Catherine O’Hara Had Situs Inversus: What to Know About the Rare Condition She Once Joked About
The late Catherine O’Hara, who died on Friday, Jan. 30, at age 71, once revealed that she was born with a rare genetic condition that places the heart and internal organs on the opposite side of the body.
O’Hara was transported to the hospital in serious condition and reportedly passed away following a brief illness. While her official cause of death has not been confirmed, there is no indication that her rare condition contributed to her passing.
The beloved Canadian actress—best known for her roles in Schitt’s Creek, Home Alone, Beetlejuice, and Best in Show—previously shared that she had situs inversus, a condition in which the organs in the chest and abdomen are mirrored from their typical positions.
What Is Situs Inversus?
Situs inversus is a rare anatomical variation affecting roughly 1 in 10,000 people. In most cases, the condition causes no symptoms and does not require treatment. Many people live their entire lives unaware they have it.
However, in some instances, situs inversus can be associated with other medical conditions, which is why it’s often discovered incidentally during routine tests.
O’Hara Also Had Dextrocardia
O’Hara explained that she specifically had dextrocardia, a form of situs inversus in which the heart points toward the right side of the chest instead of the left.
She discovered the condition more than 20 years ago during a routine medical visit, when doctors became confused while performing an EKG and ordered further imaging.
“They tried two machines, then sent me for a chest X-ray,” she recalled. “I thought, ‘What is happening?’”
The doctor later confirmed the diagnosis, telling her she was the first patient he had ever encountered with the condition.
“I’m a Freak,” She Joked
O’Hara spoke openly—and humorously—about the discovery during a 2020 virtual interview, laughing as she referred to herself as a “freak.”
Despite being one of seven siblings, she said she had never known about the condition growing up and wondered whether her brothers and sisters might have similar anatomy.
“When he told us my heart was on the right and my organs were flipped,” she recalled, “my husband said, ‘No, her head’s on backwards.’”
She ended the story with her signature wit: “Cheers to health!”
Remembering Catherine O’Hara
Though her condition was rare, it never defined her life or career. O’Hara remained a force of comedic brilliance for decades, earning Emmy Awards, critical acclaim, and the devotion of fans around the world.
As tributes continue to pour in following her death, many are remembering not only her iconic performances—but also her warmth, humor, and ability to laugh at herself, even when discussing something as unusual as having her heart on the “wrong” side.