Updated Feb. 9, 2026, 3:20 p.m. ET
Catherine O’Hara‘s cause of death has been confirmed after the award-winning actress died at 71 the morning of Jan. 30.
The “Home Alone” actress died from a pulmonary embolism, according to O’Hara’s death certificate, which was obtained by TMZ on Feb. 9.
Per the document, she’d died at a Santa Monica, California, hospital within hours of the onset of symptoms. Another contributing cause was rectal cancer, which she’d been living with for months, according to the death certificate.
Variety and Deadline initially reported, citing O’Hara’s talent agency CAA, that she had died at home after “a brief illness.”
What is a pulmonary embolism?
A pulmonary embolism is caused by a “blood clot that breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs,” according to the National Library of Medicine’s Medline Plus. A large clot, or having a number of clots, could make a pulmonary embolism life-threatening.
Surgery, cancer, heart and lung diseases, age (over 40 years old) and family history are among risk factors for developing a pulmonary embolism, per Medline Plus.
Someone experiencing a PE might not present any symptoms; common signs include shortness of breath, chest discomfort, raised heart rate and unusually low blood pressure.
Throughout her career, the Toronto-born actress became a Hollywood legend, known for iconic roles as mother Kate McCallister in the Christmas classic “Home Alone” and Delia Deetz in the spooky season staple “Beetlejuice,” both of which she later reprised in sequels.
Her work was not only applauded by critics and fans but also earned her industry accolades, including a Golden Globe award and two Actor Awards (formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards).
An Emmy Awards darling, she was nominated 10 times and won twice, including in 2020 for her comedy performance as matriarch Moira Rose in “Schitt’s Creek” and in 1982 for her work on the SCTV Network. In 2025, she was nominated twice for her playing entertainment executive Patty Leigh on “The Studio” and therapist Gail in “The Last Of Us.”
She has supporting roles in Martin Scorsese‘s “After Hours” in 1985 and Mike Nichols’ “Heartburn” in 1986 and later became as regular collaborator with director Christopher Guest appearing in “Waiting for Guffman” (1996), “Best in Show” (2000), “A Mighty Wind” (2003) and “For Your Consideration” (2006).
In a 2025 interview with Variety, she reflected on how Hollywood has evolved since she started her career, calling the industry a “much more nervous business now.”
“The internet and streaming must have opened up a world of good and horrific possibilities for people,” she told the outlet. “Most people are trying to do and want to do good work. And most people want to be entertained.”
O’Hara is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, with whom she shares sons Matthew and Luke. She is also survived by siblings Maureen Jolley, Marcus O’Hara, Michael O’Hara, Mary Margaret O’Hara, Tom O’Hara and Patricia Wallice.
Contributing: Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY
