The entertainment world recently mourned the passing of Catherine O’Hara, a revered Emmy-winning actress known for her unparalleled comedic talent and iconic roles. After a brief illness, O’Hara died at 71 on January 30, with official reports now clarifying the specifics surrounding her death. Her passing leaves a profound void, but her extraordinary career and the laughter she brought to millions will undoubtedly endure.
Understanding Catherine O’Hara’s Cause of Death
Following her passing in late January, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office officially released details regarding Catherine O’Hara’s cause of death on February 9, 2026. According to her death certificate, the beloved actress succumbed to a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer identified as a significant underlying factor contributing to her death. This information, corroborated by multiple reports, shed light on the circumstances of her final days.
Medical records indicate that O’Hara had not publicly disclosed any health struggles prior to her death. On the morning of January 30, emergency services were dispatched to an address linked to O’Hara in Los Angeles. She was subsequently transported to a hospital in serious condition, where she passed away shortly after. Her remains were later cremated, entrusted to her devoted husband, Robert “Bo” Welch.
Delving Deeper into the Medical Details
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a sudden blockage forms in a lung artery, most commonly caused by a blood clot that travels to the lungs from elsewhere in the body, often the legs. This condition can lead to severe respiratory distress and, in some cases, be fatal.
Rectal cancer, a form of colorectal cancer, involves the uncontrolled growth of cells in the colon or rectum. The National Cancer Institute recognizes colorectal cancer as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, underscoring the severity of O’Hara’s underlying condition. The combination of these health issues ultimately led to the untimely loss of a true comedic legend.
A Legacy Forged in Laughter: Catherine O’Hara’s Illustrious Career
Catherine O’Hara’s journey through show business began in Toronto during the 1970s. She launched her comedy career as a waitress at the renowned Second City Theatre, where her talent quickly led her to the stage. It was during this pivotal period that she formed a lifelong professional and personal bond with Eugene Levy, a partnership that would shape much of her career.
Together, O’Hara and Levy were original cast members of the groundbreaking sketch comedy series SCTV (Second City Television). O’Hara earned her very first Emmy Award for her exceptional writing contributions to the show, showcasing her versatile creative talents from the outset. Her unique ability to craft memorable characters and witty dialogue was evident even in these early stages.
Iconic Roles That Defined a Generation
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, O’Hara solidified her status as a household name with a series of unforgettable performances. She captivated audiences as the eccentric Delia Deetz in Tim Burton’s 1988 fantasy-comedy Beetlejuice. It was on the set of this film that she met her future husband, production designer Bo Welch.
However, it was her portrayal of Kate McCallister, the frantic and loving mother who accidentally leaves her child behind, in the 1990 blockbuster Home Alone and its 1992 sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, that brought her widespread global recognition. These films became perennial holiday classics, with her character’s iconic line, “Kevin!” echoing through generations. Beyond family comedies, O’Hara also lent her distinctive voice to Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in 1993.
Her comedic versatility truly shone through her collaborations with British filmmaker Christopher Guest. She became a recurring fixture in his acclaimed mockumentaries, delivering hilariously distinct performances. Whether as a zany dog handler in Best in Show, a vain folk singer in A Mighty Wind, or an award-hungry actress in For Your Consideration, O’Hara demonstrated an unparalleled ability to embody quirky, memorable characters.
The Moira Rose Phenomenon: A Career-Capping Triumph
For many modern audiences, Catherine O’Hara became synonymous with the flamboyant and reality-detached former soap opera star, Moira Rose, in the smash-hit series Schitt’s Creek. Co-created by Eugene Levy’s son, Dan Levy, this role marked a remarkable late-career resurgence and a “career-capping triumph” for O’Hara. Her portrayal of Moira, with her eccentric wigs, avant-garde fashion, and peculiar accent, was a masterclass in comedic timing and character development.
The role garnered her widespread critical acclaim, earning her a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2020. This triumph was followed by a Golden Globe in 2021 and two Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, cementing her status as a comedic legend. In her acceptance speeches, O’Hara often expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to play “a woman of a certain age, my age, who gets to fully be herself.” Her performance on Schitt’s Creek resonated deeply with audiences, creating a new generation of fans who admired her fearless comedic artistry.
