Catherine O’Hara, the celebrated actress known for her iconic roles in “Home Alone” and “Schitt’s Creek,” died on at the age of 71. The cause of death has now been confirmed as a pulmonary embolism, according to a death certificate released by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office on .
The news, initially reported by USA Today and subsequently confirmed by multiple outlets including ABC News and the BBC, reveals that rectal cancer was also listed as a contributing factor. O’Hara had been undergoing treatment for the cancer since , according to her oncologist, who signed the death certificate.
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks an artery. Symptoms can include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood, and it can be a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention. The presence of rectal cancer reportedly increased O’Hara’s risk of developing a pulmonary embolism.
O’Hara’s career spanned decades, encompassing film, television, and stage. She achieved widespread recognition for her portrayal of Kate McCallister, the frazzled mother in the beloved holiday films “Home Alone” and “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.” More recently, she garnered critical acclaim and a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance as Moira Rose, the eccentric and delightfully dramatic matriarch in the Canadian comedy series “Schitt’s Creek.” She also won a Golden Globe for the role in 2021.
News of O’Hara’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans alike. Macaulay Culkin, who starred alongside O’Hara in the “Home Alone” films, expressed his grief on social media, writing, “Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more.” Seth Rogen, creator of the Apple TV+ series “The Studio,” in which O’Hara was starring at the time of her death, described her as “hysterical, kind, intuitive, generous,” adding, “We’re all lucky we got to live in a world with her in it.” Pedro Pascal, who worked with O’Hara on “The Last of Us,” also shared a heartfelt tribute, stating, “Oh, genius to be near you. Eternally grateful.”
Eugene Levy, O’Hara’s longtime friend and co-star in “Schitt’s Creek,” reflected on their five-decade working relationship, calling it an “honor” to have known and worked with her. Dan Levy, who played her son on the series, described her as “family.”
The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a medical call at an address associated with O’Hara on the morning of her death, , at 4:48 a.m. She was transported to a hospital in serious condition, but ultimately succumbed to the pulmonary embolism.
Rectal cancer, a form of colorectal cancer, affects the rectum and can often go undetected in its early stages. Symptoms can include blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, and unexplained weight loss. The National Cancer Institute identifies colorectal cancer as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
O’Hara’s death is a significant loss to the entertainment industry, marking the end of a prolific and beloved career. While she had not publicly disclosed her health struggles, the revelation of her battle with rectal cancer underscores the importance of regular screenings and awareness of potential risk factors. Her contributions to comedy and her memorable performances will undoubtedly continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.
