Did Catherine O’Hara Pass Away Due To Cancer? Veteran Actress’ Cause Of Death At 71 Revealed

The entertainment industry lost its shining star, Catherine O’Hara, at the beginning of 2026, admired for her voice, wit, and unforgettable characters. The Emmy-winning icon took her last breath on January 30, 2026, at the age of 71. Catherine, best known for her roles in Home Alone, Beetlejuice, Nightmare Before Christmas, A Mighty Wind, and more, has left a void in the wake of her passing that can never be fulfilled. But since her death, there has been confusion over the cause of her death, especially after her team mentioned she died due ‘ brief illness’. Amid the confusion lasting over weeks, the medical examiners have finally revealed the exact cause of her death. 

What is the official cause of Catherine O’Hara’s death at 71? 

According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Catherine O’Hara’s death was immediately caused by Pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lungs, which becomes fatal within hours. Additionally, her death certificate has also mentioned that she was suffering from rectal cancer as another health battle for several months. Meanwhile, the dispatch records indicate paramedics were called to her Brentwood home around 4:48 a.m. after she experienced severe difficulty breathing. 

Subsequently, Catherine was taken to Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, where she was pronounced dead. According to medical reports, pulmonary embolisms often occur suddenly. Also, it can be linked to underlying conditions such as cancer, which increases the risk of clot formation. Alongside, Catherine had a rare congenital condition called situs inversus, where her internal organs are mirrored. However, officials confirmed that it had no connection to her death. Meanwhile, the representatives had initially kept her health struggles private, choosing to protect her dignity during her final months. 

More about Catherine O’ Hara’s family 

Catherine O’Hara is survived by her husband, Bo Welch, and their sons, Matthew and Luke. They met in 1988 on the set of Beetlejuice, where she played ‘Delia Deetz’ and worked as the production designer. The film’s director, Tim Burton, realised the duo’s love for each other and encouraged her to come out. Gradually, they fell in love and tied the knot, marking the beginning of 33 years of togetherness. They welcomed two sons, who are now pursuing careers in production. However, Catherine preferred to keep her family life private and sometimes turned down roles at times to prioritise being present at home.

More about Catherine O’Hara’s death

Catherine O’Hara’s journey to fame began at Toronto’s famed Second City troupe, where she worked with Gilda Radner and Eugene Levy. Soon, she became a breakout star on the sketch series SCTV, which helped her win her first Emmy in 1982. Catherine soon established herself in Hollywood and became a household name through roles in Home Alone, Best in Show, The Nightmare Before Christmas, After Hours, and Schitt’s Creek, earning lakhs of fans. Just before her death, she was playing a series lead in the Apple TV+ comedy, The Studio.

Rest in peace, Catherine O’Hara.

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