SUMMARY
- O’Hara’s death was caused by a pulmonary embolism with rectal cancer as a contributing factor.
- The Toronto born actress earned multiple awards, including two Emmys and a Golden Globe, for work spanning film, television, and stage.
- She is survived by her husband, Bo Welch, two sons, and seven siblings.
Catherine O’Hara, the award winning Canadian actress known for her roles in Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, died at 71 on the morning of Jan. 30, 2026, from a pulmonary embolism, according to her death certificate obtained by TMZ.
The document also cited rectal cancer as a contributing factor. She passed at a Santa Monica, California, hospital within hours of the onset of symptoms.
The sudden death of Catherine O’Hara marks the loss of one of Hollywood’s most versatile and acclaimed performers.
Known for her comedic timing, dramatic depth, and memorable character portrayals, O’Hara’s passing highlights health risks such as pulmonary embolism that can affect even relatively young adults.
Her work in comedy and film has left a lasting imprint on international audiences.
O’Hara gained global recognition as Kate McCallister in the Home Alone series and as Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice, roles that cemented her reputation as a distinctive comedic talent.
Her career included frequent collaborations with director Christopher Guest in films such as Waiting for Guffman (1996), Best in Show (2000), and A Mighty Wind (2003).
On television, she earned ten Emmy nominations, winning twice, most recently in 2020 for her portrayal of Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek. In 2025, she received dual Emmy nominations for The Studio and The Last of Us.
Pulmonary embolism (PE), the primary cause of O’Hara’s death, occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs, potentially causing rapid deterioration.
According to Dr. Jennifer Michael, a cardiopulmonary specialist at UCLA Health, “Pulmonary embolism can develop quickly and may be fatal within hours if a large clot obstructs blood flow to the lungs.”
Risk factors include age over 40, cancer, surgery, heart and lung disease, and family history of blood clots.
Dr. Samuel Ritter, an oncologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, emphasized the compounded risk for patients with ongoing cancer treatment.
“Individuals with rectal or other cancers are more susceptible to thromboembolic events because tumors can increase clotting factors in the bloodstream,” he said.
Her talent agency, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), confirmed that O’Hara passed after a brief illness.
Fellow actor Eugene Levy, her Schitt’s Creek co-star, remembered her as “a brilliant performer and a genuinely kind person,” noting that her contributions to comedy were “irreplaceable.”
Director Christopher Guest, with whom she frequently collaborated, said, “Catherine’s creativity and timing brought life to every project she touched. The industry has lost a singular talent.”
O’Hara’s passing may raise public awareness about the rapid onset and lethality of pulmonary embolisms, particularly among patients with cancer.
Physicians recommend prompt attention to symptoms such as sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and rapid heart rate, as timely intervention can be life-saving.
Catherine O’Hara leaves behind a legacy of groundbreaking performances across comedy and film.
Her death from a pulmonary embolism, compounded by rectal cancer, underscores both the fragility of life and the importance of vigilance in recognizing medical emergencies.
Survived by her husband Bo Welch, sons Matthew and Luke, and seven siblings, O’Hara’s career and influence remain deeply felt in Hollywood and around the world.
NOTE! This article was generated with the support of AI and compiled by professionals from multiple reliable sources, including official statements, press releases, and verified media coverage. For more information, please see our T&C.
