Death certificate states pulmonary embolism and cancer as causes of Catherine O’Hara’s reported death

The article reports on the confirmed cause of death of Canadian-American actress Catherine O’Hara, best known for her roles in the Home Alone films and the television series Schitt’s Creek. According to a Los Angeles County death certificate cited in the report, O’Hara died from a pulmonary embolism, a condition caused by a blood clot blocking an artery in the lungs. The certificate also listed rectal cancer as the underlying long-term cause contributing to her death.

The actress was said to have died at the age of 71, at her home in Los Angeles, with later references indicating that she passed away in a hospital in Santa Monica, California. The oncologist who signed the death certificate reportedly had been treating her since March of the previous year and last saw her on 27 January, shortly before her death.

The article revisits O’Hara’s celebrated career, highlighting her Emmy Award win in 2020 for her performance as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, a role that earned widespread critical acclaim. It also recalls her enduring popularity as Kate McCallister, the mother of Kevin, in the first two Home Alone films, which remain staples of holiday cinema.

Tributes from colleagues and co-stars are also included. Macaulay Culkin, who starred alongside her in Home Alone, paid tribute on Instagram, affectionately referring to her as “Mama.” Actress Meryl Streep, who worked with O’Hara in the 1986 film Heartburn, praised her compassion and the warmth she brought to her characters. The article concludes by noting that O’Hara is survived by her husband, Bo Welch, and their two sons, and that her family plans to hold a private celebration of her life.