Renowned actress Catherine O’Hara passed away due to a pulmonary embolism, as disclosed by her death certificate in the United States. O’Hara passed on January 30 at a hospital in Los Angeles, at the age of 71. Besides the blood clot in her lungs, the death certificate also cited rectal cancer as the long-term cause of her demise.
It was noted that she had been undergoing treatment for the cancer since March 2025. Tributes have been flooding in for the Canadian actress, who was most recently seen in the Emmy-winning comedy The Studio and The Last of Us. Get the full details about Catherina O’Hara Death, cause of death, etc.
Catherina O’Hara Died Of Pulmonary Embolism
Days after the passing of Home Alone star Catherine O’Hara at the age of 77 on January 30, the cause of her death has been disclosed. Previously, her agency informed Page Six that the actress had succumbed to a ‘brief illness’, which obtained her death certificate, has now indicated that O’Hara was contending with an underlying health issue.
Renowned for her roles in hits such as ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and the beloved holiday film ‘Home Alone’, Catherine O’Hara’s death represents a significant loss to the entertainment industry. She collaborated with notable figures like Winona Ryder from Stranger Things and appeared in Tim Burton’s legendary films, earning numerous accolades at the Emmys and, more recently, the Golden Globes.
Catherina O’Hara Cause of Death
Catherine O’Hara, who did not participate in the Golden Globes shortly before her passing, attributed her absence to health issues. Subsequently, a report from some sources disclosed that Catherine O’Hara suffered from a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer being a contributing factor.
In a heartfelt message written by co-star and former child actor Macaulay Culkin, he shared on social media, “Mama, I thought we had time. I wanted more. I desired to occupy a chair adjacent to you. I heard your words. Yet, I had a great deal more to communicate. I love you. I’ll see you later.” Culkin portrayed Kevin, O’Hara’s on-screen son in the Home Alone films.
What is pulmonary embolism?
According to the National Institutes of Health, pulmonary embolism (PE) is a critical condition characterized by a blood clot obstructing one or more arteries in the lungs, typically originating from deep veins in the legs. This condition arises when a clot suddenly dislodges and becomes lodged in the pulmonary arteries, hindering oxygen flow. Factors contributing to this condition include prolonged immobility, cancer, obesity, and various other disorders.
Catherine O’Hara’s memorable characters
Catherine O’Hara initiated her career in the mid-1970s on the Canadian sketch comedy series Second City Television, where she rapidly became recognized for her keen comic timing. Over the years, she formed a long-term collaboration with filmmaker Tim Burton, participating in projects like Beetlejuice and voicing a character in The Nightmare Before Christmas.
She also became a familiar face in Christopher Guest’s renowned mockumentaries, including Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, and For Your Consideration. Recently, O’Hara has made herself known to a younger audience through her role in HBO’s acclaimed zombie-apocalypse drama The Last of Us.
What Is Rectal Cancer?
Rectal cancer is identified as a contributing factor in O’Hara’s death. This type of cancer originates in the rectum, which is the final 6 inches of the digestive tract where stool is held until it is expelled through the anus, as stated by the American Cancer Society. It represents approximately 30% of newly diagnosed colorectal cancer cases in the United States.
Rectal bleeding is considered the primary warning sign to be vigilant about, as noted by Dr. Daniel Chung, a gastroenterologist at Massachusetts General Hospital. Additional symptoms may include alterations in bowel habits such as sudden onset of constipation, abdominal discomfort, and unexplained weight loss.
