Catherine O'Hara's Cause of Death Officially Confirmed
The official cause of death for the beloved actress Catherine O'Hara, renowned for her role in Home Alone, has been confirmed as pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer listed as an underlying cause. This revelation follows her passing on January 30, 2026, after she suffered a medical emergency at her home in Brentwood.
Details of Her Health Battle
Representatives for O'Hara stated that she died "following a brief illness", but sources indicate that her battle with rectal cancer was not widely known prior to her death. The 70-year-old star had missed the Golden Globes, where she was nominated for her role in an Apple TV+ series, sparking concerns among fans and colleagues.
In the months leading up to her passing, O'Hara had spoken publicly about a rare heart condition known as cardiac inversus, humorously remarking, "I'm a freak" and adding, "I love Western medicine, I just don't want to be part of it." This condition, while not directly linked to her cause of death, highlighted her ongoing health challenges.
Tributes and Public Appearances
Macaulay Culkin, who played her son Kevin in Home Alone, paid a heartfelt tribute, saying, "Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more." Fans had noted that O'Hara appeared slimmer at recent award ceremonies, with sources describing her as "very slender" but "in great spirits" during her final public outings.
O'Hara is survived by her husband, Bo Welch, her sons Matthew and Luke, and six siblings. Her legacy in film and television continues to be celebrated by audiences worldwide.
