Catherine O’Hara’s Cause of Death Revealed

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Catherine O’Hara has passed away, and details about the circumstances surrounding her death, including her final days, have been released.

According to her death certificate obtained by TMZ, actress Barbara O’Hara died from a blood clot in her lungs, also known as a pulmonary embolism. The certificate also noted she had previously been treated for rectal cancer. Page Six reported that paramedics responded to a call at her Los Angeles home around 4:48 a.m. on January 30th after she fell ill. She was taken to the hospital and passed away later that day. Her agency, CAA, stated she had been battling a short illness.

A pulmonary embolism is a sudden and dangerous condition where a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks an artery. These clots usually form elsewhere in the body, most often in the legs – this is known as deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. When a piece of a DVT breaks loose and travels to the lungs, it causes a pulmonary embolism.

This blockage prevents enough blood from getting to the lungs. As a result, oxygen levels in the body can fall rapidly. The heart then has to work much harder to pump blood through the lungs, which can severely strain it. Without treatment, this can quickly become a life-threatening situation.

Symptoms often come on quickly. Many people suddenly find it hard to breathe, and chest pain is common – it might be sharp, or get worse when you take a deep breath. Other signs can include a racing heart, feeling dizzy, coughing, or even coughing up blood. In severe cases, someone could collapse or lose consciousness.

Several things can increase your risk of developing blood clots. These include long periods of inactivity, like during long flights or while recovering in bed. Other risk factors include surgery, cancer, smoking, certain medications, pregnancy, and inherited conditions that affect blood clotting. Cancer is particularly important because it can make your blood more prone to clotting, which can lead to a pulmonary embolism.

Treatment for blockages depends on their severity. Doctors commonly prescribe medications to prevent clots from getting larger and to stop new ones from forming. For serious blockages, stronger drugs might be used to dissolve the clot rapidly. In some cases, a procedure may be needed to physically remove the blockage.

Catherine O’Hara enjoyed a remarkable career spanning over five decades, entertaining audiences across generations. She first gained widespread recognition on the Canadian comedy show “SCTV,” where she won an Emmy for her writing. Throughout her career, she created a wealth of beloved characters in both movies and television.

Catherine O’Hara is well-known for her roles in beloved films like Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice” (1988) and its 2024 sequel, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” She also charmed audiences as Kate McCallister in the “Home Alone” movies, and remained a close friend to her co-star, Macaulay Culkin, even attending his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2023.

Following his mother’s passing, Macaulay Culkin posted a heartfelt message online. He wrote, “Mama, I thought we had more time together. I wanted to spend more moments with you, just sitting beside you. I did hear you, but I still had so much left to say. I love you, and I’ll see you again.”

Throughout her long career, O’Hara continued to work and attract new fans. She revisited her collaboration with Tim Burton, voicing Sally in “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and later appearing in “Frankenweenie.” Her portrayal of Moira Rose on “Schitt’s Creek” led to a significant career resurgence and an Emmy Award in 2020, along with several nominations. More recently, she’s been recognized for her work in “The Last of Us” and “The Studio,” earning two additional Emmy nominations in 2025.

Her long career, unique voice, and unforgettable characters left a lasting mark on comedy and film.

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2026-02-10 10:14