Catherine O'Hara, an award-winning actress celebrated for her roles in various iconic productions, died on January 30, 2026, at the age of 71. The cause of her death has been confirmed as a pulmonary embolism, resulting from a blood clot in her lungs.
According to her death certificate, O'Hara had been diagnosed with rectal cancer, which was stated as a long-term cause of her passing. She had been undergoing treatment for this condition since March 2025 and ultimately succumbed while receiving medical care in a Los Angeles hospital.
Tributes have flooded in from across the entertainment industry, celebrating O'Hara's immense talent and kind spirit. Seth Rogen, the creator of her most recent series 'The Studio', expressed his deep sorrow, calling her hysterical, kind, intuitive, generous and stating, We're all lucky we got to live in a world with her in it.
Pedro Pascal, who appeared alongside her in 'The Last of Us', wrote, Oh, genius to be near you. Eternally grateful. There is less light in my world, this lucky world that had you, will keep you, always. O'Hara's incredible performance in the acclaimed show 'Schitt's Creek' earned her an Emmy Award for Best Comedy Actress, further solidifying her legacy.
Co-stars from her past projects also shared their feelings of loss. Eugene Levy, a long-time collaborator, remarked on the honor of knowing O'Hara for over fifty years and expressed his sadness about her passing.
In a deeply emotional tribute, Macaulay Culkin, who co-starred with her in the 'Home Alone' movies, wrote, Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you... I love you. I'll see you later. O'Hara is survived by her husband Bo Welch, her sons Matthew and Luke, and her six siblings.
As we mourn the loss of this talented actress, we remember her as a beloved figure who brought joy and laughter to many through her unforgettable performances.
