Catherine O’Hara, the celebrated comedic actress known for her roles in “Schitt’s Creek,” “Home Alone,” and “Beetlejuice,” died on January 30 at her Los Angeles home at the age of 71, according to a death certificate obtained by Rolling Stone. The certificate revealed the cause of death as a pulmonary embolism and also indicated that O’Hara had been privately battling rectal cancer.
The timing of O’Hara’s cancer diagnosis remains unclear. Following her death, representatives stated only that she had passed away “after a brief illness,” offering no specific details. The death certificate further details that O’Hara was cremated, and her ashes were entrusted to her husband, Robert “Bo” Welch. Her final resting place is designated as a cottage the couple owned in the Muskoka Lakes region of Ontario, Canada.
O’Hara’s career spanned decades, beginning with her work in Toronto’s Second City improv troupe and the popular sketch comedy series SCTV. She subsequently appeared in a string of memorable films, including the hugely successful “Home Alone” franchise, Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice,” and Martin Scorsese’s “After Hours.”
She was a frequent collaborator with director Christopher Guest, appearing in his mockumentary films such as “Best in Show,” “A Mighty Wind,” “For Your Consideration,” and “Waiting for Guffman.” More recently, O’Hara garnered widespread critical acclaim – and numerous awards – for her portrayal of Moira Rose in the Canadian sitcom “Schitt’s Creek.” In the year prior to her death, she received Emmy nominations for her work on “The Studio” and “The Last of Us.”
Tributes following O’Hara’s death came from a wide range of colleagues, friends, and fans, including Christopher Guest, Macaulay Culkin, Martin Scorsese, Eugene Levy, Dan Levy, Seth Rogen, Martin Short, and Steve Martin.
