Catherine O'Hara, the celebrated actress best known for her roles in "Home Alone" and "Schitt's Creek," passed away on January 30th at the age of 71. The cause of death has now been revealed as a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer as an underlying factor.
According to a death certificate issued by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health on Monday, February 9th, the immediate cause of death was a pulmonary embolism, which occurs when a blood clot obstructs an artery in the lungs. The death certificate also indicated that rectal cancer was a long-term cause. The oncologist who signed the certificate had been treating O'Hara since March of the previous year and last saw her on January 27th. O'Hara died in a Santa Monica, California, hospital. Her remains were cremated.
News of O'Hara's death was initially met with surprise, with a statement from her representatives citing a "brief illness". The revelation of the underlying cancer sheds light on the health challenges she faced privately. It remains unclear how long O'Hara had been battling cancer.
Catherine O'Hara's career spanned five decades, marked by her versatility and comedic talent. Born in Canada, she began her career with the Second City comedy group in Toronto in the 1970s, where she first collaborated with Eugene Levy. This collaboration led to their participation as original cast members of the sketch comedy show "SCTV". O'Hara and Levy would continue to work together throughout their careers, including on the hit sitcom "Schitt's Creek".
O'Hara gained international recognition for her role as Kate McCallister, Kevin's mother, in the "Home Alone" films. She also won an Emmy for her portrayal of Moira Rose, the eccentric matriarch in "Schitt's Creek". Beyond these iconic roles, O'Hara appeared in numerous television series such as "Six Feet Under," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," and "The Studio", earning an Emmy nomination for her work in the HBO film "Temple Grandin". She collaborated with Christopher Guest on several mockumentaries and most recently earned an Emmy nomination for her role opposite Seth Rogen in the Apple TV+ series, "The Studio".
Following her death, tributes poured in from collaborators and costars, including Eugene Levy and Macaulay Culkin. Culkin, who played her son in "Home Alone," shared heartfelt words on Instagram, expressing his desire for more time with her. Levy, her longtime friend and "Schitt's Creek" co-star, conveyed the profound sense of loss he felt. O'Hara's death is a significant loss to the entertainment world, but her performances continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.