Catherine O'Hara's Death Confirmed: A Blood Clot as the Cause

Award-winning actress Catherine O'Hara died of a pulmonary embolism, as confirmed by her death certificate. O'Hara passed away on January 30 in a Los Angeles hospital at the age of 71. Alongside the blood clot in her lungs, the death certificate also noted rectal cancer as a long-term cause, indicating that she had been undergoing treatment since March 2025.

Tributes have swiftly poured in for the talented Canadian actress, known for her recent work in the Emmy-winning comedy 'The Studio' and the acclaimed series 'The Last of Us.'

O'Hara Remembered

Actor and creator of 'The Studio,' Seth Rogen, expressed his devastation at O'Hara's death, describing her as hysterical, kind, intuitive, generous. He remarked, We're all lucky we got to live in a world with her in it. Similarly, Pedro Pascal, who collaborated with her on 'The Last of Us,' shared gratitude for her influence, stating, There is less light in my world, but this lucky world that had you will keep you, always.

O'Hara was celebrated for her role in the hit series 'Schitt's Creek,' for which she won an Emmy for Best Comedy Actress. Co-star Eugene Levy spoke fondly of their fifty-year relationship, saying, Words seem inadequate to express the loss I feel today. Dan Levy, who played her son on the show, referred to her as family even before portraying family on-screen.

Further emotional tributes came from Macaulay Culkin, her on-screen son in 'Home Alone,' who reflected, Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more... 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.

What is a pulmonary embolism?

A pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a blood vessel in the lungs is obstructed by a blood clot, with symptoms including sudden difficulty in breathing and chest pain. According to the NHS, early recognition and treatment are crucial for survival.