Catherine O'Hara, the talented and versatile actress behind some of Hollywood's most iconic films, including 'Home Alone' and 'Schitt's Creek,' has passed away at the age of 71. The news comes just weeks after she spoke publicly about her rare medical condition, dextrocardia situs inversus, which was discovered over two decades ago during a routine doctor visit with her husband.
According to O'Hara herself, the diagnosis was made some 20 years ago when she visited her doctor for a TB test. Her husband's doctor noticed an unusual anomaly and referred them for more extensive tests, including an EKG. The results revealed that O'Hara had a heart positioned on the right side of her chest instead of its normal left-side position.
Speaking candidly about her experience in a recent Virtual Happy Hour, O'Hara shared how she had always felt like there was something different about her body. When her husband jokingly remarked on her head being "on backwards," it finally dawned on her that this might be related to her dextrocardia situs inversus.
With seven siblings and parents who had passed away by the time she was a child, O'Hara said she never heard anyone else discuss their heart conditions. Her own experience with the condition left her curious about what might have happened to her other siblings.
Now, in hindsight, it's clear that this rare medical condition has been an integral part of O'Hara's life. While it may not have had a significant impact on her acting career or public persona, it undoubtedly shaped her unique perspective and approach to life.
O'Hara is best known for her memorable performances as Sally in 'The Nightmare Before Christmas,' Kate Butterscotch in 'Home Alone,' and Moira Rose in the hit TV show 'Schitt's Creek.' Her loss will be deeply felt by fans worldwide, who remember her for her quick wit, infectious enthusiasm, and captivating on-screen presence.
The cause of death has not been officially confirmed, but sources close to the actress suggest she passed away after a brief illness.
According to O'Hara herself, the diagnosis was made some 20 years ago when she visited her doctor for a TB test. Her husband's doctor noticed an unusual anomaly and referred them for more extensive tests, including an EKG. The results revealed that O'Hara had a heart positioned on the right side of her chest instead of its normal left-side position.
Speaking candidly about her experience in a recent Virtual Happy Hour, O'Hara shared how she had always felt like there was something different about her body. When her husband jokingly remarked on her head being "on backwards," it finally dawned on her that this might be related to her dextrocardia situs inversus.
With seven siblings and parents who had passed away by the time she was a child, O'Hara said she never heard anyone else discuss their heart conditions. Her own experience with the condition left her curious about what might have happened to her other siblings.
Now, in hindsight, it's clear that this rare medical condition has been an integral part of O'Hara's life. While it may not have had a significant impact on her acting career or public persona, it undoubtedly shaped her unique perspective and approach to life.
O'Hara is best known for her memorable performances as Sally in 'The Nightmare Before Christmas,' Kate Butterscotch in 'Home Alone,' and Moira Rose in the hit TV show 'Schitt's Creek.' Her loss will be deeply felt by fans worldwide, who remember her for her quick wit, infectious enthusiasm, and captivating on-screen presence.
The cause of death has not been officially confirmed, but sources close to the actress suggest she passed away after a brief illness.
it's just crazy how one little thing about our bodies can shape us into who we are... dextrocardia situs inversus is literally unheard of and I bet Catherine O'Hara never thought she'd become famous because of it lol, but here she is, leaving us with some amazing memories & a legacy 
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it's crazy to think that something so rare as dextrocardia situs inversus could have such a profound impact on her life and career 
like, can you even imagine not knowing what was going on with your body? 
anyway, i'm just gonna say she left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment 
all those iconic roles she played will live on in our hearts 
rest in peace, Catherine 
That woman could make you laugh and cry with one look. And let's not forget her iconic roles in 'Home Alone' and 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'... she was the queen of those films! 
I always felt like there was something quirky about her, and now we know it was dextrocardia situs inversus. It's crazy how much of an impact that condition had on her life. I wish more people had spoken up about their own experiences with rare conditions back in the day... 
But even with all her health issues, she still managed to give us so much joy as an actress and a person. RIP Catherine O'Hara... you'll be deeply missed! 
...as i think back on her remarkable career, it's almost surreal that we're focusing on her incredible acting chops rather than this rare medical condition that has been such an integral part of her life...i mean, can you imagine having a heart on the right side and never even knowing it? she seemed so carefree & joyful in interviews & on screen, but now we know there was so much more going on beneath the surface...anyway, it's clear that this condition has been a defining part of her story & i'm just grateful to have had the chance to witness her genius through her performances 
especially since shes said she never heard anyone else discuss it growing up in such a big family with 7 siblings. does anyone know how many people might be living with this condition and not even knowing about it? its heartbreaking that shes gone, but her legacy will live on through all the amazing roles shes played