Catherine O’Hara
Those close to the ‘Home Alone’ star were reportedly unaware of her mysterious illness.
News broke on Friday that actress Catherine O’Hara had passed away at the age of 71.
The star, known for her roles in films like ‘Home Alone’ and ‘Beetlejuice’ and television series such as ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and ‘The Studio,’ died after a “short illness,” according to talent agency CAA.
As of now, few details surrounding the death are known, but audio recordings from emergency dispatch, obtained by Page Six, indicate O’Hara experienced difficulty breathing before being rushed to the hospital.
A spokesperson for the L.A. Fire Department confirmed to Us Weekly on Friday that an ambulance was dispatched to O’Hara’s home in Brentwood at 4:48 a.m. That morning following a report of a medical emergency. O’Hara was then transported to a hospital in “serious condition.” Hours later, the actress died. According to CAA, she passed away at home, though it is not known how long she may have been at the hospital.
Left in Shock
Daily Mail now reports that her husband, production designer Bo Welch (74), may have been aware of what was coming – but that this was reportedly not the case for many of those closest to O’Hara.
According to sources, the situation has left some friends in “complete shock,” the publication writes.
It appears the beloved actress’s health declined rapidly in her final days. A source claims to Daily Mail that O’Hara was seen at the SUR restaurant in West Hollywood as recently as January 13 – just over two weeks before her death. At the time, she was reportedly “in high spirits” and appeared “healthy and well for her age,” according to the source.
O’Hara was notably absent from the Golden Globe Awards just a few days prior, despite being nominated for her role in ‘The Studio.’
– The Kindest Neighbors
Daily Mail has also spoken with one of the couple’s neighbors, Paul Herman. According to the tabloid, Herman is a retired doctor who has lived next door to O’Hara and her husband for over 25 years.
He tells the publication that he had “no knowledge” of the actress’s undisclosed illness, but that O’Hara’s absence at the Golden Globes had made him “a little suspicious.” Though, he hadn’t seen O’Hara properly in the neighborhood for several years.
“Bo and Catherine were always very kind. They were the nicest and most accommodating neighbors you could have,” Herman tells Daily Mail.
The Sun also publishes an article that may support the claim that O’Hara’s illness and death came as a surprise to those around her.
According to The Sun, filming for the upcoming season of ‘The Studio’ began in mid-January, and it was expected that O’Hara would participate to continue her role as Patty Leigh. Sources close to the production claim she was expected to appear in some of the early scenes.
These plans reportedly changed discreetly due to “personal reasons.”
“She was scheduled to film, but the shooting schedule was changed to focus on scenes without her character. There was no general knowledge that she had any health problems or other major challenges,” a source told The Sun.
