Catherine O’Hara’s cause of death revealed; Schitt’s Creek star died of pulmonary embolism

Her death certificate also lists rectal cancer as an underlying long-term cause of death. 

O'Hara, beloved for her Emmy-winning role as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek and iconic performances in films like Home Alone and Beetlejuice, passed away on January 30, 2026, at the age of 71 in Los Angeles, following what was initially described as a “brief illness.” 

The Los Angeles County Public Health Department confirmed that the immediate cause of death was a pulmonary embolism (a blockage in a lung artery caused by a blood clot), with rectal cancer noted as the condition that contributed over time. 

O'Hara had very recently featured in Emmy Award winning comedy show The Studio and HBO's The Last of Us.

About her career in detail

Catherine O’Hara is a celebrated Canadian-American actress, comedian, and writer best known for her razor-sharp comic timing and unforgettable characters.

She rose to fame as part of the legendary sketch troupe SCTV, where her improvisational brilliance earned critical acclaim and multiple awards.

O’Hara became a pop-culture icon playing the hilariously chaotic mother in Home Alone and later won widespread praise for her role as the flamboyant, wig-loving Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, which earned her an Emmy Award.

With a career spanning film, television, and voice acting, she is admired for seamlessly blending absurd humor with emotional depth, making her one of the most respected comedic performers of her generation.