An era of holiday movie magic is mourning tonight. Macaulay Culkin paid a deeply emotional tribute to Catherine O’Hara, the actress who portrayed his mother in the iconic 1990 Christmas classic Home Alone and its sequel Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
Culkin reflected on their special bond with a heartfelt message… “Mama, I thought we had time. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you. But had so much to say. I love you. I’ll see you later.”
O’Hara passed away at her Los Angeles home following a brief illness, according to a statement released by her agency. She was 71 years old.
The actress became a household name for her role as Kate McCallister… the frantic yet loving mother who famously realized mid-flight that she had left her son behind during Christmas vacation.
The chemistry between Culkin and O’Hara helped turn Home Alone into one of the highest-grossing holiday films of all time, cementing its place as a generational classic.
Fans across social media are sharing clips, quotes, and memories from the films, remembering O’Hara not just as Kevin’s mom… but as a defining figure in holiday cinema.
Her legacy lives on through decades of laughter, heart, and unforgettable performances.
