Catherine O’Hara Shares the Role That Means Most to Her: Being a Mom to Her Two Kids

Catherine O’Hara; Catherine O’Hara, husband Bo Welch and family during ‘The Cat In The Hat’ World Premiere.
Credit :

Emma McIntyre/Getty; SGranitz/WireImage

Catherine O’Hara Passes Away at 71

Catherine O’Hara, the acclaimed Emmy-winning actress, passed away on January 30, a day after being reported to have been ill briefly, according to her representative. She was 71 years old.

In a February 2024 interview, O’Hara expressed that the role she most wanted to be remembered for was that of a mother to her children, Matthew and Luke, whom she shared with her husband, Bo Welch. "I really didn’t work much," she stated, reflecting on her dedication to family, during an appearance on the Wiser Than Me podcast with Julia Louis-Dreyfus. "I thought, ‘What’s the point?’ What’s the point in having children if I’m not going to be with them? That was always number one consideration and always will be."

O’Hara’s extensive career saw her embody the role of a mother in notable projects such as the 1990 film Home Alone and the beloved sitcom Schitt’s Creek. In a resurfaced interview clip, she noted that her proudest work was being the "mother of my children."

Her dedication to family extended beyond her professional life. O’Hara was known for keeping her family out of the media spotlight, prioritizing time with her children while they were growing up. As her sons matured, they began to follow her footsteps into the entertainment industry; one son became involved with Schitt’s Creek as a set dresser while another worked on HBO Max’s The Last of Us.

“O’Hara cherished sharing a sense of humor with her sons, saying, ‘They’re very funny, and we encourage it.’ Her admiration for their comedic talents was evident as she highlighted their knack for making each other laugh, a trait she values deeply," she shared in an interview with the Toronto Star.

As fans mourn her loss, O’Hara leaves behind a legacy defined by both her contributions to the arts and her unwavering commitment to motherhood.