Catherine O’Hara Was Rushed To Hospital In Severe Situation Earlier than Her Demise
Legendary actress and comedian Catherine O’Hara was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital in the early hours of Friday morning after being found in “serious condition,” sources confirmed as fans and colleagues around the world mourned her sudden passing.
Emergency responders were called to O’Hara’s home in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles just before 5 a.m. local time, where she was discovered experiencing medical distress. According to initial dispatch reports, O’Hara was struggling with breathing difficulties prior to being transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital.
A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department told PEOPLE that crews responded to a call at 4:48 a.m. on Friday involving an “approximately 70-year-old” unnamed woman at O’Hara’s home address. The woman, believed to be the Schitt’s Creek alum, was taken to a hospital “in serious condition.”
Despite efforts by medical staff, O’Hara was pronounced dead later that day at the age of 71. Representatives for the actress described her passing as following a brief illness, though no official cause of death has yet been released.
O’Hara was known to have situs inversus, a rare congenital condition in which many of the body’s internal organs are positioned as mirror images of their usual locations. In people with situs inversus, organs such as the heart, liver, and lungs can be reversed, with the heart located on the right side of the chest rather than the left. The condition is present from birth and is estimated to occur in roughly one out of every 10,000 people.
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA – MARCH 11, 2018: CATHERINE O’HARA WINS BEST ACTRESS AT CANADIAN SCREEN AWARDS.
Medical experts note that most individuals with situs inversus live normal, healthy lives, and the condition itself does not typically cause symptoms or shorten life expectancy. Many people are unaware they have the condition unless it is discovered during imaging, surgery, or treatment for an unrelated issue. O’Hara had previously acknowledged the condition in biographical records and interviews, but she did not publicly indicate that it caused her ongoing health problems.
At this time, there is no evidence linking situs inversus to O’Hara’s final illness or death. O’Hara’s hospitalization and subsequent death came as a shock to many.
Born in Toronto in 1954, O’Hara rose to prominence in the 1970s as a member of the famed improv troupe Second City Toronto, a breeding ground for comedic talent. She quickly distinguished herself with her sharp wit, fearless character work, and uncanny ability to transform into eccentric yet deeply human roles. That versatility became her trademark.
TORONTO, CANADA – MARCH 31, 2019: Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara at 2019 Canadian Screen Awards.
She first gained international recognition through her work on the cult-classic sketch series SCTV, where she collaborated with comedy icons like Eugene Levy, John Candy, and Rick Moranis. On the show, O’Hara showcased her range by playing dozens of characters, blending absurd humor with subtle emotional depth, a skill that set her apart even among elite peers.
Her film career was equally influential. O’Hara became a staple of beloved comedies in the 1980s and 1990s, most notably portraying the frazzled yet lovable mother in Home Alone and its sequel, performances that remain iconic to this day. She also earned critical acclaim for roles in films such as Beetlejuice, A Mighty Wind, Best in Show, and For Your Consideration, often working with director Christopher Guest in mockumentary-style comedies that relied heavily on improvisation.
Later in her career, O’Hara experienced a major resurgence with her role as Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek. Her flamboyant, scene-stealing performance earned her widespread praise, multiple awards, and introduced her to a new generation of fans. The character became a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for both its humor and unexpected heart.
Beyond accolades, Catherine O’Hara was widely respected for her generosity, professionalism, and influence on modern comedy. Her work helped shape ensemble comedy and proved that comedic performances could be both outrageous and emotionally resonant. Her legacy endures as one of the most distinctive and beloved voices in entertainment history.
This is a developing story…