for Mr. O’Hara did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment on Saturday.
O’Hara was scheduled to film Season 2 of Seth Rogen’s “The Studio,” but canceled it just days before her death. According to The Sun, the schedule has been “reworked to focus on non-role scenes” as she deals with “personal issues”.
“It was not widely known that she had health issues and major problems,” a source told the outlet after her death.
In addition to her spouse of 33 years, she leaves behind sons Matthew, 31, and Luke, 29.
The legendary comedic actress, who starred in cult classics like “Beetlejuice,” “Waiting for Guffman” and “Best in Show,” rose to mainstream fame after appearing in 1990’s “Home Alone.”
In recent years, his career has been revived with important roles in “Schitt’s Creek” and “The Studio.”
In an interview that resurfaced in 2024, the actress revealed that she feels “lucky to be alive” and continues to take advantage of opportunities to gain attention. “I’m lucky to be able to continue doing this at this age. It’s unbelievable,” she told Elle Canada in August 2024.
“Over the last few years, I’ve really tried to practice turning things around and being grateful when I start feeling scared or nervous or complaining about something. Like, ‘How lucky am I to be alive right now? And to have this opportunity at this moment.'”
Following O’Hara’s death, dozens of celebrities and co-stars paid tribute to the beloved Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actress.
Director Tim Burton wrote in part, “You were a special part of my life and the rest of my life.”
His longtime friend and frequent co-star Eugene Levy also paid his respects on Saturday.
“Words don’t seem to be enough to express the sense of loss I feel today. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with the great Catherine O’Hara for over 50 years,” he said in an emotional statement.
“From our beginnings on stage in The Second City, to SCTV, films with Chris Guest, and six glorious years on Schitt’s Creek, I cherished our working relationships, but above all our friendships. And I will miss her dearly. My heart goes out to Beau, Matthew, Luke, and the entire O’Hara family.”
Home Alone’s Macaulay Culkin wrote, “Mom, I thought I had time. I wanted more. I wanted to sit in the chair next to you. I could hear you. But there was so much I wanted to say. I love you. See you soon.”
The actress’ team confirmed to Page Six on Saturday that her family will host a “private celebration of life.”
