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Santa Monica Today
By the People, for the People
Beloved Actress Catherine O'Hara Dies at 71
Death certificate reveals pulmonary embolism as immediate cause, with cancer as underlying factor
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
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Beloved Canadian-born actress Catherine O'Hara, known for her roles in "Home Alone" and "Schitt's Creek," died on January 30 at the age of 71. A Los Angeles County death certificate issued on Monday lists pulmonary embolism as the immediate cause of death, with rectal cancer 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 indicates that O'Hara's oncologist had been treating her for rectal cancer since March 2025, and last saw her on January 27, 2026, just three days before her death. She died at a hospital in Santa Monica, California.
- Catherine O'Hara died on January 30, 2026.
- Her death certificate was issued on February 10, 2026.
The players
Catherine O'Hara
A beloved Canadian-born actress known for her roles in films like "Home Alone" and the TV series "Schitt's Creek," for which she won an Emmy. She had a prolific career spanning over 50 years in the entertainment industry.
Macaulay Culkin
O'Hara's co-star in the "Home Alone" films, where she played his mother.
Christopher Guest
O'Hara's frequent collaborator, known for their work together on mockumentary films.
Eugene Levy
O'Hara's co-star in "Schitt's Creek," where they played the eccentric Rose family.
Pedro Pascal
One of O'Hara's entertainment industry colleagues who paid tribute to her after her death.
The takeaway
Catherine O'Hara's unexpected passing at the age of 71 has left a void in the entertainment industry, as she was a beloved and acclaimed comedic actress known for her memorable roles in classic films and TV shows. Her death serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the talents of those who bring us joy through their craft.
