Reports have confirmed the official cause of death for the legendary actress Catherine O'Hara, who passed away suddenly last month at the age of 71. The beloved Canadian-American star, renowned for her iconic roles in films like Beetlejuice, Home Alone, and the acclaimed series Schitt's Creek, died on 30th January in a Los Angeles hospital, leaving fans and the entertainment industry in mourning.
Details from the Death Certificate
According to details obtained from her death certificate by TMZ, Catherine O'Hara's immediate cause of death was a pulmonary embolism, which is a sudden blood clot in the lungs. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office also listed rectal cancer as the long-term cause of death. It has been reported that the comedy legend had been undergoing cancer treatment since March 2025, highlighting a private battle with the illness.
Final Public Appearance and Family
Catherine O'Hara was last seen in public in September 2025, when she made a glamorous appearance at the Emmys in Los Angeles, California. Her manager confirmed her tragic death less than six months later, sending shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond. She leaves behind her heartbroken husband, Bo Welch, a respected production designer known for films such as Edward Scissorhands and A Little Princess, as well as their two grown-up sons, Matthew and Luke Welch.
Tributes from Co-Stars and Colleagues
Since her passing, many of Catherine O'Hara's devastated co-stars have shared their grief online, honouring her memory with heartfelt messages. Dan Levy, who played her on-screen son in Schitt's Creek and is the son of her long-term acting partner Eugene Levy, penned a beautiful tribute on Instagram. He wrote, "What a gift to have gotten to dance in the warm glow of Catherine O'Hara's brilliance for all those years. Having spent over fifty years collaborating with my Dad, Catherine was extended family before she ever played my 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."
Eugene Levy later expressed his sorrow to People magazine, stating he had the "honor of knowing and working with the great Catherine O'Hara for over fifty years," and adding, "Words seem inadequate to express the loss I feel today." Additionally, Macaulay Culkin, who portrayed her on-screen son Kevin McCallister in the Home Alone films, shared his sadness on Instagram, writing, "Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you. But I had so much more to say. I love you. I'll see you later."
Legacy and Impact
Catherine O'Hara's sudden death has left a profound void in the entertainment world, with her contributions to comedy and film being celebrated by peers and audiences alike. Her passing underscores the importance of health awareness, particularly regarding conditions like pulmonary embolisms and cancer, which can affect individuals unexpectedly. As tributes continue to pour in, her legacy as a talented and beloved actress endures, remembered through her memorable performances and the heartfelt connections she forged throughout her career.
