Catherine O'Hara dies at 71: Beloved 'Schitt's Creek' and 'Home Alone' star's cause of death revealed

Catherine O'Hara, the beloved Canadian-born comic actor, died on January 30 at age 71 from a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer listed as the underlying cause, according to a Los Angeles County death certificate. She passed away at a hospital in Santa Monica, California, after being treated by her oncologist since March of the previous year.

The death certificate specifies that a pulmonary embolism, which occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs, was the immediate cause of her death. Rectal cancer was identified as the long-term cause. Her oncologist last saw her on January 27.

O'Hara was cremated, according to the document. She was widely known for her roles as Macaulay Culkin's mother in the "Home Alone" movies and as the dramatically oblivious wealthy matriarch Moira Rose in "Schitt's Creek," a role for which she won an Emmy.

Her death came as a surprise to many fans, with an initial statement from her representatives stating only that she died "following a brief illness." Throughout her five-decade career, O'Hara accumulated numerous television roles, including appearances on "Six Feet Under," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," and "The Studio."

She also featured in several films, including the HBO production "Temple Grandin," which earned her an Emmy nomination. In 2015, O'Hara reunited with her longtime friend and fellow "SCTV" alum Eugene Levy for the sitcom "Schitt's Creek." The pair had previously collaborated on seven movies, including four Christopher Guest mockumentaries.

Collaborators and costars, including Levy, Culkin, Guest, and Pedro Pascal, shared tributes following her passing. Macaulay Culkin posted on Instagram, expressing his grief and longing for more time with her.

"Mama. I thought we had time," Culkin posted on Instagram, along with side-by-side images of the two of them from "Home Alone" and the two together at Culkin's Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony. "I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you. But I had so much more to say. I love you. I'll see you later."

Michael Keaton, who starred with O'Hara in "Beetlejuice" and "The Paper," also shared his sentiments on Instagram.

"She's been my pretend wife, my pretend nemesis and my real life, true friend. This one hurts. Man am I gonna miss her," Keaton wrote.

Seth Rogen, who recently worked with O'Hara on the Apple TV series "The Studio," described her as a remarkable presence.

"hysterical, kind, intuitive, generous... she made me want to make our show good enough to be worthy of her presence in it," Rogen wrote on Instagram.

He further added, "We're all lucky we got to live in a world with her in it."

O'Hara's career spanned a significant period, leaving a lasting impact on comedy and acting. Her work on "SCTV" established her as a prominent comedic talent early in her career. The show, a sketch comedy series, launched the careers of many notable performers, including O'Hara and Levy.

Her partnership with Eugene Levy became a hallmark of her career, with their on-screen chemistry being a consistent highlight in their various projects. Their collaborations extended beyond "Schitt's Creek" and the Christopher Guest films, showcasing a deep understanding and shared comedic sensibility.

The "Home Alone" franchise provided O'Hara with a role that reached a global audience, portraying the mother of Kevin McCallister. Her portrayal of Kate McCallister resonated with viewers, cementing her status as a memorable screen mother.

The character of Moira Rose in "Schitt's Creek" offered O'Hara a chance to showcase her dramatic and comedic range. The character's eccentricities and distinctive vocal delivery became a fan favorite, leading to critical acclaim and awards, including an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.

Her involvement in "Temple Grandin" demonstrated her versatility, earning her an Emmy nomination for her performance in the biographical drama. This role highlighted her ability to inhabit complex characters beyond the realm of comedy.

The tributes from her peers underscore the profound effect she had on those she worked with. The consistent themes of kindness, generosity, and humor emerge from their recollections, painting a picture of a respected and cherished individual.

The news of her death prompted widespread expressions of sadness and remembrance from fans and colleagues alike. Her contributions to film and television have left an indelible mark on popular culture. The breadth of her work, from early sketch comedy to acclaimed dramatic roles, illustrates a career of consistent excellence and artistic growth.