Just four months before her death, she made what would become her final public appearance — a quiet but meaningful moment that now stands as a touching farewell to her long and celebrated career.

Catherine O’Hara — best known for her roles in “Schitt’s Creek,” “Home Alone,” and “Best in Show” — has died. The beloved actress died on Friday at age 71.

Catherine O’Hara attends the “Flatliners” Hollywood Premiere on August 6, 1990 | Source: Getty Images
Catherine O’Hara attends the “Flatliners” Hollywood Premiere on August 6, 1990 | Source: Getty Images

TMZ, the outlet that broke the news, said two sources with direct knowledge confirmed the news, though her cause of death has not been publicly confirmed. It later became known that the beloved actress passed away after a brief illness.

Additional details later emerged surrounding the circumstances leading up to O’Hara’s death. A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department told PEOPLE that first responders received a call at 4:48 a.m. on Friday, January 30, for an “approximately 70-year-old” unnamed female at O’Hara’s home address.

Catherine O’Hara | Source: Getty Images
Catherine O’Hara | Source: Getty Images

The woman, believed to be the “Schitt’s Creek” alum, was transported to the hospital in serious condition. According to LAFD dispatch audio, the individual at the address was experiencing breathing difficulties at the time of the call.

O’Hara became a household name for generations of fans, especially for playing Kate McCallister, the determined mother of Macaulay Culkin’s Kevin, in the first two “Home Alone” films. Years later, she introduced herself to an entirely new wave of viewers as the unforgettable Moira Rose on “Schitt’s Creek,” appearing in 80 episodes and helping turn the series into a cultural phenomenon.

Catherine O’Hara and Macaulay Culkin attend the ceremony honoring Macaulay Culkin with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. | Source: Getty Images
Catherine O’Hara and Macaulay Culkin attend the ceremony honoring Macaulay Culkin with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. | Source: Getty Images

Her career stretched across decades and included a long list of comedy favorites. O’Hara starred in Christopher Guest’s celebrated mockumentaries, including 2000’s “Best in Show” and 2003’s “A Mighty Wind.” She also had a place in the “Beetlejuice” franchise, appearing in the original film and later returning in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” In recent years, she continued taking on new projects.

Catherine O’Hara on the red carpet for “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” | Source: Getty Images
Catherine O’Hara on the red carpet for “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” | Source: Getty Images

Born and raised in Toronto, O’Hara was the sixth of seven children. She met her husband, production designer Bo Welch, while working on 1988’s “Beetlejuice.” They married in 1992 and shared two sons, Matthew and Luke.

Catherine O’Hara and Bo Welch attend the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. | Source: Getty Images
Catherine O’Hara and Bo Welch attend the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. | Source: Getty Images

Catherine O’Hara and Bo Welch attend the TIFF Tribute Awards. | Source: Getty Image
Catherine O’Hara and Bo Welch attend the TIFF Tribute Awards. | Source: Getty Image

Her final public appearance was on September 14, 2025, at the 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze, the ceremony included multiple nominees such as Quinta Brunson, Ayo Edebiri, and O’Hara.

Some viewers commented on her appearance online, with one writing, “She is super thin. Is she ok?,” and another adding, “She doesn’t look good at all… why is she so thin? I hope she’s not sick.” Others disagreed, saying she looked “Beautiful.”

Catherine O’Hara attends the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards. | Source: Getty Images
Catherine O’Hara attends the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards. | Source: Getty Images

Catherine O’Hara and Bo Welch attend The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Catherine O’Hara and Bo Welch attend The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Catherine O’Hara attends Apple TV+’s Primetime Emmy Party Red Carpet on September 14, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Catherine O’Hara attends Apple TV+’s Primetime Emmy Party Red Carpet on September 14, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Fans are remembering O’Hara for the joy she brought to screens, with many especially cherishing her iconic role in “Home Alone.” In an obituary shared by her representative, it was noted that “a private celebration of life will be held by the family.”

As tributes continue to pour in, the actress is being remembered not only for her immense talent but for the warmth, humor, and humanity she brought to every role. From beloved film classics to award-winning television, her work left an enduring mark across generations — a legacy that will continue to resonate long after her final curtain call.