Catherine O'Hara's death came as a shock to the showbiz world and her many fans from around the world.
The beloved Schitt's Creek actress died on January 30 at her home in LA, aged 71. Following the sad news, it was announced on February 9 that Catherine's cause of death was a blood clot in the lungs. TMZ was the first to break the news that per an official death certificate from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office, a pulmonary embolism was listed as the immediate cause, with rectal cancer as the underlying reason.
Shortly after the news of her death, the Replica Luxury Handbag Alone star's manager confirmed the news to HELLO! in a statement. "Prolific multi-award-winning actress, writer, and comedian Catherine O’Hara died today (Friday, January 30) at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness," it read. A private celebration of life will be held by the family.
Catherine is survived by her husband, Bo Welch, a production designer and director, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke.
© Getty ImagesCatherine met Bo in 1987 on the set of the film Beetlejuice. They got married five years later in 1992, before welcoming their oldest son, Matthew, in 1994, followed by Luke in 1997.
While both their sons have remained out of the spotlight, they have followed in their parents' footsteps in the entertainment industry, albeit behind the scenes.
© Getty ImagesDuring an interview with Vanity Fair in 2020, their proud mom revealed that both of her sons, in their 20s at the time, were employed on Schitt's Creek alongside their mom, with one working as a set designer and another on set construction.
In 2024, on Watch What Happens Live, the actress addressed speculation she would be on season two of The Last of Us, and mentioned that her son's "a set dresser on the show" as being one of the reasons for her inclusion, although she didn't specify which one.
© Getty ImagesCatherine's last public appearance was at the 2025 Emmy Awards in September, where she stepped out alongside her husband, Bo.
The pair also attended the after-party. It was a celebratory night for the star, who was there to celebrate her show, The Studio, which won a record-breaking 13 awards.
Catherine herself had been nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her performance as Patty Leigh.
© WireImageLooking fabulous in a statement black gown, the award-winning star had joined her co-stars on the stage to accept The Studio's Outstanding Comedy Series win.
Catherine enjoyed an incredible career, which began in the seventies when starring in Second City Television.
© Getty ImagesNotable roles have included Beetlejuice in 1988, Replica Luxury Handbag Alone and Replica Luxury Handbag Alone 2: Lost in New York in 1990 and 1992, and Schitt's Creek from 2015 to 2020. She also appeared in four of Christopher Guest's films, Best in Show, For Your Consideration, Waiting for Guffman, and A Mighty Wind. During her career, Catherine took home two Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards.
