Catherine O'Hara's Cause of Death Confirmed by Public Health Department

The beloved actress known for "Schitt's Creek" and "Home Alone" died of a pulmonary embolism at age 71.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Los Angeles County Public Health Department has released the death certificate for actress Catherine O'Hara, confirming that she died of a pulmonary embolism on January 30 at the age of 71. The certificate also listed rectal cancer as an underlying cause of death and noted that O'Hara was cremated.

Why it matters

O'Hara was a beloved and acclaimed actress, known for her iconic roles in "Schitt's Creek" and the "Home Alone" films. Her passing at the age of 71 has drawn tributes from co-stars and public figures, underscoring her impact and legacy in the entertainment industry.

The details

According to the death certificate released by the Los Angeles County Public Health Department, Catherine O'Hara died of a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer listed as an underlying cause. The certificate also noted that she was cremated.

  • Catherine O'Hara died on January 30, 2026.

The players

Catherine O'Hara

A beloved and acclaimed actress known for her roles in "Schitt's Creek" and the "Home Alone" films.

Macaulay Culkin

O'Hara's co-star in the "Home Alone" films, where she played his mother.

Mark Carney

The Canadian Prime Minister who paid tribute to O'Hara following her passing.

Seth Rogen

The creator of the Hollywood satire series "The Studio", in which O'Hara had a role as Patty Leigh, the fired head of a film studio.

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The takeaway

The confirmation of Catherine O'Hara's cause of death by the Los Angeles County Public Health Department provides closure and insight into the passing of a beloved and acclaimed actress whose work has left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and her many fans.