The 911 call capturing actor Catherine O'Hara's final moments has been released, adding to the sorrow. Beloved worldwide as Kate, the mother in Home Alone, she experienced breathing difficulties at her residence and was taken to a hospital but ultimately died. She was 71. Colleagues and fans around the world have expressed their condolences.
According to the emergency dispatch audio obtained by British entertainment outlet Daily Mail, O'Hara experienced a medical emergency at her Brentwood, Los Angeles, home in the early hours of the 30th (local time). The report included the description "having difficulty breathing." The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) said it received a request for medical assistance to that address at 4:48 a.m. and responded, adding that "one woman in her 70s was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition."
However, she was declared dead a few hours after being taken to the hospital. The exact cause of death has not yet been released. O'Hara is survived by her husband of more than 30 years, Bo Welch, and two sons, Matthew (32) and Luke (29).
Her last public appearance was the Emmys red carpet in September last year. Fans worried when she appeared somewhat gaunt at the time. She was nominated for the 2026 Golden Globe Awards earlier this month but did not attend, sparking speculation about health issues.
Tributes poured in after the news. Macaulay Culkin, who played her on-screen son Kevin in Home Alone, posted a side-by-side image of a scene from the film and a reunion photo from 2023 on Instagram and wrote, "Mom. I thought we had more time. I wanted to say more. I love you. See you later," leaving followers moved.
Pedro Pascal, who worked with her on The Last of Us season 2; Justin Theroux from Beetlejuice Beetlejuice; and director Ron Howard, among others, also expressed their condolences.
Alex Baldwin, a fellow actor who worked with her on Beetlejuice, said in an official statement released to Page Six, "Catherine O'Hara was one of the great comic talents in film," and "she was an actress with a unique grace and texture unlike anyone else." He added, "My sincere condolences to Bo (Welch) and the family." Baldwin's wife, Hilaria Baldwin, also joined in the tributes. She shared a video showing her husband and O'Hara during the 1988 filming of Beetlejuice and honored her with the phrase "Rest in peace" and the word "legend."
Actor Michael Keaton also wrote on social media, "We were together even before the first Beetlejuice. On screen she was a wife and a formidable opponent, and in real life a true friend," adding, "This loss hurts so much. I will miss her terribly."
Internet users also sent touching messages of condolence such as "It's a movie I watch like a routine every Christmas.. I can't believe it," "Mom I already miss you," "No matter how many times I watch it, the scene where Kevin and his mom reunite still chokes me up," and "Mom, be happy there."
Born in Toronto, O'Hara debuted as a member of the legendary comedy show SCTV and, along with John Candy and Eugene Levy, led the golden age of Canadian comedy. She solidified her public recognition with the Home Alone series and left a strong presence in Tim Burton's Beetlejuice. She later revived her career peak with the role of Moira Rose in Schitt's Creek and won the Emmy for lead actress in a comedy in 2020.
In 2017 she received one of Canada's highest honors, the Order of Canada, and continued to broaden her acting range with roles in dramas such as The Studio and The Last of Us until recently.
Sudden breathing difficulties and a farewell that came all too quickly. The world is mourning the final journey of actor Catherine O'Hara, who crossed eras with humor and dignity.<
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