US actress Catherine O'Hara’s cause of death confirmed by public health department

Catherine O’Hara, beloved for her roles in Schitt’s Creek and Home Alone, has passed away at 71 from a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer listed as an underlying cause. Her iconic career and Emmy-winning performance as Moira Rose drew heartfelt tributes from fans and co-stars alike.

Danielle Broadway/Reuters

10 February 2026 at 02:28:25

US actress Catherine O'Hara’s cause of death confirmed by public health department

FILE PHOTO: Cast member Catherine O'Hara attends an FYC (For Your Consideration) event for the television series ''The Studio'', in Los Angeles, California, U.S., May 21, 2025.

Mario Anzuoni/Reuters

Catherine O’Hara, the comic actor known for “Schitt’s Creek” and “Home Alone,” died of a pulmonary embolism, according to her death certificate released by the Los Angeles County Public Health Department and shared by TMZ on Monday.

The death certificate also listed rectal cancer as an underlying cause and noted she was cremated. O’Hara, 71, died on January 30, drawing tributes led by co‑star Macaulay Culkin and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

In 2020 she won the Emmy for best comedy actress portraying Moira Rose in "Schitt's Creek." She played the mother to Culkin's character in the 1990 movie "Home Alone" and Delia Deetz in two "Beetlejuice" films.

O'Hara joined the cast of Seth Rogen's 2025 Hollywood satire series "The Studio" as Patty Leigh, the fired head of a Hollywood film studio.

-Danielle Broadway/Reuters