The cause of death for actor Catherine O’Hara has been formally determined by public health officials, offering clarity weeks after her passing at age 71.
O’Hara, widely known for her work in television and film comedies, died on Friday, Jan. 30. At the time, her representative said only that she had died following a brief illness, without releasing further details.
Records from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health now state that O’Hara died as a result of a pulmonary embolism. The death certificate lists rectal cancer as the underlying condition that led to the embolism. The document also notes that she was cremated.
O’Hara, a Toronto native born in 1954, built a career spanning decades across stage, film, and television. She first gained prominence through sketch and improvisational comedy before becoming a familiar face in major studio films and critically acclaimed television series.
Her film credits included popular mainstream releases such as Home Alone, along with a series of ensemble mockumentaries directed by Christopher Guest. She later reached a new generation of viewers with her starring role opposite Eugene Levy in the television comedy Schitt’s Creek, which earned her widespread recognition and major awards late in her career.
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Beyond live-action roles, O’Hara also worked extensively as a voice actor and appeared in dramatic television projects. In recent years, she continued acting in both film and high-profile television productions.
Throughout her career, O’Hara was known for portraying complex comedic characters that balanced humor with emotional depth. Industry colleagues frequently cited her versatility and longevity as defining elements of her work.
She is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, and their two sons.
