Hollywood Mourns as Catherine O’Hara Passes Away at 71 Following Pulmonary Embolism and Undisclosed Battle with Rectal Cancer

Hollywood mourns the loss of Catherine O’Hara, the beloved actress known for her unforgettable roles in Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, who passed away at the age of 71 on January 30.

Only days after her death, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office released details about the cause of her passing, revealing a pulmonary embolism as the immediate cause, with rectal cancer listed as the underlying condition.

This is the first time it has been publicly disclosed that O’Hara had been battling cancer.

The medical report confirms that the actress suffered from a blood clot in her lungs, a condition medically known as a pulmonary embolism (PE).

According to experts, these clots typically originate in the legs or pelvis—a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT)—before traveling to the lungs, which can quickly become life-threatening.

Understanding Pulmonary Embolism and Risk Factors

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot obstructs blood flow in the lungs.

Key factors that increase the risk of such clots include prolonged immobility, recent surgery (especially orthopedic procedures like hip or knee operations), cancer and cancer treatments, pregnancy, hormone therapies, smoking, and certain medications like birth control or hormone replacement therapy.

Rectal cancer, the underlying cause identified in O’Hara’s case, begins as abnormal cell growth in the rectum—the final several inches of the large intestine ending at the anus.

Left undetected or untreated, it can contribute to complications, including blood clots, highlighting the interconnected risks of severe illness and clotting disorders.

The Actress’s Final Days

O’Hara’s death followed what her family described as a “brief illness.”

Emergency services were called to her Brentwood, Los Angeles home just before 5 a.m. on the morning of January 30, finding her in serious condition.

She was transported to a hospital in Los Angeles, where she ultimately passed away.

Her husband, Bo Welch, and their sons, Matthew and Luke, released an obituary and hosted a private celebration of life.

The actress was last seen publicly at the Angel Awards in Santa Monica on October 16, 2025.

Guests noted she appeared slender and slightly gaunt but remained charming, upbeat, and friendly despite hiding her figure in a loose-fitting green pinstriped suit.

A Life in Comedy and Film

Born in Toronto, Canada, Catherine O’Hara was one of seven children. She first stepped onto the stage as the Virgin Mary in a Nativity play.

After high school, she worked as a waitress at Toronto’s Second City Theater, where she met comedy legends like Dan Aykroyd and Joe Flaherty.

She joined the Second City troupe in 1974 and later starred in Second City Television, showcasing her talent for celebrity impressions and sketch comedy.

O’Hara transitioned to film in 1980 with Double Negative, starring alongside John Candy and Eugene Levy.

Her career highlights include Beetlejuice (1988), Home Alone (1990), and its sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992).

She also earned acclaim for roles in Christopher Guest’s Best in Show (2000) and A Mighty Wind (2003), and reprised her role in the Beetlejuice sequel in 2024.

Schitt’s Creek and Award Recognition

Catherine O’Hara’s later career saw her reach new heights with the hit TV series Schitt’s Creek, created by Eugene and Daniel Levy.

Her portrayal of Moira Rose earned her an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2020, along with a Golden Globe and SAG Award.

During her acceptance speech, O’Hara expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play a woman “of a certain age, my age, who gets to fully be herself.”

Personal Health and Earlier Challenges

Earlier in life, O’Hara had been diagnosed with dextrocardia with situs inversus, a rare condition where the heart is positioned on the right side of the chest.

Despite this, she led a vibrant career in comedy and film, leaving a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

What’s Next?

Fans and the Hollywood community are expected to continue celebrating O’Hara’s extraordinary life and career through tributes, retrospectives, and special screenings of her most iconic roles.

Her family will maintain their privacy while honoring her legacy, and conversations about awareness of pulmonary embolisms and cancer-related health risks may gain renewed attention.

Summary

Catherine O’Hara, the legendary actress from Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, passed away at 71 due to a pulmonary embolism linked to rectal cancer.

She was remembered for her comedic brilliance, striking screen presence, and ability to bring characters to life.

O’Hara’s career spanned decades of memorable performances, earning critical acclaim and awards, including an Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Award.

She leaves behind her husband, Bo Welch, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke, as fans and colleagues reflect on her enduring impact on film and television.