Macaulay Culkin was spotted in the Los Angeles area on Friday, just hours after news broke that his former “Home Alone” co-star Catherine O’Hara died at age 71. Many fans know that Culkin and O’Hara were forever linked through one of the most beloved holiday films of all time. When “Home Alone” premiered in 1990, Culkin became a global child star overnight, while O’Hara brought a maternal energy to the role of Kate McCallister. Over the years, their bond extended far beyond the film, with Culkin making it clear that O’Hara was not only his on-screen mother, but was someone who remained a part of his life until her death at age 71.
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Macaulay Culkin looks gloomy in Los Angeles after Catherine O’Hara’s death
The 45-year-old former child star looked noticeably somber as he stepped out alone, keeping a low profile in the hours following the heartbreaking news. Dressed in dark, subdued layers, Culkin walked quietly with little expression, his sober demeanor reflecting the weight of Catherine O’Hara’s death.
See the photos here.
Earlier today, Culkin took to Instagram to share a touching tribute to O’Hara, who played his on-screen mother, Kate McCallister, in “Home Alone.”
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Culkin pays tribute to his ‘home alone’ mother in moving message
Alongside two photos, one from “Home Alone” and another taken years later on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Culkin wrote: “Mom. I thought we had time. I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you but I had so much more to say. I love you. I’ll see you later.”
Culkin and the award-winning actress reunited publicly in December 2023, when O’Hara introduced him during her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony. During her speech, O’Hara praised Culkin’s performance in the 1990 blockbuster, calling it “perfect.”
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“‘Home Alone’ was, is and always will be a beloved global sensation,” she said. “The reason families around the world can’t let a year go by without watching and enjoying ‘Home Alone’ together is because of Macaulay Culkin. I know you worked really hard. I know you did, but you made acting feel like the most natural thing in the world.”
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Chris Columbus says ‘Home Alone’ wouldn’t work without Catherine O’Hara
O’Hara’s death was confirmed Friday by Creative Artists Agency, which said the actress died at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness. Tributes continued to pour in from across Hollywood, including from “Home Alone” director Chris Columbus, who said he was “stunned and heartbroken” by O’Hara’s death.
“What most people don’t realize is that Catherine is 50 percent of the movie,” Columbus told CNN. “The film simply wouldn’t work without her extraordinary performance. I will miss her dearly. Yet I feel a small sense of comfort in realizing that two of the greatest human beings I have ever known, Catherine and John Candy, are together again, improvising brilliantly and making each other laugh.”
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John Candy’s Role in ‘Home Alone’ Remains Beloved Decades After His Death
Candy memorably appeared in the holiday classic as Gus Polinski, the polka king of the Midwest, whose kindness helps Kate McCallister return to Chicago in time for Christmas. Although her time on screen was brief, Candy’s performance became one of the most beloved elements of the film, especially since much of her dialogue was improvised.
Candy died on March 4, 1994, aged just 43, following a heart attack while filming Wagons East in Durango, Mexico. His sudden death shocked Hollywood and left a lasting void in comedy, with colleagues and fans remembering him for his generosity and ability to make people laugh.
Catherine O’Hara has now found her family “home alone”
In addition to John Candy, Catherine O’Hara is also remembered alongside her late “Home Alone” on-screen husband, John Heard, who played Peter McCallister in the beloved holiday classic. Heard died in July 2017 at the age of 71 following cardiac arrest.
For many, the idea that O’Hara is now reunited with a part of her “Home Alone” family offers a small comfort in this loss.