Catherine O’Hara’s cause of death and cancer battle shed light on her sudden passing

Catherine O’Hara’s passing on January 30, at the age of 71, sent emotional shockwaves throughout Hollywood and beyond. As one of comedy’s most beloved talents, fans around the world shared their heartbreak on social media. Details from first responders and early reports painted the picture of a sudden medical crisis, and new details have now emerged clarifying what led to her death. 

Per TMZ, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office released her death certificate, revealing that the Emmy winner died from a pulmonary embolism – a sudden blockage in an artery of the lungs caused by a blood clot. Rectal cancer was listed as the underlying cause of death, indicating she had been privately battling the disease.

The outlet had previously reported that paramedics were called to her Brentwood home in Los Angeles in the early morning hours of January 30 after she experienced difficulty breathing and was rushed to a hospital, where she was listed in serious condition and later pronounced dead.

© Unique Nicole

The death certificate notes that O’Hara was cremated and that her remains were released to her husband, Robert “Bo” Welch. The couple first met on the set of Tim Burton’s original Beetlejuice, released in 1988, when he was working as a production designer on the film. They said “I do” in 1992 and were married for over 30 years.  

The couple shared sons, Matthew and Luke. While her family has been mourning the loss privately, her representative noted in a statement to Entertainment Weekly that “a private celebration of life will be held by the family.”

An incredible legacy

© Ron Galella

For more than five decades, O’Hara worked across television and film, building a legacy with her comedic abilities, lovable energy, and raw talent. 

Born in Toronto, she first gained prominence with the sketch comedy ensemble Second City Television, where her character work helped shape a generation of comedic voices. 

© Ron Galella, Ltd.

To many audiences, O’Hara will forever be Kate McCallister, the frantic mom in Home Alone and Home Alone 2, on a mission to reunite with her son, Kevin, played by Macaulay Culkin, who honored her after her passing. The role cemented her as a pop-culture staple.

© REX Features/Shutterstock /The Grosby Group

Later in life, O’Hara experienced a career renaissance with her Emmy-winning performance as Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek. She won the Emmy, Golden Globe, Critics Choice Award, and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actress in a Comedy for the final season. 

Her work didn’t stop there. In 2025, she earned an Emmy nomination for her role opposite Seth Rogen in Apple TV+’s The Studio. 

She was set to reprise her role in season two, which began production in January 2026, but was unable to due to “personal matters.” With the death certificate, everything makes more sense.

On Sunday, at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) awards, Rogan and Evan Goldberg honoured O’Hara during their acceptance speeches after winning outstanding directorial achievement in a comedy series. “Honestly, there’s no one we wish we could thank in person at this moment more than we would love to thank Catherine O’Hara,” Rogan said. 

“We grew up in Canada, and she is and was quite literally our idol since we were children,” Goldberg added. 

Rest in peace.