Catherine O’Hara, the celebrated actress whose career spanned decades and encompassed iconic roles in film and television, died on , at the age of 71. The cause of death has now been revealed: a pulmonary embolism, according to her death certificate. The document also indicated that O’Hara had been privately battling rectal cancer.
The news, initially reported by TMZ and subsequently confirmed by multiple outlets including USA Today and ABC News, brings a somber close to a period of mourning that began with the initial announcement of her passing. Her talent agency, CAA, had previously stated that O’Hara died after a “brief illness,” but provided no further details at the time.
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs, potentially blocking an artery. The National Library of Medicine’s Medline Plus notes that large clots, or multiple clots, can be life-threatening. O’Hara’s death certificate indicates she died within hours of the onset of symptoms at a hospital in Santa Monica, California.
O’Hara’s career was marked by a remarkable versatility and a gift for comedic timing. She rose to prominence in the 1980s with roles in films like “Beetlejuice” (1988) and “Home Alone” (1990), where she memorably portrayed Kate McCallister, the frantic mother trying to reunite with her family during the holidays. She later revisited both roles in sequels, cementing her place in pop culture history.
However, it was her more recent work, particularly her portrayal of Moira Rose in the critically acclaimed Canadian comedy series “Schitt’s Creek,” that brought her a new wave of recognition, and accolades. Her performance as the eccentric, former soap opera star earned her a Primetime Emmy Award in 2020 and a Golden Globe in 2021. The show, which also starred Eugene and Dan Levy, became a cultural phenomenon, and O’Hara’s character, with her distinctive wardrobe and unique vocal delivery, became instantly iconic.
The outpouring of grief following her death was a testament to the impact she had on her colleagues and fans. Macaulay Culkin, who played her son Kevin in “Home Alone,” shared a heartfelt tribute, posting photos of their time together and expressing his sorrow with the simple, poignant words, “Mama. I thought we had time.”
Eugene Levy, a longtime collaborator and friend, spoke of his cherished experiences working with O’Hara. His son, Dan Levy, described her as “extended family” and expressed his disbelief at a world without her presence. Annie Murphy, who played her daughter Alexis Rose in “Schitt’s Creek,” and other stars like Seth Rogen, Michael Keaton, and Justin Theroux also shared their tributes.
Filmmakers who had the opportunity to work with O’Hara, including Chris Columbus, Tim Burton, and Martin Scorsese, also offered their respects, acknowledging her talent and contributions to the world of cinema.
O’Hara’s agency confirmed that she was cremated. She is survived by her husband, Bo Welch, a production designer known for his work on “Beetlejuice” and other Tim Burton films, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke. She is also survived by her siblings: Michael O’Hara, Mary Margaret O’Hara, Maureen Jolley, Marcus O’Hara, Tom O’Hara, and Patricia Wallace.
While O’Hara had not publicly disclosed her battle with rectal cancer, the revelation adds another layer of understanding to her recent health struggles. The National Cancer Institute identifies colorectal cancer as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
At the time of her death, O’Hara was actively working on projects, including the Apple TV+ series “The Studio,” demonstrating her continued dedication to her craft. Her passing leaves a void in the entertainment industry, but her legacy of laughter and memorable performances will undoubtedly endure.
