Inside Catherine O’Hara’s Enduring Love Story With Husband Bo Welch From Beetlejuice Beginnings to a 30-Year Marriage
Catherine O’Hara, the beloved actress celebrated for her roles in Schitt’s Creek, Home Alone, and countless comedy classics, shared a lasting and deeply personal love story with her husband, production designer Bo Welch. According to reports, O’Hara passed away on Friday, Jan. 30, at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy not only in entertainment but also in her decades-long marriage.
A Romance That Began on the Beetlejuice Set
O’Hara and Welch first crossed paths while working on Tim Burton’s 1988 film Beetlejuice. She starred in the movie, while Welch served as a production designer. What began as friendly conversations on set quickly developed into a meaningful connection.
In past interviews, O’Hara fondly recalled noticing Welch’s charm early on. She once shared that they often talked and laughed together during filming, which led her to believe he might eventually ask her out. When he didn’t, she jokingly brought it up to director Tim Burton, who later encouraged Welch to make the first move.
Their first date was simple and casual — an outing to a swap meet — but it marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership.
Building a Life Together
The couple married in 1992 and went on to share more than three decades together. Both continued to build successful careers in Hollywood. Welch became known for his work on major films such as Edward Scissorhands and Men in Black, while O’Hara’s career flourished with standout performances that earned her critical acclaim and awards recognition.
Together, they raised two sons — Matthew, born in 1994, and Luke, born in 1997 — balancing family life with demanding creative careers.
Overcoming Challenges Through Humor
O’Hara had openly spoken about the realities of long-term marriage, acknowledging that like many couples, they faced difficult moments. She emphasized that mutual commitment played a key role in overcoming tough times, noting that both she and Welch were dedicated to working through challenges rather than walking away.
She often credited humor as one of the strongest pillars of their relationship. According to O’Hara, laughter helped ease tension and maintain perspective. Instead of heated arguments, the couple preferred playful sarcasm and jokes to navigate disagreements, which she described as both bonding and healing.
A Memorable Wedding Gift From Tim Burton
Shortly after their wedding, the couple received an unforgettable present from Tim Burton — a private tour of the Vatican during their honeymoon in Italy. O’Hara later described the experience as extraordinary, recalling how a guide took them through exclusive areas rarely open to visitors, including hidden museums and historic spaces within Vatican City.
The moment remained one of their favorite shared memories, symbolizing the creativity and uniqueness that surrounded their relationship from the start.
A Full-Circle Moment
In August 2024, O’Hara and Welch appeared together at the Venice Film Festival premiere of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the long-awaited sequel to the film that first brought them together. The event served as a touching full-circle moment, celebrating both their professional achievements and their enduring bond.
A Legacy of Love and Laughter
O’Hara’s passing marks the end of an era for fans of comedy and film, but her personal story with Welch remains a testament to lasting love in Hollywood. Their relationship was defined by mutual respect, resilience, and humor — qualities O’Hara often said were essential to keeping a marriage strong.
While details surrounding her passing have been limited, tributes continue to pour in from fans and colleagues who remember her not only as a gifted performer but also as someone who valued family, connection, and joy.