Catherine O’Hara: The world lost a true gem when Catherine O’Hara, the hilarious heart of shows like Schitt’s Creek and movies like Home Alone, passed away last month.
Now, heartfelt details from her death certificate, shared by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner on February 9, 2026, paint a picture of her brave, private struggle.
At 71, O’Hara succumbed to a pulmonary embolism on January 30, 2026, in a Santa Monica hospital. The root cause? Rectal cancer, which she’d been facing since starting oncology treatments in March 2025. It’s tough to imagine – this vibrant woman, who brought so much joy to our screens, dealing with such pain behind the scenes.
She chose to keep it quiet, powering through with roles in The Last of Us and The Studio, even snagging praise and an Emmy nod for the latter.
Her doctor last checked in on January 27, just days before breathing issues sent her to the ER. It’s a reminder of how fragile life can be, even for someone as unstoppable as her.
A Fresh Wave of Heartfelt Goodbyes
News of her battle has reignited tributes from those who knew her best, celebrating the warmth and wit she shared.
Eugene Levy, her Schitt’s Creek partner and friend, called her a “genius” in his emotional remembrance, grieving the loss of their unbreakable bond.
Macaulay Culkin, her on-screen son from Home Alone, poured out his sorrow: “Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more… I love you. I’ll see you later.” It hits right in the feels.
Michael Keaton, from Beetlejuice, shared: “She’s been my pretend wife, my pretend nemesis and my real life, true friend. This one hurts.” Simple words, profound loss.
A Legacy That Sparked Laughter and Love
O’Hara’s five-decade career wasn’t just about laughs – it was about touching souls with her quirky, deeply human characters. From sketch comedy roots to Emmy glory, she made us all feel seen.
| Career Highlight | What Made It Special |
|---|---|
| SCTV (1976) | Breakout in ensemble sketches that launched her unique style |
| Home Alone (1990) | As frantic mom Kate McCallister, she became a holiday icon worldwide |
| Schitt’s Creek (2020) | Won Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress as the unforgettable Moira Rose |
| The Studio (2025) | Her last TV gig, earning an Emmy nomination amid her health fight |
She leaves behind her devoted husband, production designer Robert “Bo” Welch, and sons Matthew and Luke. Per the report, she’s been cremated, resting in peace after a life full of light.
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In her memory, many are turning to support cancer research or pulmonary embolism awareness – small ways to honor a woman who gave us so much.
Source & References
- https://www.ksl.com/article/51445794/catherine-oharas-cause-of-death-confirmed-by-medical-examiner?hl=en
- https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2026/feb/09/catherine-o-hara-actor-cause-of-death?hl=en.
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