Catherine O’Hara, the beloved Emmy-winning actress and comedy icon, died on January 30 at age 71. After early reports described a “brief illness,” her cause of death was revealed this week: a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer listed as an underlying condition.
O’Hara’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues who remember her as one of the great comic performers of her generation. Over a career spanning decades, she became a household name through unforgettable roles in film and television, including her work in Home Alone, Beetlejuice, and her award-winning performance as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek.
While the entertainment world mourns, the health details surrounding her death are also drawing attention to a serious and often misunderstood medical emergency — one that is especially common among people living with cancer.
What Is a Pulmonary Embolism?
A pulmonary embolism (often shortened to PE) occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow in the lungs. Most pulmonary embolisms begin as clots in the deep veins of the legs or pelvis, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If part of that clot breaks loose, it can travel through the bloodstream and become lodged in an artery in the lungs.
This can quickly become life-threatening because it reduces oxygen levels and forces the heart to work harder to push blood through blocked vessels.
Symptoms of a Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonary embolism symptoms can vary, but common warning signs include:
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain, especially when breathing deeply
- Rapid heartbeat
- Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
- Coughing, sometimes with blood
Some people experience warning signs of DVT before a PE occurs, including swelling, pain, warmth, or redness in one leg. However, not everyone has clear symptoms in advance, which is one reason pulmonary embolism is considered so dangerous.
Why Cancer Patients Face Higher Clot Risk
One of the most important health takeaways from O’Hara’s death is the well-established link between cancer and blood clots.
Cancer increases clot risk for several reasons:
- Some tumors release substances that make blood more likely to clot
- Cancer-related inflammation can disrupt normal clotting balance
- Surgery and chemotherapy can increase clotting risk
- Reduced mobility during illness or recovery can slow blood flow and contribute to clot formation
- Certain medical devices, including central lines, can also increase risk
Rectal cancer and other colorectal cancers are among the many solid tumors associated with higher rates of dangerous clotting events, including pulmonary embolism.
A Preventable and Treatable Emergency — If Caught Early
Pulmonary embolism is frightening because it can happen suddenly. But it’s also a condition that can often be treated successfully when identified early. Treatment typically involves blood thinners, and in severe cases may require clot-busting medication or procedures to remove the clot.
For people living with cancer — or caring for someone who is — doctors often assess clot risk and may recommend preventive strategies during high-risk periods such as surgery, hospitalization, or certain chemotherapy regimens.
Remembering Catherine O’Hara
Catherine O’Hara’s career was defined by her rare ability to be both hilarious and human at the same time. Her performances were sharp, warm, and endlessly rewatchable — the kind of work that becomes part of people’s lives.
Her death is a heartbreaking loss. It’s also a reminder of a serious health risk that affects many cancer patients and families, often without warning. Awareness of pulmonary embolism symptoms and risk factors can be lifesaving — and that knowledge is part of the legacy she leaves behind.
