According to the outlet, the beloved actress died on Friday. TMZ 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, Jan. 30, for an “approximately 70-year-old” unnamed female at O’Hara’s home address. The woman, believed to be 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.
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, O’Hara continued taking on new projects.
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.
Her final public appearance came on 14 September 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”.
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.”
