Renowned actress and comedy icon Catherine O’Hara, best known for her roles in
Schitt’s Creek,
Home Alone and countless classic films and television series, died on January 30, 2026, at age 71. While her death was initially attributed simply to a “brief illness,” new documents and official records have now clarified that her passing was caused by a pulmonary embolism with rectal cancer listed as an underlying condition.
Medical Details: Cause of Death and Underlying Conditions
According to the Los Angeles County death certificate, obtained by news outlets and verified through official records, O’Hara’s immediate cause of death was a pulmonary embolism a life-threatening blockage of blood flow to the lungs typically caused by a clot. The certificate specifies that the embolism was related to rectal cancer, a diagnosis the actress had kept private in her final months.
Rectal cancer can contribute to dangerous clotting conditions in the bloodstream, significantly increasing the risk of pulmonary embolisms. Medical experts explain that certain cancers especially those affecting the abdominal and pelvic region can elevate clotting factors, leading to events like pulmonary embolism. While O’Hara’s representatives had declined to comment on her health at the time of her death, the medical records indicate she was under treatment for this underlying condition in the months leading up to her passing.
The death certificate also confirms that O’Hara was cremated following her death, and her remains were entrusted to her family.
A Storied Career Spanning Five Decades
Born in Toronto in 1954, Catherine O’Hara began her career in the vibrant Canadian comedy scene. She got her start with the famed Second City Theatre, honing her skills in improvisation and sketch comedy before transitioning to film and television.
O’Hara’s early work included roles in television and collaborations with comedy ensembles, but she rose to widespread recognition through her work in Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries including
Waiting for Guffman (1996),
Best in Show (2000) and
A Mighty Wind (2003). These performances showcased her remarkable range and unique comedic timing and helped establish her as a beloved character actress in Hollywood.
Breakthrough and Award-Winning Success
International fame followed with memorable roles in iconic films. O’Hara charmed audiences worldwide as Kevin McCallister’s mother in
Home Alone (1990) and in its sequels. She also delivered standout performances in Tim Burton’s
Beetlejuice and contributed voice work in animated features such as
The Addams Family.
Perhaps O’Hara’s most celebrated role came later in her career with the hit comedy series Schitt’s Creek, in which she portrayed the eccentric and unforgettable Moira Rose. Her turn as the former soap opera star earned her critical acclaim and several major awards, including a Primetime Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
In acceptance speeches, O’Hara often expressed gratitude for roles that defied age stereotypes in Hollywood, especially for portraying complex, unforgettable women later in life.
Final Roles and Continued Impact
Even in her later years, O’Hara remained a vibrant presence in film and television. In 2024, she appeared in the action-comedy
Argylle and delivered a performance in
The Last of Us (Season 2). She had also joined the cast of the 2025 Hollywood satire
The Studio, further proving her enduring versatility and appeal across genres.
O’Hara’s ability to balance humor with heart made her one of the most respected performers of her generation. Colleagues and fans alike celebrated her quick wit, generous spirit, and the emotional depth she brought to every role.
Personal Life and Legacy
Off-screen, O’Hara was a devoted wife and mother. She was married to production designer Bo Welch, with whom she shared a long and supportive partnership. They had two sons together, and O’Hara often spoke fondly of her family in interviews.
News of her death prompted an outpouring of tributes from peers across the entertainment industry. Co-stars such as Macaulay Culkin, whom she worked with on
Home Alone, and longtime collaborator Eugene Levy paid heartfelt tributes. Others, including fellow comedians, directors, and fans around the world, expressed deep admiration for her work and influence.
Remembering a Comedy Legend
Catherine O’Hara’s legacy is one of laughter, heart, and extraordinary talent. From her early days in improv comedy to her award-winning television roles, she remained a singular figure in entertainment beloved by audiences and respected by her peers. Her confirmed cause of death, though tragic, highlights the privacy she maintained around her health while continuing to shine professionally until nearly the end.
As tributes continue and retrospectives of her work grow, O’Hara will be remembered not just for her iconic characters but for the joy and authenticity she brought to every performance.
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