Home Alone star Catherine O’Hara’s cause of death revealed

Catherine O’Hara, star of Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, died from a pulmonary embolism at 71

Legendary actress and comedian Catherine O’Hara, best known for her roles in Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, died from a pulmonary embolism, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed. 

The 71-year-old performer also had rectal cancer listed as an underlying cause. According to the death certificate obtained by TMZ, O’Hara was cremated, with her husband, Robert “Bo” Welch, handling her remains.

O’Hara began her comedy career in 1974 as a cast member of The Second City in Toronto, serving as an understudy to the late Gilda Radner. She later joined the sketch comedy show SCTV, debuting in 1976 alongside comedy legends including John Candy, Martin Short, Rick Moranis, Harold Ramis, Joe Flaherty, and Eugene Levy.

Her film debut came with Double Negative (1980), followed by roles in After Hours (1985) and Beetlejuice (1988). O’Hara gained worldwide fame portraying Kate McCallister in Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992).

O’Hara reunited with longtime collaborator Eugene Levy in the acclaimed sitcom Schitt’s Creek, playing Moira Rose alongside Levy as Johnny Rose. The series was critically celebrated, with its cast sweeping all major comedy categories at the 72nd Prime Time Emmy Awards.

Catherine O’Hara’s legacy spans decades of comedy, film, and television, leaving an indelible mark on generations of audiences worldwide. Her work continues to influence actors and comedians, cementing her status as one of the most iconic performers of her time.