Catherine O’Hara Reflects on Life Before Her Passing
Nearly a year before her passing, Catherine O’Hara humorously confronted her own mortality. This light-hearted moment occurred in March 2025 during an interview with the cast of ‘The Studio’, including co-stars Chase Sui Wonders, Seth Rogen, Kathryn Hahn, and Ike Barinholtz, as featured in the Los Angeles Times.
In response to a question from journalist Matt Brennan about whether actors feel they possess a voice or power, O’Hara quipped, “That’s how I’ve been treated lately. Am I going to die or something?” This prompted laughter from her co-stars.
Earlier, in August 2024, the ‘Beetlejuice’ actress expressed her gratitude for life during an interview with Elle Canada, stating, “I’m lucky… I can’t believe I’m still doing this at my age.” She noted that whenever she started to feel scared or complain, she tried to shift her focus to being thankful.
O’Hara shared an example, reflecting on how fortunate she was to be alive and to seize opportunities in her career. She also admitted feeling “nervous” about a cover shoot, pondering, “How crazy is it to be wearing these clothes and lying on this pool at my age?”
In a conversation about her role in “The Studio,” she remarked on the significance of her character—a studio head turned independent producer—saying it was a big deal for someone her age to be doing this sort of work.
News of O’Hara’s death surfaced when TMZ reported that she passed away in Los Angeles after battling a brief illness. Her agency, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), confirmed her passing, stating she died at her home. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call early in the morning and found her in serious condition, although the cause of death is still being investigated.
O’Hara, an award-winning actress celebrated for her performances in classics like “Home Alone,” “Beetlejuice,” and various Christopher Guest films, had recently gained fame from “Schitt’s Creek” and “The Studio.” She leaves behind her husband, Bob Welch, whom she was married to for 33 years, along with their sons, Matthew and Luke.
