Catherine O’Hara’s Death Ruled a Pulmonary Embolism Resulting From Rectal Cancer
Award-winning actress Catherine O’Hara, known for her iconic roles in “Schitt’s Creek” and “Home Alone,” died of a pulmonary embolism on , according to her death certificate released by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The certificate indicates that rectal cancer was the underlying cause of the embolism. O’Hara, 71, had reportedly been receiving treatment for the cancer since .
News of O’Hara’s passing was initially confirmed by her manager on . The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a medical aid call at an address associated with the actress at 4:48 a.m. That day, transporting her to a hospital in serious condition, according to reports.
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks a lung artery, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Colorectal cancer, described by the National Cancer Institute as cells growing out of control in the colon or rectum, is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
O’Hara’s career spanned decades and included over 100 roles in television, and film. She recently starred in the Apple TV+ series “The Studio” at the time of her death. She gained widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Moira Rose in the comedy series “Schitt’s Creek,” a role for which she won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2020 and a Golden Globe in 2021.
Those who worked closely with O’Hara have shared tributes following the release of the cause of death. Seth Rogen, creator of “The Studio,” described her as “hysterical, kind, intuitive, generous,” adding, “We’re all lucky we got to live in a world with her in it.”
Actor Pedro Pascal, who shared the screen with O’Hara in “The Last of Us,” wrote on Instagram, “Oh, genius to be near you. Eternally grateful. There is less light in my world, this lucky world that had you, will keep you, always.”
Eugene Levy, co-star and creator of “Schitt’s Creek,” told People magazine he had the “honor of knowing and working with the great Catherine O’Hara for over fifty years.” He added, “Words seem inadequate to express the loss I feel today.” Dan Levy, who played O’Hara’s son on the series, described her as “family before she ever played my family.”
Macaulay Culkin, her on-screen son in the “Home Alone” films, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, writing, “Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you… I love you. I’ll see you later.”
O’Hara’s cremation has been completed, according to the death certificate. The oncologist who signed the certificate indicated that he had been treating O’Hara since and last saw her on .
Prior to her recent work, O’Hara was a frequent collaborator with director Tim Burton, appearing in “Beetlejuice” and providing the voice of Sally in “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” She also gained a following for her work with Christopher Guest in mockumentaries such as “Waiting for Guffman,” “Best in Show,” and “A Mighty Wind.”
O’Hara was nominated for 10 Emmy Awards, winning twice – for “Schitt’s Creek” in 2020 and for “SCTV” in 1982.
