Beloved actress Catherine O’Hara, acclaimed for her roles in “Schitt’s Creek” and the “Home Alone” films, died from a pulmonary embolism while being treated for rectal cancer, her death certificate has revealed. The document, issued by Los Angeles County on Monday, confirms that the 71-year-old star passed away on January 30, with the blood clot in her lungs listed as the immediate cause and cancer as the underlying condition.
According to the certificate, O’Hara had been under treatment for rectal cancer since March 2025, with her oncologist last seeing her just three days before her death. She died at a hospital in Santa Monica, California, and was subsequently cremated. The news clarifies the initial statement from her representatives that she died “following a brief illness,” providing closure to fans and colleagues who were surprised by her sudden passing.
O’Hara’s career spanned five decades, beginning with her work on the sketch comedy show “SCTV” and rising to fame with memorable performances in classics like “Home Alone” and its sequel. More recently, she won an Emmy for her portrayal of Moira Rose on “Schitt’s Creek,” a role that endeared her to a new generation of viewers and showcased her comedic genius.
Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment industry. “Schitt’s Creek” co-creator and co-star Eugene Levy expressed profound loss, calling her “family before she ever played my family.” Macaulay Culkin, who played her son in the “Home Alone” movies, shared an emotional message on Instagram, writing, “Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more.”
Other collaborators, including Seth Rogen and Pedro Pascal, praised O’Hara’s talent and kindness. Rogen described her as “hysterical, kind, intuitive, generous,” while Pascal noted the “less light” in the world without her. These reflections highlight the deep impact she had on those who worked with her.
The death certificate also lists O’Hara’s profession as “actress” and her business as movies, underscoring her lifelong dedication to her craft. She is survived by her husband Bo Welch, her two sons, and six siblings, leaving behind a legacy that extends beyond her on-screen achievements.
A pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition where a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs, often linked to underlying health issues like cancer. O’Hara’s case brings attention to the risks associated with such medical conditions, though her specific battle with rectal cancer had been private until now.
As the entertainment community mourns, O’Hara’s work continues to be celebrated, with reruns of her shows and films serving as a testament to her enduring appeal. Her death, while saddening, has sparked conversations about health awareness and the importance of regular medical check-ups, especially for public figures who often keep their struggles private.
