The cause of Catherine O'Hara's death, and a private battle with cancer, came to light weeks after the “Schitt's Creek” and “Home Alone” star died at age 71.
The beloved comedian died of a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lungs, according to her death certificate published Monday by TMZ. The document also revealed that O'Hara had rectal cancer, which was listed as an underlying condition.
Emmy winner O'Hara, also known for “Best in Show,” “Beetlejuice” and, most recently, “The Last of Us” and “The Studio,” died Jan. 30. Her agency CAA confirmed at the time that the actress, famous for her portrayal of narcissistic former soap star Moira Rose on “Schitt's Creek,” died after a brief illness. The agency did not provide additional information at that time.
News of O'Hara's death quickly sparked tributes from her co-stars and peers, including her “Home Alone” son Macaulay Culkin and longtime collaborator Eugene Levy. Culkin wrote a touching tribute to O'Hara and posted photos of them hugging at his 1990 Christmas hit and a 2023 reunion at Culkin's star ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “Mom. I thought we had time,” the actor said.
Levy said he valued the time he spent working with O'Hara and their years of friendship. Her son, Dan Levy, who co-created and starred in “Schitt's Creek,” said his TV mom was extended family.
“It's hard to imagine a world without her. I will cherish every fun memory I was lucky enough to have with her,” he wrote on Instagram.
Other stars who paid tribute to O'Hara included her TV daughter Annie Murphy, her “The Studio” co-star Seth Rogen, Michael Keaton and Justin Theroux. Filmmakers Chris Columbus, Tim Burton and Martin Scorsese also saluted the late star.
The death certificate confirmed that the Canadian-born star was cremated. O'Hara is survived by her husband, “Beetlejuice” production designer Bo Welch, and her sons Matthew and Luke. Survivors also include siblings Michael O'Hara, Mary Margaret O'Hara, Maureen Jolley, Marcus O'Hara, Tom O'Hara and Patricia Wallace.
Times staff writers Tracy Brown and Malia Mendez contributed to this report.
