Catherine O’Hara’s cause of death is confirmed as pulmonary embolism after the beloved actress collapses at her Brentwood home in Los Angeles

The world of comedy and film lost a luminous star, and now we know exactly what led to her passing.

Catherine O’Hara, beloved for her roles in Schitt’s Creek and Home Alone, died from a blood clot in her lungs, according to her official death certificate.

The document also listed rectal cancer as a contributing factor.

Final Moments in Brentwood

O’Hara, 71, was rushed to a hospital in Los Angeles’ upscale Brentwood neighborhood on January 30 after experiencing severe difficulty breathing.

Despite medical efforts, she was pronounced dead shortly afterward.

Her passing shocked fans worldwide, leaving tributes pouring in from co-stars, friends, and admirers of her decades-long career.

From Toronto to Hollywood Stardom

Born in Toronto in 1954, Catherine O’Hara’s comedic roots trace back to the legendary Second City theatre troupe, where she collaborated with Eugene Levy, John Candy, and other Canadian talents.

This early experience honed her improvisational skills and set the stage for her prolific career in film and television.

Her breakout in movies came in 1980 with Double Negative, alongside Levy and Candy, before she landed one of her first iconic roles as Kevin McCallister’s mother in Home Alone (1990), and its sequel Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.

These films introduced her to a global audience and cemented her place in holiday film lore.

Collaborations with Tim Burton and Christopher Guest

O’Hara’s versatility extended beyond family comedies.

She collaborated with Tim Burton in Beetlejuice (1988) as Winona Ryder’s stepmother and in The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993).

Her marriage to Burton’s production designer, Bo Welch, brought her a personal partnership alongside professional achievements, and together they raised two sons, Matthew and Luke.

She also became a familiar face in Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries, where she brilliantly portrayed eccentric characters in Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, and For Your Consideration.

These roles highlighted her gift for subtle, deadpan comedy and her uncanny ability to capture human quirks with warmth and humor.

Schitt’s Creek and Emmy Recognition

For a new generation, Catherine O’Hara was synonymous with Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, the Emmy-winning TV series created by Dan Levy, Eugene Levy’s son.

Her performance earned her an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in 2020, as well as a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

The role showcased her range, balancing absurd comedy with heartfelt emotion, and solidified her legacy in television history.

Legacy and Impact

Catherine O’Hara’s death is a reminder of her remarkable impact on comedy and film.

From Second City stages in Toronto to global television audiences, she brought humor, heart, and intelligence to every performance.

Colleagues and fans alike celebrated her unique ability to blend absurdity with authenticity, leaving a body of work that will continue to inspire actors and comedians for generations.

Her passing also highlights the silent risks of pulmonary embolisms, a condition that can strike unexpectedly, and the ongoing battles individuals face with cancer.

Her death underscores the fragility of life even for those whose presence seems larger than life.

Remembering a Comedic Legend

Tributes have flowed in from around the globe, emphasizing both her talent and her kindness.

Eugene Levy, longtime friend and collaborator, praised her as “a once-in-a-generation talent,” while fans remembered her unforgettable lines, expressions, and the warmth she brought to every role.

Catherine O’Hara’s work will live on, not only in the films and shows she graced but in the laughter and joy she gave to millions worldwide.

Her legacy is a testament to the power of comedy to connect people, transcend generations, and endure beyond a single lifetime.