Catherine O’Hara’s Final Public Appearance Sparks Concern Ahead of Her Passing at 71

Emmy-winning actress Catherine O’Hara, celebrated for her iconic roles in Schitt’s Creek and Home Alone, passed away on January 30, 2026, at the age of 71 at her Los Angeles home. Her agency, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), confirmed that the cause of her death was a brief illness. The sudden loss of the legendary comedian has left fans, colleagues, and loved ones in mourning. Amid the outpouring of tributes, footage of Catherine’s last public appearance resurfaced online, with many noting that she appeared unwell prior to her death.

Catherine O’Hara’s final public outing occurred four months before her passing, when she walked the red carpet at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14, 2025, followed by the Apple TV+ after-party at Ysabel in West Hollywood. She attended alongside her husband of 33 years, production designer Bo Welch. Catherine wore a floor-length black custom Dior gown by Jonathan Anderson, which reminded many fans of her Beetlejuice character, Delia Deetz. While many admired her elegance, some expressed concern over her gaunt appearance.

The actress’s absence from the Golden Globes on January 11, 2026, despite a nomination for The Studio, further fueled speculation about her health. CAA reported that paramedics were called to her Brentwood residence around 4:48 a.m., citing “difficulty breathing.” Catherine was transported to a nearby hospital in serious condition and passed away a few hours later.

Catherine O’Hara was born with dextrocardia with situs inversus, a rare congenital condition where her internal organs were mirrored, with her heart on the right side. She discovered the condition about 20 years ago and described her reaction: “I was like, ‘What is happening?’ He calls us into his office and says, ‘You’re the first one I’ve met!’ I’m one of seven kids, and my parents were already gone and left the world by that time. Never heard anything about this.” While often harmless, situs inversus can complicate medical diagnosis, possibly contributing to her demise.

Catherine O’Hara’s career spanned decades. She began with Toronto’s Second City in 1974, co-founding and writing for SCTV, and won her first Emmy in 1982. She became a household name as Kate McCallister in Home Alone (1990–1992) and Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice (1988, reprised in 2024). Shortly before her passing, she received Emmy nominations for The Studio and The Last of Us Season 2.

Her death marks the end of an era for a comedian and actress who left an indelible mark on Hollywood and the world of comedy.