Catherine O’Hara Once Shared the Heartbreaking Way She Wanted to Die

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Catherine O’Hara brought joy to others throughout her life, and she hoped to continue doing so even after she was gone.

Over ten years before the actress from Home Alone died at age 71 after a short sickness, she talked about how she wished to spend her last days and what her ideal passing would look like.

In a 2013 interview with Vanity Fair, Annie Murphy jokingly described her ideal way to die: ‘Laughing, surrounded by my grandchildren telling me to ‘let go, already, Grandma!”

Catherine, who has two sons – 32-year-old Matthew Welch and 28-year-old Luke Welch – with her husband, Bo Welch, and didn’t have any grandchildren, often joked about reincarnation. She’d say she believed in giving people second chances and wished she could return as someone with beautiful, thick hair and skin that tans easily.

Catherine’s wonderful sense of humor and zest for life made her instantly likable. It’s therefore no surprise that people around the world were deeply saddened to learn of her passing on January 30th.

Hollywood stars shared their grief online after the news, including Macaulay Culkin, who played her son in Home Alone. He posted a moving tribute, writing, “Mama. I thought we had more time together.”

Macaulay Culkin’s Studio colleague, Seth Rogen, also publicly shared his sadness, praising her as the funniest person he’d ever seen perform. He said Home Alone inspired him to become a filmmaker.

He said working with her was a real privilege. He described her as funny, kind, insightful, and giving, explaining that she inspired him to make their show the best it could be. He called the news heartbreaking, and said everyone was fortunate to have known her.

Details about the Emmy-winning actress’s illness and death haven’t been released. However, she had previously shared that she lived with a rare condition called cardiac inversus, also known as dextrocardia with situs inversus. This condition causes a person’s heart and other organs to be reversed – essentially a mirror image of how they’re normally arranged.

Even though Catherine wasn’t feeling well, she always brightened people’s day with her sense of humor and made an effort to do so often.

“Having a strong will to survive is the best thing you can have,” the actress from Studio shared with Variety in March. “It’s a real blessing if you grow up learning that, because life always has its ups and downs.”

She explained that it’s important to focus on the positive. Growing up, her parents were hilarious, and everyone in her family valued a good sense of humor. They always encouraged laughter and being playful during mealtimes.

Keep reading for more stars who were impacted by Catherine’s positive attitude and comedic chops…

It feels surreal going all the way back to before Beetlejuice even happened. This woman… she’s been so many things to me – a playful partner in pretend, a fantastic foil, but most importantly, a genuine friend in my life. Losing her is truly heartbreaking, and I’m going to miss her terribly. My thoughts are also with Beau during this difficult time.

Mom, I didn’t realize time was so short. I wish I’d had more time with you – just to sit and talk. I heard what you said, but I still had so much left to tell you. I love you, and I’ll see you again someday.

I’m truly at a loss for words. From the moment I met O’Hara, I thought she was one of the funniest people I’d ever seen. Home Alone actually inspired me to become a filmmaker, so working with her was a real honor. She was hilarious, genuinely kind, incredibly perceptive, and so generous. She pushed me to make our show worthy of her talent. This is heartbreaking, and we were all so fortunate to have her in our lives.

“Catherine, I love you… You were a special part of my life and after life.”

I’m absolutely devastated by the loss of Catherine O’Hara. She was a truly unique and brilliant talent, and her death feels incredibly heavy – it’s hard to express just how much she’ll be missed.

She was more than just a famous artist, actor, and comedian. She truly represented the best of Canada – she was incredibly talented, brave, uniquely herself, and deeply compassionate. She not only brought joy to the world but also helped people feel understood.

As an artist, she was a huge inspiration to me. She showed me what it means to represent your country with skill, elegance, and a genuinely kind heart.

I’m absolutely devastated for everyone who loved her – her family, friends, and all her fans, not just here in Canada, but everywhere. It truly breaks my heart to think of their loss.

It’s okay to feel sad right now, and please know that you’re not the only one who is hurting. We’re all sharing in this loss. Rest peacefully, Catherine, and thank you for all you’ve done.

I’m so thankful I had the chance to tell her how much she meant to me – she inspired me, influenced my sense of humor, and helped me understand our work. I always thought of her as the absolute best. I’m sure many actors told her similar things, but she never seemed jaded. She listened with kindness, grace, and a wonderful sense of humor. I want to thank Jason Reitman for letting me participate in the Film Independent LACMA reading, where I got to work with and witness the genius of someone I truly admired. Being around her and watching her work was an incredible experience I’ll never forget. Both that day and on the set of Away We Go, she was consistently kind and wonderful to everyone, from the director to the production assistants. She truly lit up a room – she was radiant, almost otherworldly. Her talent was unique; there’s never been anyone like her, and there never will be. She was a true genius and a beautiful person.

Catherine was an extraordinary person – kind, honest, intelligent, and had a wonderful sense of humor. She was strikingly beautiful, full of life, and deeply cared about people, which shone through in everything she did. Her wisdom, clarity, and strong character made her truly special. It feels like she’s joined other remarkable people, and they’re all eager to learn from her. We’re heartbroken here, and will miss her dearly, especially now. Rest peacefully, dear friend.

Catherine O’Hara was a genuinely kind and honest person, both in her work and in her personal life. Her authenticity touched everyone who knew her, and her love extended to her family, Bo, Luke, and Matthew. We send our heartfelt condolences and hope she finds eternal peace. May her memory live on.

“Catherine O’Hara. The absolute greatest. Only 71. An angel. The funniest. This is shocking.”

Being anywhere near her was just… breathtaking. I’m eternally thankful I got to live in a world that had Catherine O’Hara in it, and honestly, I can’t imagine a world without her. It just feels like things are a little dimmer now that she’s… well, not here with us as much. She’s truly the one and only, my absolute idol. #CatherineOHara

I honestly never imagined I’d have the chance to work with Catherine O’Hara, and certainly not to become friends with her. I’m deeply saddened by her passing, but so thankful for the time we shared. Thank you, Catherine. I’ll always love you.

“Oh Catherine. You will be so so missed.”

“She was an all-timer. Her memory and work is a blessing. Rest peacefully.”

I’m still in shock and can’t accept that she’s gone. It’s devastating to think about how much pain everyone is feeling right now. It’s so hard to say goodbye to someone who was so vibrant and had so much life ahead of her. Farewell to a true icon. Thank you for all the joy and laughter – that’s why we’re all hurting so deeply, knowing those moments are over. Rest in peace. Sending all my love and sympathy to her family.

Catherine O’Hara was a wonderfully funny performer. She was loved by so many, and it’s easy to see why.

This news is devastating. She was a truly wonderful person, a gifted artist, and a joy to work with. I feel so fortunate to have directed, produced, and acted alongside her – she just kept getting better and better. My deepest sympathies go out to Bo and her family.

“Absolutely heartbreaking. She was the kindest person in our business.”

Francesca was speechless after seeing her dad’s reaction on FaceTime, sharing a photo and saying she was completely heartbroken and in disbelief.

It’s a huge loss. She was incredibly talented, graceful, and down-to-earth – a natural performer who brought so much happiness to everyone. She’ll be greatly missed and inspired countless comedians. Every time she appeared on camera, it was a perfect performance.

“BEST OF THE BEST IN SHOW!”

“Legend.”

“Ugggg legend. No one funnier.”

“Nooo my most profound condolences.”

She was a truly inspiring comedian who brought joy to everyone who watched her perform. We’ll always remember her warmth and kindness, and may she rest in peace.

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2026-01-31 02:48