Catherine O’Hara’s cause of death revealed by health authorities

Catherine O’Hara, the beloved actor known for roles in Home Alone, Beetlejuice, and Schitt’s Creek, died at 71 on January 30. Los Angeles health officials confirmed her death was caused by a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer listed as an underlying condition. Ashes were cremated, and tributes poured in from Hollywood, including from her “Home Alone” co-star Macaulay Culkin.

Ragini Jaiswal

February 10, 2026 / 07:34 IST

Catherine O’Hara’s cause of death revealed by health authorities

Catherine O'Hara died at 71 from a pulmonary embolism linked to rectal cancer
Her ashes were given to her husband, Robert "Bo" Welch
Tributes poured in for O'Hara, known for "Schitt's Creek" and "Home Alone"

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Acclaimed actor and two-time Emmy winner Catherine O’Hara died at the age of 71 at her Los Angeles home on January 30, following what was described by her representatives as a “brief illness,” health authorities have confirmed. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health released her death certificate on February 9, listing a pulmonary embolism — a blood clot in the lungs — as the immediate cause of death, with rectal cancer cited as the underlying condition.

o’hara’s remains were cremated, and her ashes were handed over to her husband, production designer Robert “Bo” Welch, according to officials. Her team at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) had initially shared only that she died after a brief illness and declined to offer further details about her health before her passing.

Born in Toronto in 1954, o’hara began her career in the 1970s with the sketch comedy troupe second city, where she worked with future longtime collaborator eugene levy. she broke into film and television with memorable roles in tim burton’s “beetlejuice” and as the quirky, unpredictable housewife in the classic holiday film “home alone.” over her five-decade career, she became a beloved figure in comedy and drama alike.

In the 2010s, o’hara experienced a major resurgence with her award-winning portrayal of Moira Rose on the critically acclaimed sitcom “Schitt’s Creek,” earning her an Emmy and widespread praise. She also appeared in recent projects like the Apple TV+ series “The Studio” and continued to work until shortly before her death.

Following the confirmation of her cause of death, tributes poured in from across Hollywood. Macaulay Culkin, her co-star from the “Home Alone” films, remembered her fondly, writing that he thought they still had more time together. colleagues and fans around the world celebrated her warmth, humor, and extraordinary talent.