Catherine O'Hara Rushed to Hospital Hours Before Death

Catherine O'Hara suffered a medical emergency at her Los Angeles home Friday ... and dispatch audio obtained by TMZ reveals she was having difficulty breathing before being rushed to the hospital.

First responders were called to the actress' Brentwood home around 5 AM Friday and O'Hara was then transported to a hospital, where she was listed in serious condition, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Hours later, the legendary actress was pronounced dead.

TMZ broke the story ... multiple sources told us O'Hara passed away. A cause of death hasn't been revealed. Page Six was first to report the news of her hospitalization.

Catherine rose to prominence in classic 1980s and 1990s films ... including "After Hours," "Beetlejuice," "Dick Tracy" and the first two 'Home Alone' movies.

Her distinctive voice also landed her many voice acting roles ... playing Sally in "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and Penny in "Over the Hedge."

Younger audiences will recognize Catherine mostly from "Schitt's Creek" on which she played Rose family matriarch Moira. She last appeared in Seth Rogen's hit show "The Studio" ... for which she received a Golden Globe nomination -- though she didn't attend the ceremony earlier this month.

O'Hara was 71.