How Catherine O’Hara Found Her One True Love in Bo Welch

The world of cinema was recently shaken by the heartbreaking news of the passing of Catherine O’Hara, a beloved actress known for her unforgettable roles in iconic films and television shows such as “Schitt’s Creek,” “Home Alone,” and “Best in Show.”

O’Hara left us at the age of 71 on January 30th, following a brief illness, leaving behind her husband of over 30 years, production designer Bo Welch, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke.

In this time of profound loss, our hearts are with her family as they navigate this difficult period.

While O’Hara’s career was remarkable, her love story with Bo Welch is equally cinematic and heartwarming.

Their journey began on the set of Tim Burton’s 1988 classic “Beetlejuice,” where Welch served as the production designer.

In a reflective moment, O’Hara once shared, “Is there one specific project that you look back and you’re like, that was a real special one? On a personal level, um, uh, Beetlejuice, because I met my husband on Beetlejuice. He designed the sets.”

Their connection was immediate, but it took a little nudge from Burton to spark their romance.

O’Hara recounted, “He was talking to me every day. It was like high school, just talking to me every day, like by our lockers. And then he never asked me out.”

Frustrated by Welch’s hesitation, O’Hara confided in Burton about her feelings.

In a surprising twist, Burton stepped in to play matchmaker, arranging a casual trip to a swap meet with the film’s art department to give them a chance to connect.

This intervention marked the beginning of a beautiful love story that would last a lifetime.

Born and raised in Canada, O’Hara made a life-altering decision to relocate to California for love.

She later told The New Yorker, “I moved to LA to be with him.”

This statement encapsulates the depth of her feelings for Welch, showing how much he meant to her.

The couple exchanged vows on April 25th, 1992, and their wedding day was filled with unforgettable memories.

As a gift, Tim Burton arranged a private tour of the Vatican for them.

O’Hara humorously recounted, “A priest took us around. He got yelled at at one point. I wish I spoke Italian, but he was definitely getting yelled at by another priest because we were in the Pope’s closet like looking at garbage.”

The couple’s love story continued to blossom as they started a family, welcoming their first son, Matthew, in 1994, followed by Luke in 1997.

Although the boys were raised in Canada, they eventually found their own paths in Hollywood, working in set dressing and construction, even teaming up with their mother during her time on “Schitt’s Creek.”

Interestingly, O’Hara was not particularly fond of shooting scenes alone.

Despite being a fan favorite, she admitted that she felt like she was showing off when performing solo scenes and preferred to share the spotlight with someone else.

This vulnerability adds a layer of relatability to her character, both on and off-screen.

After the show’s widespread success, it’s hard to imagine that O’Hara was initially hesitant to join the cast when Dan Levy first approached her.

She only agreed to participate after being told she could help create her character, Moira Rose.

Fortunately, Levy was more than happy to oblige.

Moira’s unique use of the English language and her eccentric fashion choices were all inspired by O’Hara’s creative input.

She explained, “I’ve taken a bit of all the people I’ve met in the world and I am sharing it with you.”

Even after portraying so many iconic characters, O’Hara’s legacy extends far beyond the screen.

It lives on in her children, in the family she built, and in the love that shaped her life off-screen.

In a poignant twist, just a month before O’Hara’s passing, the world also said goodbye to another cinematic legend, Brigitte Bardot.

The French actor and singer, who became an international sex symbol, passed away at the age of 91.

Bardot’s life was defined by passion and tumult, as she famously stated, “I left movies the same way I left men before they could leave me.”

Born into a wealthy Parisian family in 1934, Bardot trained as a ballerina before stepping in front of a camera.

She became a global sensation at a young age, creating a new image of femininity that was unapologetically sensual.

Bardot married four times and was rumored to have had over 100 lovers throughout her life.

Her first great love was director Roger Vadim, whom she met at just 16.

Their passionate relationship led to a marriage that ultimately could not withstand the pressures of fame.

Following a series of intense relationships, Bardot eventually sought stability in her life.

She met Bernard Dormal, a low-profile businessman, who offered her the calm and companionship she had longed for.

Their relationship helped Bardot reconnect with her estranged son, Nicola, and marked a significant turning point in her life.

As Bardot found peace in her later years, O’Hara’s love story with Welch serves as a contrasting narrative of enduring love and partnership.

The two women, though from different worlds and experiences, both navigated the complexities of love and fame, leaving behind legacies that will resonate for generations.

Catherine O’Hara’s legacy is one of laughter, creativity, and the profound power of love.

As we remember her for her incredible contributions to film and television, we also celebrate the love that defined her personal life.

Her narrative is a testament to the beauty of companionship, resilience, and the joy of building a life with the one you love.