What Caused Catherine O'Hara's Death? Here's What We Know About Actress' Final Days At 71

Hollywood is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved performers, Catherine O'Hara, at the beginning of 2026. The Emmy-winning actress, admired for her work on Schitt's Creek, Home Alone, and Beetlejuice, passed away at 71. Her agency, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), confirmed the heartbreaking news and revealed the actress' condition had deteriorated, leading to hospitalisation and subsequent death. However, they did not specify the cause of her death. Here's what we know.

Did cancer cause Catherine O'Hara's death? 

The Creative Artists Agency (CAA) confirmed that she passed away at her Los Angeles home "following a brief illness", which has left her fans and colleagues in shock. According to reports cited by Page Six, the Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded to a medical aid call at Catherine's Brentwood residence before dawn on January 30, 2026. Subsequently, she was taken to a nearby hospital in "serious condition," where she was later pronounced dead. But no official cause of death has been released by her family or representatives.

Meanwhile, a couple of hours after the news broke, Journalist, Jeff Jeff Sneider posted on X and claimed that the veteran actress had been receiving treatment for cancer in Toronto. The claim spread rapidly across social media and received mixed reactions of grief and anger from fans. However, this information remains unverified. Neither her representatives nor her family has confirmed that Catherine was undergoing cancer treatment. At the same time, no medical details have been formally disclosed.

Meanwhile, Catherine O'Hara has continued to work gradually in 2025 and 202. She was recently seen in Apple TV+'s satire series, The Studio and had also filmed scenes for HBO's The Last of Us. Some reports noted that she had contracted COVID-19 during filming in 2025. Still, it is unclear whether that played any role in her final illness. Catherine was also known to have situs inversus, a rare congenital condition where internal organs are mirrored. But there is no credible proof that linked her illness to her passing.

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Catherine O' Hara's family 

Catherine O'Hara is survived by her husband and production designer, Bo Welch, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke. On the other hand, tributes have poured in from the actress's co-stars who recalled her warmth and brilliance. Macaulay Culkin, who played her son in Home Alone, wrote on Instagram, "Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more." Veteran star Meryl Streep praised Catherine's compassion for the eccentrics she portrayed. Whereas, Pedro Pascal called her a "genius to be near."

More about Catherine O'Hara 

Catherine O'Hara was more than a performer; she was an unforgettable presence in Hollywood. The actress was born in Toronto. She began her career with The Second City troupe before rising to fame on SCTV. Her comedic instincts instantly earned the industry's attention. Over five decades, she became an exceptional performer for her satire and sincerity, playing memorable roles like 'Kate McCallister', 'Delia Deetz, and the unforgettable 'Moira Rose'. Especially her role as 'Moira' on Schitt's Creek became a cultural landmark. Even in her final years, Catherine worked, moving with ease between television, film, and voice work. 

Rest in peace, Catherine O'Hara.

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