Catherine O'Hara, the Emmy-winning actress celebrated for her roles in "Schitt's Creek" and "Home Alone," passed away at the age of 71 due to a pulmonary embolism, as confirmed by her death certificate. The document, released by the Los Angeles County medical examiner's office, also cited rectal cancer as a contributing factor to her death. O'Hara was admitted to a Los Angeles hospital on January 30 after experiencing breathing difficulties at her Brentwood home.

A Storied Career in Comedy and Film

Born in Toronto in 1954, O'Hara began her illustrious career at the renowned Second City comedy theater, where she formed a lifelong professional partnership with Eugene Levy. Her film debut came in 1980 with "Double Negative," and she gained widespread recognition in 1990 as the mother of Macaulay Culkin's character in "Home Alone." O'Hara's versatility shone through in Tim Burton's "Beetlejuice" and "The Nightmare Before Christmas," and she became a household name with her Emmy-winning role in "Schitt's Creek."

Tributes Pour In from Hollywood and Beyond

O'Hara's passing has elicited heartfelt tributes from colleagues and fans alike. Seth Rogen, creator of "The Studio," described her as "hysterical, kind, intuitive, generous," while Pedro Pascal expressed gratitude for having worked with her. Eugene Levy, who collaborated with O'Hara for over fifty years, shared his profound sense of loss, and Dan Levy, her on-screen son in "Schitt's Creek," cherished their shared memories. Political figures, including former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, honored her as a "beloved Canadian icon."

A Personal Life Intertwined with Art

O'Hara's personal life was deeply connected to her artistic endeavors. She married Bo Welch, the production designer of "Beetlejuice," and together they raised two sons, Matthew and Luke. Her portrayal of Cookie Fleck in "Best in Show" endeared her to dog-show enthusiasts, with a tribute video played at the Westminster Dog Show following her death.