Hollywood is in shock following the death of acclaimed actress Catherine O’Hara at the age of 71. O’Hara, beloved for her roles in Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, passed away on January 30, 2026, after what her family initially described as a “brief illness.”
According to documents obtained from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, her immediate cause of death was pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer cited as an underlying condition. This is the first confirmation that the actress had been battling cancer.
Medical Background and Health History
A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the lungs typically caused by a blood clot traveling from the leg or pelvis, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Risk factors include cancer, surgery, prolonged immobility, hormone therapy, pregnancy, and smoking.
Rectal cancer develops from abnormal cell growth in the rectum, the lower portion of the large intestine connecting the colon to the anus. Earlier in her life, O’Hara was also diagnosed with dextrocardia with situs inversus, a rare condition where the heart is positioned on the right side of the chest.
Final Moments and Family
According to reports, an ambulance was called to O’Hara’s Brentwood home shortly before 5 a.m., after which she was taken to hospital. She is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, and their sons, Matthew and Luke, who shared an obituary and held a private celebration of life.
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O’Hara was last seen publicly on October 16, 2025, at the Angel Awards in Santa Monica. Observers noted she appeared slim, though in good spirits.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in Toronto, Canada, O’Hara was one of seven children. She discovered her passion for acting at a young age, playing the Virgin Mary in a Nativity play. She later joined Toronto’s Second City Theatre, where she worked alongside future comedy stars including Dan Aykroyd and Joe Flaherty.
Officially joining Second City in 1974, she later admitted to struggling with anxiety on stage, using improvisation as a coping mechanism.
Breakthrough and Iconic Roles
O’Hara gained fame on Second City Television (SCTV) in the 1980s for her sharp celebrity impressions. She made her film debut in 1980 in Double Negative alongside John Candy and Eugene Levy.
Her iconic roles include:
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Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice (1988)
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Kevin McCallister’s mother in Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2 (1992)
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Supporting roles in Best in Show and A Mighty Wind
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Reprising Beetlejuice in the 2024 sequel
Acclaimed Work in Schitt’s Creek
O’Hara received widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, winning the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (2020), as well as a Golden Globe and SAG Award. In her Emmy acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude to Eugene and Daniel Levy for creating a role allowing her to fully embrace her identity and age.
Legacy and Tributes
Catherine O’Hara leaves behind a lasting legacy in both Hollywood film and television. Her talent, versatility, and humor have made her a beloved figure internationally. Tributes continue to pour in from fans, colleagues, and fellow actors, honoring her remarkable career and indelible impact on the entertainment industry.
