Terrifying 911 Call Describes Catherine O’Hara’s Final Condition Before Sudden Hospitalization

Catherine O’Hara died at the age of 71 after a sudden medical emergency at her home in Los Angeles. Her agency, CAA, confirmed her death and said she passed away after a short illness.

Emergency crews were sent to her Brentwood home early Friday morning after a call for help. According to dispatch audio reported by the media, O’Hara was having trouble breathing when the call was made.

The Los Angeles Fire Department said paramedics arrived shortly before 5 a.m. and took her to a nearby hospital. She was listed in serious condition. A few hours later, she was pronounced dead.

An LAFD spokesperson confirmed that firefighters responded to a medical aid request and transported a woman in her early 70s to the hospital. Officials did not release details about the cause of the emergency.

O’Hara had stayed out of the public eye in recent months. Her last major appearance was at the Emmy Awards in September. She did not attend the 2026 Golden Globe Awards in January, even though she was nominated for her role in the Apple TV+ series The Studio.

After her death was announced, friends and co-stars shared emotional tributes online. Macaulay Culkin, who played her son in Home Alone, posted photos of them together and wrote, Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you. But I had so much more to say. I love you. I’ll see you later.

Pedro Pascal, who worked with her on season two of The Last of Us, shared a message remembering her talent and warmth. Oh, genius to be near you. Eternally grateful. There is less light in my world, this lucky world that had you, will keep you, always. Always, he wrote.

Justin Theroux also paid tribute, sharing a photo from the set of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and writing, Oh Catherine. You will be so so missed.

Director Ron Howard, who worked with O’Hara on The Paper, called the loss devastating. What a wonderful person, artist and collaborator. I was lucky enough to direct, produce and act in projects with her, and she only grew more brilliant each year, he said.

Before her death, O’Hara was still very active in film and television. She received strong reviews for her work in The Studio and had a guest role in the second season of HBO’s The Last of Us. She also appeared in Argylle and returned as Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.

O’Hara was born in Toronto and first became known through the sketch show SCTV. She later starred in many popular films and became a fan favorite for her role as Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek, which earned multiple Emmy wins. She is survived by her husband, Bo Welch, and their two sons.

This information comes from the Los Angeles Fire Department, Catherine O’Hara’s agency CAA, dispatch audio reports, and social media posts from colleagues and friends.

Catherine O’Hara’s death feels especially hard because she was still creating, still working, and still making people laugh. Her career crossed generations, and her presence was unique. Her loss leaves a real gap in film and television. What do you think about her legacy and the impact she had on comedy and film? Share your thoughts in the comments.