Getting to Know Catherine O’Hara’s Beloved Sons, Matthew and Luke Welch
Catherine O’Hara’s Legacy as a Mother and Actress
Catherine O’Hara, acclaimed for her memorable roles in film and television, shared a fulfilling family life with her husband, Bo Welch. Together, they welcomed two sons, Matthew in 1994 and Luke in 1997, both of whom have pursued careers in Hollywood, focusing on set design and construction.
O’Hara, known for iconic characters such as Kate McCallister in Home Alone and Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, passed away at age 71 on January 30, 2026. Her family, including her husband and children, mourns the loss of a legendary talent. The couple met on the set of Beetlejuice in 1988, where Welch was the production designer. They married in 1992, and O’Hara noted in a 2019 interview with The New Yorker, “I moved to L.A. to be with him. Yeah, I moved for love.”
In a 2007 interview with The Star, O’Hara expressed pride in her sons’ sense of humor, stating, “They’re very funny, and we encourage it…I’m proud to say, we all make each other laugh.” Both Matthew and Luke Welch have chosen a more private life compared to their famous parents, while still contributing to the family legacy in the film industry.
Like their mother, who starred in numerous productions, the Welch brothers worked behind the scenes. According to a May 2020 profile in Vanity Fair, they both contributed to the sitcom Schitt’s Creek. One of her sons also played a role in one of her later projects, HBO’s The Last of Us. O’Hara mentioned during a 2024 appearance on Watch What Happens Live that her son worked as a set dresser. She humorously remarked, “My husband’s a production designer so he gave a little push for sure,” expressing her satisfaction with their career paths.
O’Hara recounted an unnerving incident reminiscent of her Home Alone character. While attempting to board a New York City subway with her sons, O’Hara realized they were not with her as the doors began to close. “I screamed and people screamed with me. Everybody joined in,” she said, relieved that the doors opened again and her sons could board.
Reflecting on her roles, O’Hara believed that motherhood is a significant aspect of life. In a 2020 interview with Variety, she stated that her character Moira Rose provided a refreshing depiction of motherhood, saying, “It’s great to play a realized mother because it is one of the most important roles in life.” She criticized the unrealistic portrayals often seen in Hollywood, advocating for more balanced representations of family dynamics.
Prioritizing her family amidst her busy career, O’Hara emphasized the importance of spending time with loved ones. In an August 2019 conversation with 519 Magazine, she declared, “I’ve always…my family’s always come first.” She reflected on the balance between work and family, expressing gratitude for her ability to manage both.
Catherine O’Hara’s legacy endures not only through her iconic performances but also through the values she instilled in her family.
