Catherine O’Hara’s last public appearance shared just before death as tributes pour in

Beloved actress Catherine O’Hara, famed for her roles in Beetlejuice, Home Alone, and Schitt’s Creek, made her final public appearance at the Emmys last September supported by her husband

Catherine O’Hara was supported by her husband at her final public appearance just months before her death. The actress, beloved for her performances in Beetlejuice, Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, passed away today (January 30) aged 71.

Just four months prior to her passing, the star graced the red carpet at the Primetime Emmys. On September 14, Catherine was elegantly dressed in black as she struck poses for photographers.

In one touching image, she was embraced by her husband, Bo Welch, who wrapped a protective arm around her waist whilst they both beamed at the cameras.

Catherine was present at the ceremony having received a nomination for Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work in The Studio.

Earlier this month, she was scheduled to appear at the Golden Globes, having secured another nomination. Sadly, she was unable to attend, reports the Mirror.

This wasn’t Catherine’s first brush with awards recognition. Throughout her career, she garnered nine Emmy nominations, claiming victory twice – once for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series for Second City Television and another for Lead Actress in a Comedy for Schitt’s Creek.

She also secured a Best Actress gong for Schitt’s Creek at the Golden Globes and received seven Screen Actor’s Guild (SAG) award nominations, winning two. She has earned nominations in both the Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Ensemble categories at this year’s SAG awards, scheduled for March 1.

The beloved actress passed away at her Los Angeles residence. Her cause of death remains undisclosed, with officials only describing it as a “brief illness”.

A spokesperson confirmed: “Prolific multi-award-winning actress, writer, and comedian Catherine O’Hara died today at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness. O’Hara is survived by her husband Bo Welch and sons Matthew and Luke, along with siblings Michael O’Hara, Mary Margaret O’Hara, Maureen Jolley, Marcus O’Hara, Tom O’Hara, Patricia Wallice.”

Heartfelt tributes have flooded in for Catherine, with actor Justin Theroux, her co-star in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, posting online: “Catherine, you will be missed.” Pedro Pascal, who appeared alongside Catherine in the monster thriller series The Last Of Us, expressed: “Oh, genius to be near you. Eternally grateful.

“There is less light in my world; this lucky world that had you will keep you always. Always.”

Ron Howard also paid his respects, saying: “This is shattering news. What a wonderful person, artist and collaborator. I was lucky enough to direct, produce and act in projects with her and she was simply growing more brilliant with each year.

“My heart goes out to Bo and family.” SAG-AFTRA, the American actors’ union, also released a statement honouring Catherine. They declared: “From comedy to drama, her brilliance, generosity and originality has left an indelible mark on film and television.

“We honour her extraordinary legacy and extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and legions of fans.” Catherine garnered countless admirers through her comedic performances.

The star portrayed Kevin McAllister’s (Macauley Culkin) frazzled mum, Kate, in the Home Alone franchise, and brought Delia Deetz to life in both Beetlejuice films. She also captured hearts through her television roles, including the sketch comedy programme Second City Television alongside John Candy and Eugene Levy, plus Schitt’s Creek.

In the latter, she embodied Moira Rose, a former wealthy soap star compelled to reside in a motel after her family’s financial downfall. Beyond industry professionals and producers, devoted fans have shared online tributes to Catherine, with one posting: “RIP Catherine O’ Hara. I know John Candy greeted her with open arms.”

Another penned: “Catherine O’Hara was an absolute genius for the entirety of her career. She will be terribly missed.”

A third fan commented: “Catherine O’Hara will be remembered most as the mom in the first two Home Alone movies. But I’ll always remember her as Delia Deetz in BeetleJuice. RIP to a legend.”

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