Catherine O’Hara cause of death revealed
LOS ANGELES (KESQ) - Beloved comic actress Catherine O'Hara died of a pulmonary embolism with rectal cancer listed as a secondary factor, her death certificate revealed today.
O'Hara, 71, who starred in ``Home Alone'' and a host of other movies and television shows, died on the morning of Jan. 30 at St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica, the document states.
Paramedics were sent to her Brentwood home shortly before 5 a.m. that day after O'Hara experienced difficulty breathing and she died a short time later at the medical center.
Born in Toronto on March 4, 1954, O'Hara rose to prominence as a cast member of the Canadian sketch comedy series "Second City Television," where her sharp comic instincts and gift for character work helped define the show's irreverent tone. She served as an understudy for Gilda Radner before Radner left to join "Saturday Night Live."
She earned her first Emmy Award for her work on the series, which became a launching pad for a generation of comedians.
O'Hara went on to build an eclectic film and television career, appearing in movies such as ``After Hours,'' ``Beetlejuice'' and the first two ``Home Alone'' films, in which she played the frantic but devoted mother of Macaulay Culkin's character, Kevin. The role introduced her to a global audience and became one of the most enduring performances of the holiday classic.
In a 2019 interview with Vulture, O'Hara reflected on her experience making ``Home Alone'' and the film's unexpected success.
O'Hara was also one of the key players in writer/actor/director Christopher Guest's mockumentary troupe, with leading roles in ``Waiting for Guffman,'' ``Best in Show,'' ``A Mighty Wind'' and ``For Your Consideration.''
Later in her career, O'Hara earned widespread acclaim for her portrayal of the eccentric and glamorous Moira Rose on ``Schitt's Creek,'' a role that brought her renewed fame and multiple awards, including an Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series.
Most recently, she enjoyed a memorable supporting role on Seth Rogen's Emmy-winning Apple TV+ series ``The Studio.''
O'Hara also guest-starred on several top-rated television series, including ``Six Feet Under'' and ``Curb Your Enthusiasm.''
Her performance in the 2010 television film ``Temple Grandin'' earned her nominations for a Primetime Emmy Award, a Satellite Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
In 2012, she voiced three characters -- Mrs. Frankenstein, Weird Girl and the Gym Teacher -- in Tim Burton's animated film ``Frankenweenie,'' showcasing her vocal range.
She also lent her voice to animated films such as ``A Nightmare Before Christmas'' in 1993 and ``Chicken Little'' in 2005.
She was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2007.
O'Hara supported a range of charities, including Upward Bound House, a Los Angeles nonprofit focused on ending homelessness. She won $250,000 for the charity during a 2020 appearance on the game show ``Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.''
O'Hara met her husband, production designer Bo Welch, on the set of ``Beetlejuice,'' where he worked in that capacity. They married in 1992.
She is survived by Welch and their two sons, Matthew and Luke.
Her last public appearance was in September 2025, when she attended the Emmy Awards. O'Hara was nominated for best supporting actress for ``The Studio,'' and the show won for best comedy series. She was also nominated for a Golden Globe for the part, but did not attend the Jan. 11 ceremony.
