Beloved Actress Catherine O'Hara Dies at 71

Pulmonary embolism was immediate cause, with cancer as underlying factor

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Beloved Canadian-born actress Catherine O'Hara, known for her roles in "Home Alone" and "Schitt's Creek," died at the age of 71. According to her death certificate, the immediate cause of death was a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer listed as the underlying cause.

Why it matters

O'Hara was a highly acclaimed and beloved comedic actress, with a career spanning over 50 years. Her unexpected death at a relatively young age has saddened many of her fans and collaborators in the entertainment industry.

The details

The death certificate, issued by the Los Angeles County, indicates that O'Hara's oncologist had been treating her for rectal cancer since March 2025. She died at a hospital in Santa Monica, California on January 30, 2026. The document also states that she was cremated and that her profession was listed as "actress" in the movies.

  • O'Hara was diagnosed with rectal cancer in March 2025.
  • She last saw her oncologist on January 27, 2026.
  • O'Hara died on January 30, 2026 at a hospital in Santa Monica, California.

The players

Catherine O'Hara

A beloved Canadian-born comic actress and "SCTV" alum who starred as Macaulay Culkin's mother in two "Home Alone" movies and won an Emmy for her role as the dramatically oblivious wealthy matriarch Moira Rose in "Schitt's Creek." She had a prolific acting career spanning over 50 years.

Macaulay Culkin

An American actor who co-starred with O'Hara in the "Home Alone" movies, where she played his mother.

Christopher Guest

An American actor, writer, composer, and filmmaker who collaborated with O'Hara on various projects.

Eugene Levy

A Canadian actor, comedian, producer, director, and writer who co-starred with O'Hara in "Schitt's Creek" and paid tribute to her after her death.

Pedro Pascal

A Chilean-American actor who also paid tribute to O'Hara following her passing.

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What they’re saying

“Catherine O'Hara was a true icon, a brilliant comedic actress who brought so much joy and laughter to the world. She will be deeply missed.”

— Macaulay Culkin

“Working with Catherine was always a master class in comedy. She was a true original and will be sorely missed.”

— Christopher Guest

“Catherine O'Hara was a comedic genius and a true joy to work with. Her talent and spirit will be forever cherished.”

— Eugene Levy

The takeaway

Catherine O'Hara's unexpected passing at the age of 71 has left a void in the entertainment industry, as she was widely regarded as one of the most talented and beloved comedic actresses of her generation. Her iconic roles in films like "Home Alone" and "Schitt's Creek" will continue to bring laughter and joy to audiences for years to come, cementing her legacy as a true comedy legend.