Catherine O'Hara's cause of death out; was battling rectal cancer
What's the story
Hollywood actor and two-time Emmy winner, Catherine O'Hara, died at the age of 71 on January 30. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed that she died due to a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer as the underlying cause, per TMZ. A pulmonary embolism refers to a blood clot that stops blood flow to an artery in the lung. Her remains were handed over to her husband, production designer Robert "Bo" Welch, after she was cremated.
Career and health
Her career and recent successes
O'Hara was a towering presence in comedy and character-driven cinema, best known for her roles in the Home Alone films and Tim Burton's Beetlejuice. In recent years, she enjoyed a major career resurgence with her Emmy-winning performance as Moira Rose in Schitt's Creek. She also starred in Apple TV+'s The Studio. Despite her declining health, she received two Emmy nominations in 2025 for guest-starring on HBO's The Last of Us and The Studio.
Medical condition
Rare condition and her last public appearance
O'Hara also suffered from a rare condition called situs inversus, which causes the internal organs to be arranged in a mirror image of their normal position. Although typically harmless, this can complicate future medical issues as symptoms may not present as expected in those with mirrored organs. She was last seen publicly on September 14 at Apple TV+'s Primetime Emmy Party in Los Angeles.
Tributes
Tributes from across Hollywood and beyond
After her demise, tributes poured in from across Hollywood. Actors and filmmakers including Macaulay Culkin, Chris Columbus, Seth Rogen, Ike Barinholtz, and Eugene Levy, remembered her talent and warmth. Levy said he was honored to know and work with O'Hara for over 50 years. Culkin shared an emotional tribute saying he thought they had more time together. She is survived by her husband Welch, sons Matthew and Luke, and siblings Michael O'Hara, Mary Margaret O'Hara, among others.