Catherine O’Hara death: Pulmonary embolism with cancer as underlying cause

Canadian actor Catherine O’Hara passed away from a pulmonary embolism, with cancer as the underlying cause. The immediate cause of her passing on January 30, 2026, at the age of 71, was noted on the death certificate issued by Los Angeles County. A pulmonary embolism happens when a clot blocks an artery in the lungs, with rectal cancer listed as the long-term cause.

According to the certificate, O’Hara had been under the care of an oncologist since March of the previous year and was last seen on January 27. She passed away in Santa Monica, California. Known for her roles as the mother in the “Home Alone” movies and Moira Rose in “Schitt’s Creek,” O’Hara was a revered Canadian-born actor who won an Emmy for her performance.

Initially, her death was shrouded in mystery with a brief mention of a sudden illness. Tributes from colleagues like Macaulay Culkin, Christopher Guest, Eugene Levy, and Pedro Pascal poured in after her passing. She was later cremated, and her profession as listed on the document was an “actress” in the movie business. The certificate indicated she had been practicing acting for 50 years.