Roots in a Hollywood Romance (Image Credits: Hollywoodlife.com)
Catherine O’Hara built a legendary career in comedy while nurturing a tight family bond with her two sons and husband.[1][2]
Roots in a Hollywood Romance
Catherine O’Hara met production designer Bo Welch on the set of Beetlejuice in 1988. The couple married four years later in 1992.[3]
Their family grew with the arrival of Matthew in 1994, followed by Luke three years later in 1997. O’Hara and Welch appeared publicly with infant Matthew at an event that October, marking one of the few early glimpses into their home life.[2]
Bo Welch earned four Oscar nominations for his work on films like The Color Purple and Men in Black, creating a creative household for their boys.[3]
Quiet Careers in Set Design
Matthew and Luke followed their parents into Hollywood but chose roles behind the camera. They contributed to set design on Schitt’s Creek, where one served as a set dresser and the other handled set construction.[1][4]
One son also worked as a set dresser on The Last of Us season 2, a detail O’Hara shared proudly in early 2024.[2]
- Schitt’s Creek: Set dresser and set construction roles
- The Last of Us season 2: Set dresser
- Emphasis on practical, hands-on film production
The brothers maintained low profiles, avoiding the spotlight their mother commanded.[4]
A Home Filled with Humor
O’Hara often highlighted her sons’ comedic talents. In a 2007 interview, she described Matthew, then 12, performing old-school vaudeville bits and Luke, 9, excelling at wordplay.[1]
“They’re very funny, and we encourage it,” she said. “I’m proud to say, we all make each other laugh.”[2]
This laughter echoed the joyful environment of her own upbringing, where parents shared humor until the end. The family once faced a tense moment reminiscent of Home Alone on a New York City subway, when the boys nearly missed their train, prompting O’Hara’s scream and a crowd’s help to reopen the doors.[1]
Prioritizing Family Over Fame
O’Hara placed motherhood above all career choices. “What’s the point of having children if I’m not going to be with them?” she reflected in 2019.[1]
Her sons embodied this value by staying out of public view, with no social media presence and few appearances alongside her. This deliberate privacy allowed them to pursue passions without scrutiny.[2]
| Son | Birth Year | Known Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew Welch | 1994 | Hollywood set work |
| Luke Welch | 1997 | Hollywood set work |
Key Takeaways
- O’Hara’s sons carved independent paths in film production, supporting projects like Schitt’s Creek.
- The family cherished humor and togetherness, shielding their lives from media glare.
- Motherhood shaped O’Hara’s decisions, influencing her legacy as both star and parent.
Catherine O’Hara’s devotion to Matthew and Luke exemplified balanced stardom. What stories of celebrity families resonate most with you? Share in the comments.
