Pulmonary Embolism and Cancer Confirmed as Causes in Catherine O’Hara’s Passing
February 9, 2026
News & Politics

Pulmonary Embolism and Cancer Confirmed as Causes in Catherine O’Hara’s Passing

Actor Catherine O’Hara’s death attributed to blood clotting complication amid cancer diagnosis

Summary

The death of acclaimed actor Catherine O’Hara was medically attributed to a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer identified as the underlying illness leading to her passing. O’Hara, known for her extensive career in film and television, died at a hospital in Santa Monica, California, at the age of 71. Medical documentation confirms the progression of her rectal cancer and treatment history prior to her sudden death from the embolism.

Key Points

Catherine O’Hara’s death was caused by a pulmonary embolism with rectal cancer as the underlying disease, clarifying the medical circumstances surrounding her passing.
Her treatment history was confirmed by an oncologist who cared for her from March 2023 until days before she died on January 30, 2024, highlighting ongoing management of her cancer.
O’Hara had an extensive career in acting spanning 50 years, with notable roles in both film and television, including Emmy recognition, showing her longstanding contribution to entertainment.
In a recent confirmation regarding the cause of death of noted actor Catherine O’Hara, medical authorities in Los Angeles County have attributed her passing to a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer identified as the chronic condition that precipitated this fatal event. The official death certificate issued on Monday details that the immediate cause of death was due to a blood clot obstructing an artery in the lungs, known medically as a pulmonary embolism. This diagnosis accounts for the sudden deterioration that led to her death on January 30, 2024, when she was 71 years old.

The certificate further specifies rectal cancer as the long-term underlying cause of her health decline. An oncologist involved in O’Hara’s care since the prior year signed the document, confirming continuous treatment from March 2023 through her last medical visit on January 27, just days before her demise. O’Hara was receiving care in a Santa Monica, California hospital at the time of her death.

O’Hara was a comedian and actress of Canadian origin, widely known for her contributions to the entertainment industry for five decades. Her career highlights include performances on the sketch comedy program “SCTV” and memorable roles in the film industry. She is recognized for portraying the mother of Macaulay Culkin’s character in the popular “Home Alone” series and for her Emmy-winning role as the eccentric matriarch Moira Rose in the television show “Schitt’s Creek.”

The news of her death came unexpectedly to many. Initially, her representatives communicated only that she had died following a brief illness, offering limited detail into the circumstances. Her colleagues and co-stars, including Macaulay Culkin, Christopher Guest, Eugene Levy, and Pedro Pascal, publicly honored her with heartfelt tributes, acknowledging her impact and legacy in the performing arts.

Following her death, it has been recorded that she was cremated. Official records classify O’Hara’s primary profession as an actress and her business as the motion picture industry, documenting a five-decade tenure in this field.

This detailed medical explanation confirms the immediate and underlying medical reasons for her death, providing clarity on the conditions that led to the loss of the beloved actor who left a significant imprint on comedy and television.
Risks
  • The immediate cause of death being a pulmonary embolism indicates risks associated with blood clot-related complications, which may be a concern in oncology patient care management, especially within healthcare sectors.
  • The presence of an underlying long-term cancer condition that was actively treated until shortly before death highlights uncertainties regarding disease progression and treatment efficacy in serious illnesses, relevant to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.
  • Surprise at the sudden illness and death suggests potential challenges in early detection or communication of terminal disease stages, impacting patient care protocols and the health communication sectors.
Disclosure
This article presents verified information based solely on official medical and family disclosures. No new or speculative data have been introduced beyond the confirmed details about Catherine O’Hara’s health and death circumstances.
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