Catherine O’Hara’s cause of death has been confirmed following the award-winning actress’s passing at age 71 on Jan. 30.
The Home Alone star died from a pulmonary embolism, according to her death certificate, which was obtained by TMZ on Feb. 9. The document states that O’Hara died at a hospital in Santa Monica, California, just hours after the onset of symptoms. Rectal cancer, which she had been battling for several months, was listed as a contributing condition.
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs, according to MedlinePlus from the National Library of Medicine. Large clots—or multiple clots—can be life-threatening.
Variety and Deadline previously reported, citing O’Hara’s talent agency, CAA, that she died at home after a “brief illness.”
Risk factors for pulmonary embolism include surgery, cancer, heart or lung disease, age over 40, and family history, according to MedlinePlus. Symptoms may not always be present, but common warning signs include shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and unusually low blood pressure.
A Beloved Actress With an Iconic Career
Born in Toronto, Catherine O’Hara became a Hollywood legend through a career spanning decades. She was best known for her role as Kate McCallister in the beloved holiday classic Home Alone and as Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice, roles she later reprised in sequels.
Her work earned widespread acclaim, including a Golden Globe Award and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. An Emmy favorite, O’Hara received 10 nominations and won twice—once in 1982 for SCTV Network and again in 2020 for her performance as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek. In 2025, she earned two additional Emmy nominations for her roles in The Studio and The Last of Us.
O’Hara also appeared in films such as Martin Scorsese’s After Hours (1985) and Mike Nichols’ Heartburn (1986). She was a frequent collaborator of director Christopher Guest, starring in Waiting for Guffman (1996), Best in Show (2000), A Mighty Wind (2003), and For Your Consideration (2006).
Catherine O’Hara is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke. She is also survived by her siblings: Maureen Jolley, Marcus O’Hara, Michael O’Hara, Mary Margaret O’Hara, Tom O’Hara, and Patricia Wallice.