The cause of Catherine O’Hara’s death has now been confirmed, bringing painful clarity to the sudden loss of one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars. According to her death certificate, obtained on February 9, 2026, the actress died from a pulmonary embolism, a serious and often fatal condition caused by a blood clot traveling to the lungs. She was 71.
O’Hara passed away on January 30, 2026, in Los Angeles after what her representatives initially described as a “brief illness.” The news stunned fans and colleagues alike, especially given how active and visible she had remained in recent months. She was last seen publicly at the Primetime Emmy Awards and related industry events in September 2025, appearing in good spirits just weeks before her death.
In addition to the pulmonary embolism, O’Hara had been living with dextrocardia, a rare congenital condition in which the heart is located on the right side of the chest instead of the left. While dextrocardia does not always cause serious health problems on its own, it can complicate medical diagnoses and treatment. O’Hara kept her health struggles largely private, and little was known publicly about her condition until after her passing.
Born in Toronto, O’Hara held both Canadian and American citizenship and had made Southern California her home in recent years. Over a career spanning more than five decades, she became a comedy legend, earning widespread acclaim for her roles in Home Alone, Beetlejuice, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Best in Show. Her portrayal of Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek cemented her place in pop culture history and earned her major awards, including an Emmy.
As news of her cause of death spread, tributes poured in from across Hollywood, with co-stars and fans remembering not only her unmatched comedic timing but also her kindness and originality. While the circumstances surrounding her passing have now been clarified, the shock of losing Catherine O’Hara so suddenly continues to resonate throughout the entertainment world.
