Catherine O'Hara's Cause of Death Revealed

Actress died from pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer as underlying condition

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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According to reports, actress Catherine O'Hara died from a pulmonary embolism on January 30, 2026. Her death certificate also listed rectal cancer as an underlying condition. Paramedics were called to her Los Angeles home early that morning after she became ill, and she passed away later that day at the hospital.

Why it matters

O'Hara was a beloved and acclaimed actress known for her roles in films like Home Alone and Schitt's Creek. Her unexpected death at the age of 71 has saddened fans and the entertainment industry.

The details

O'Hara's death certificate, obtained by TMZ, revealed that the cause of death was a pulmonary embolism, a serious and often sudden medical condition caused by a blood clot in the lungs. The certificate also listed rectal cancer as an underlying condition. Paramedics were called to O'Hara's Los Angeles home at 4:48 a.m. on January 30 after she became ill, and she was taken to the hospital where she passed away later that day. Her agency, CAA, had previously stated that she had been dealing with a 'brief illness'.

  • Paramedics were called to O'Hara's home on January 30, 2026 at 4:48 a.m.
  • O'Hara passed away later that same day, January 30, 2026, after being taken to the hospital.

The players

Catherine O'Hara

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

CAA

O'Hara's talent agency, which stated she had been dealing with a 'brief illness'.

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The takeaway

The unexpected death of Catherine O'Hara at the age of 71 has saddened fans and the entertainment industry. Her cause of death was a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer listed as an underlying condition, highlighting the serious health challenges she was facing in her final days.