Diverse Performances and Final Projects
Beyond her beloved Moira Rose character, O’Hara maintained a prolific career across television and film. She held memorable guest roles in popular series like 30 Rock, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Six Feet Under. More recently, she appeared in the 2024 film Argylle and was a double nominee at the Emmys in the year preceding her death for a guest appearance in HBO’s The Last of Us and her comedic turn in Apple TV+’s The Studio.
The Studio, a Hollywood satire show, marked her final series role. She had reportedly begun filming for its second season in mid-January, a testament to her enduring passion for her craft. Her ability to seamlessly transition between dramatic and comedic roles throughout her extensive filmography showcased a rare talent that will be deeply missed.
A Flood of Tributes for a Beloved Icon
News of Catherine O’Hara’s death prompted an immediate outpouring of grief and heartfelt tributes from across the entertainment industry. Colleagues, co-stars, and admirers universally celebrated her talent, warmth, and unparalleled comedic spirit.
Eugene Levy, her lifelong collaborator and dear friend, issued a poignant statement expressing his profound sense of loss. He reflected on their shared journey spanning over 50 years, from the Second City stage to SCTV, their work on Christopher Guest’s films, and their “six glorious years on Schitt’s Creek.” Levy emphasized cherishing their working relationship and, most importantly, their friendship, concluding, “And I will miss her. My heart goes out to Bo, Matthew, Luke and the entire O’Hara family.”
Dan Levy, who co-created and starred in Schitt’s Creek with O’Hara and his father, shared a moving tribute on Instagram. He fondly remembered her as “extended family” even before she played his family on screen, highlighting the difficulty of imagining a world without her unique presence.
Macaulay Culkin, her on-screen son from Home Alone, shared an emotional post, affectionately addressing her as “Mama” and lamenting, “I thought we had time. I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you but I had so much more to say. I love you. I’ll see you later.” Co-stars from The Studio, including Seth Rogen and Ike Barinholtz, described her as “a hero to all of us,” praising her unique blend of being “classy, warm, and hilarious all at the same time.”
Catherine O’Hara is survived by her devoted husband, Robert “Bo” Welch, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke. She also leaves behind her siblings: Michael O’Hara, Mary Margaret O’Hara, Maureen Jolley, Marcus O‘Hara, Tom O’Hara, and Patricia Wallice. Her enduring impact on comedy and film is undeniable, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of performers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Catherine O’Hara’s official cause of death?
Catherine O’Hara’s official cause of death was determined to be a pulmonary embolism, which is a sudden blockage in a lung artery, often caused by a blood clot. Rectal cancer was identified as the underlying cause that contributed to her passing. These details were officially released by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office on February 9, 2026, following her death on January 30 at the age of 71.
What were some of Catherine O’Hara’s most iconic roles before “Schitt’s Creek”?
Before her acclaimed role as Moira Rose, Catherine O’Hara had an extensive career filled with memorable characters. She gained widespread recognition as Delia Deetz in Tim Burton’s 1988 film Beetlejuice. She became a household name for her iconic portrayal of Kate McCallister, the mother in the beloved 1990 film Home Alone and its 1992 sequel. Additionally, O’Hara was a frequent collaborator in Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries, delivering standout performances in films like Best in Show and A Mighty Wind.
How did Catherine O’Hara’s “Schitt’s Creek” role redefine her career and legacy?
Catherine O’Hara’s role as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek marked a significant late-career peak, bringing her widespread critical acclaim and introducing her comedic genius to a new generation of fans. Her unique portrayal of the eccentric former soap opera star earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2020, along with a Golden Globe and two SAG Awards. This role solidified her status as a comedic legend and showcased her ability to perfectly embody a complex, hilarious character, enriching her already impressive legacy.
A Lasting Imprint on Hollywood
The revelation of Catherine O’Hara’s cause of death brings a sense of closure, yet the void left by her passing remains immense. Her career, spanning decades, was a testament to her extraordinary talent, versatility, and dedication to her craft. From the early days of SCTV to the global phenomenon of Schitt’s Creek, O’Hara consistently delivered performances that were both hilarious and deeply human. Her ability to create characters that resonated with audiences, whether through over-the-top antics or subtle expressions, made her a truly unique and irreplaceable presence in Hollywood. The tributes from her peers and the enduring popularity of her work underscore the profound and lasting imprint she has left on the world of entertainment.