Catherine O’Hara’s Cause of Death Revealed
Catherine O’Hara, the beloved star of Schitt’s Creek, passed away at the age of 71. Her death was announced on January 30, 2026, and it sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Now, details about her cause of death have been released, shedding light on the final chapter of her life.
According to a death certificate obtained by TMZ, the underlying cause of her passing was rectal cancer. However, the immediate cause was listed as a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lungs. This information has provided clarity for fans and loved ones who were grieving the loss of a cherished actress.
Catherine’s team confirmed the news of her death on the same day, stating she had passed away after a “brief illness.” She had been admitted to the hospital early that morning in serious condition following an emergency call from the LA Fire Department to her home.
A Life Remembered
Catherine is survived by her husband, production designer Bob Welch, and their two sons, Matthew, 31, and Luke, 29. The family has been a central part of her life, and their support has been evident during this difficult time.
Tributes poured in from across the world, with many expressing their deep sorrow. Macaulay Culkin, who played her on-screen son in Home Alone, was among the first to share his heartfelt message. On Instagram, he wrote:
“I thought we had time. I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you. But I had so much more to say. I love you. I’ll see you later.”
Her co-star from Schitt’s Creek, Eugene Levy, also shared his devastation in a statement. He reflected on their long-standing friendship and professional collaboration:
“Words seem inadequate to express the loss I feel today. I had the honor of knowing and working with the great Catherine O’Hara for over fifty years. From our beginnings on the Second City stage, to SCTV, to the movies we did with Chris Guest, to our six glorious years on Schitt’s Creek, I cherished our working relationship, but most of all our friendship. And I will miss her. My heart goes out to Bo, Matthew, Luke, and the entire O’Hara family.”
A Career Spanning Decades
Catherine O’Hara is best known for her iconic roles in various films and television series. She gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Kate McCallister, the mother of the young protagonist in the first two Home Alone movies. Her performance in these films helped establish her as a household name.
She also starred in the original Beetlejuice movie and returned for the 2024 sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Other notable roles include appearances in Waiting for Guffman, After Hours, and Best in Snow. However, it was her role as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek that truly defined her career. She played the eccentric matriarch from 2015 until the show’s conclusion in 2020.
In recent years, Catherine continued to showcase her talent, earning an Emmy nomination for her performance in Seth Rogan’s Apple TV+ series, The Studio.
