The cause of death for beloved actor Catherine O’Hara has been confirmed. Sources informed NBC4 Investigates in Los Angeles that the immediate cause was a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer identified as a sequential cause. O’Hara, renowned for her iconic roles in “Schitt’s Creek,” “Home Alone,” and “Beetlejuice,” passed away at the age of 71 in her Los Angeles home in January, leaving behind her husband Bo Welch and their two sons, Matthew and Luke.
The news of her passing came as a shock to fans and colleagues, leading to an outpouring of tributes that highlighted her incredible talent, warmth, and memorable on-screen presence. Authorities revealed that O’Hara was found unresponsive in her residence and was later pronounced dead.
While she never publicly disclosed specific health issues prior to her death, O’Hara had opened up about living with a rare congenital condition called dextrocardia with situs inversus. During a 2020 appearance on winemaker Kathryn Hall’s Virtual Happy Hour, she humorously spoke about her condition, expressing her unique perspective on life and her tendency to focus on the joy of the moment rather than her health.
In an interview with Elle Canada published in September 2024, O’Hara reflected on her views on aging, noting, “I do think of age, but otherwise, I rarely look in the mirror.” She expressed gratitude for the supportive people in her life who celebrate the experiences of aging rather than focusing solely on negative aspects often associated with it.
As the entertainment industry remembers her remarkable contributions, the circumstances around her final days cast a bittersweet light on her legacy. O’Hara’s impact on comedy and storytelling remains enduring, ensuring that her influence will be felt for generations to come.