Catherine O'Hara's Death Puts Spotlight on Rectal Cancer

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Source: MedPage Today

Original: https://www.medpagetoday.com/popmedicine/cultureclinic/119839...

Published: Wed, 11 Feb 2026 13:04:17 -0500

Catherine O'Hara, Canadian-American actress known as Kevin's mom from Home Alone, died at the age of 71 on January 30, 2026 in Santa Monica after being hospitalized for respiratory problems.[2][3] According to the death certificate issued by the authorities in Los Angeles, the immediate cause of death was a pulmonary embolism, that is, a blood clot in the lungs.[1][2][3] Rectal cancer, for which she had been treated since last March, was cited as the underlying or long-term cause.[2][3][4] The oncologist who signed the letter last saw her on January 27.[3][4][5] The actress was an Emmy Award winner and starred in comedies such as Beetlejuice and the series Studio.[2][3] Her body was cremated.[3][5]