Beloved Star Catherine O’Hara’s Cause of Death Revealed
Catherine O’Hara, the celebrated Canadian-American actress renowned for her iconic roles in Home Alone, Beetlejuice, and the critically acclaimed series Schitt’s Creek, passed away at the age of 71. Her agency initially announced her death on January 30th, stating she succumbed to “a brief illness.” However, details emerging from her death certificate have now shed further light on the beloved performer’s final days.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed, through documents obtained by media outlets, that O’Hara’s cause of death was a pulmonary embolism. Further details revealed she had also been diagnosed with rectal cancer. This information comes nearly two weeks after her passing, leaving many fans and colleagues in mourning.
Reports indicate that O’Hara was hospitalised in a “serious condition” on the morning of her death, as stated by a spokesperson for the LA Fire Department. It is understood that many of O’Hara’s close friends were reportedly unaware of the severity of her condition in the lead-up to her passing.
The Emmy winner’s health struggles also impacted her professional commitments. She was slated to participate in the filming of Season 2 of the television series The Studio. However, she withdrew from the project just days before her death. Reports suggest that the production schedule was subsequently adjusted to accommodate her absence, focusing on scenes that did not involve her character. Some publications have speculated that O’Hara was addressing “personal matters” during this time. An insider commented to a publication following her death, noting, “It was not widely known she was dealing with any health or major issues.”
O’Hara’s career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on both film and television. Her versatile performances captivated audiences worldwide.
Key Film Roles:
- Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) – as Kate McCallister, the mother of Kevin McCallister.
- Beetlejuice (1988) – as Delia Deetz, the eccentric artist.
- Best in Show (2000) – as Cookie Fleck, a participant in a prestigious dog show.
- Waiting for Guffman (1996) – as Sheila Albertson.
- A Mighty Wind (2003) – as Micki Newquist.
Acclaimed Television Performances:
- Schitt’s Creek (2015-2020) – as Moira Rose, the flamboyant former soap opera star, a role for which she received widespread critical acclaim and an Emmy Award.
- The Studio (as yet to be fully detailed, but a planned project).
- The Last of Us (2023) – as Marlene, the leader of the Fireflies.
O’Hara’s last known public appearance was at the 2025 Emmy Awards in September, where she was a nominee in two categories for her work in The Studio and The Last of Us. She was also a nominee for a Golden Globe earlier this year but was unable to attend the ceremony.
The news of her death elicited an outpouring of tributes from her peers and co-stars, including heartfelt messages from Macaulay Culkin, Dan and Eugene Levy, and Michael Keaton, all of whom had the privilege of working with the immensely talented actress. Her legacy as a comedic genius and a deeply affecting dramatic performer will undoubtedly endure.
