Catherine O’Hara’s cause of death and private battle with rectal cancer revealed
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- The cause of death for Emmy winner Catherine O’Hara’s has been revealed after she died Jan. 30 at age 71.
- The beloved comedian died of a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lungs, according to her death certificate.
Catherine O’Hara‘s cause of death — and a private battle with cancer — has come to light weeks after the “Schitt’s Creek” and “Home Alone” star died at 71.
The beloved comedian died of a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lungs, according to her death certificate published Monday by TMZ. The document also revealed that O’Hara had rectal cancer, which was listed as an underlying condition.
Emmy winner O’Hara, also known for “Best in Show,” “Beetlejuice” and, recently, “The Last of Us” and “The Studio,” died Jan. 30. Her agency CAA confirmed at the time that the actor, celebrated for her portrayal of narcissistic former soap star Moira Rose in “Schitt’s Creek,” died after a brief illness. The agency did not provide additional information at the time.
The Canadian actor was a versatile performer whose decades-long career took her from a comedy troupe to box office and television hits. Here are some of her best roles.
News of O’Hara’s death quickly sparked tributes from her co-stars and peers, including her “Home Alone” son Macaulay Culkin and longtime collaborator Eugene Levy. Culkin penned a moving tribute to O’Hara and posted photos of them sharing an embrace in their 1990 holiday hit and a 2023 reunion at the ceremony for Culkin’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “Mama. I thought we had time,” the actor said.
Levy said he cherished his time working with O’Hara and their years of friendship. His son, Dan Levy, who co-created and starred in “Schitt’s Creek,” said his TV mom was extended family.
“It’s hard to imagine a world without her in it. I will cherish every funny memory I was fortunate enough to make with her,” he wrote on Instagram.
Other stars who paid tribute to O’Hara included her TV daughter, Annie Murphy, “The Studio” co-star Seth Rogen, Michael Keaton and Justin Theroux. Filmmakers Chris Columbus, Tim Burton and Martin Scorsese also saluted the late star.
The death certificate confirmed that the Canadian-born star was cremated. O’Hara is survived by her husband, “Beetlejuice” production designer Bo Welch, and sons Matthew and Luke. Survivors also include siblings Michael O’Hara, Mary Margaret O’Hara, Maureen Jolley, Marcus O‘Hara, Tom O’Hara and Patricia Wallace.
Macaulay Culkin, Eugene Levy, Michael Keaton, Seth Rogen and other stars paid tribute to Catherine O’Hara after her death on Friday at age 71.
Times staff writers Tracy Brown and Malia Mendez contributed to this report.
