Catherine O'Hara's Death Certificate Reveals Cause as Pulmonary Embolism
Emmy-winning actress Catherine O'Hara, celebrated for her roles in Schitt's Creek and Home Alone, died from a blood clot in her lungs, according to her death certificate released on Monday. The Canadian-born performer passed away at the age of 71 in January after being rushed to hospital due to breathing difficulties.
Medical Details and Final Moments
The death certificate states that O'Hara succumbed to a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer listed as a secondary contributing factor. On 30 January, she experienced severe breathing problems at her home in the upscale Brentwood neighbourhood of Los Angeles and was urgently transported to hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
A Storied Career in Comedy and Film
Born in Toronto in 1954, O'Hara began her career at the legendary comedy theatre Second City, alongside Eugene Levy. Their collaboration spanned decades, most notably in the hit television series Schitt's Creek. Her film breakthrough came in 1980 with Double Negative, also featuring Levy and John Candy.
In 1988, she portrayed Winona Ryder's stepmother in Tim Burton's Beetlejuice, later marrying the film's production designer Bo Welch, with whom she had two sons, Matthew and Luke. O'Hara gained international fame in 1990 as the mother of Macaulay Culkin's character in Home Alone, reprising the role in the 1992 sequel.
Versatile Performances and Accolades
O'Hara's versatility shone in Christopher Guest's mockumentaries, such as Best in Show and A Mighty Wind, showcasing her comedic range. However, it was her role in Schitt's Creek, created by Dan Levy, that earned her an Emmy for best lead actress in 2020, along with a Golden Globe and a SAG award.
Her recent work included promoting the Apple TV+ series The Studio, a Hollywood satire, with a portrait session in Los Angeles on 20 March 2025. Throughout her career, O'Hara remained a beloved figure in entertainment, known for her sharp wit and memorable characters.
