Macaulay Culkin Reacts to Catherine O’Hara’s Death: “Mama, I Thought We Had Time”
Macaulay Culkin is grieving the heartbreaking loss of Catherine O’Hara, the beloved actress who portrayed his on-screen mother in the classic holiday films Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992).
O’Hara passed away at the age of 71, her manager confirmed to NBC News. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
A Personal Tribute from a “Son”
In an emotional Instagram post shared on January 30, Culkin wrote, “Mama. 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.”
Their roles as mother and son in Home Alone became iconic and forever linked them in the hearts of audiences. Though their connection began on screen, their bond carried over into real life in quiet, respectful ways over the years.
From Screen Family to Real-Life Support
In 2023, O’Hara spoke lovingly about Culkin during his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony. “Thank you for including me, your fake mom who left you home alone not once, but twice, to share in this happy occasion. I’m so proud of you,” she said.
She praised his talent and natural presence in the role of Kevin McCallister, saying, “I know you worked really hard. I know you did. But you made acting look like the most natural thing in the world to do. It really was as if we had ambushed the home of this real little boy named Kevin to make a movie and he just went along with it for the fun of it. It’s the dearest thing.”
A Role That Endured
The role of Kevin’s frantic yet loving mother remained a signature part of O’Hara’s career. She often shared anecdotes about how audiences couldn’t separate her from the role. At Culkin’s Walk of Fame ceremony, she recalled being mistaken for his real mother during photo ops. “His mother wasn’t able to make it. But we’re all posing… Then the photographer says, ‘Now just you and the mother.’ I start walking away, and Macaulay says, ‘Oh, no, my mom wasn’t able to make it.’” O’Hara recounted with a smile. “Well then, I’m honored to be here. Thank you.”
In a Sunday Sitdown interview with Willie Geist in 2024, she recounted one of her favorite memories: a child once approached her in a mall and asked, “Are you Kevin’s mom?” She replied, “Yes, I played Kevin’s mom in a movie.” The child followed up with, “Why did you leave him?” Her answer? “Sorry. It was in the script.”
A Legacy of Laughter and Love
Catherine O’Hara was not just a legendary comedic actress—she was part of holiday tradition, a comforting presence, and to many, a “movie mom” who embodied heart, humor, and humanity. Her impact on film, television, and her co-stars will not be forgotten.
As Culkin so poignantly said in his tribute, “I love you. I’ll see you later.”
Fans around the world join in mourning the loss of a woman whose warmth and talent left a lasting mark on generations.