Macaulay Culkin continues to look back on his intimate bond with the late actress Catherine O’Hara months after her passing.
Although their relationship started off with an on-screen mother-son role in “Home Alone,” Culkin and O’Hara soon formed a connection that translated into their personal lives.
Now, the former child star is opening up about how her demise left him pondering what could have been if she were alive.
In a recent interview, Culkin admitted that O’Hara’s death came as a shock to him because they had “unfinished business” to handle.
“When Catherine passed away in January, that hit me. That hit me pretty good, ’cause, you know, it was just too soon. And I felt that we had unfinished business,” the actor told Gentleman’s Journal.
Although Culkin didn’t go into detail, he admitted feeling indebted to the late veteran, who was a major presence in his career, starting from his “Home Alone” beginnings.
O’Hara’s guidance was evident when Culkin earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2023, and she gave an endearing speech at the ceremony. Reflecting on his regret, the “Zootopia” actor said, “I feel like I owed her a favor — and I don’t like having an outstanding debt.”
Macaulay Culkin Mourned O’Hara With An Emotional Tribute
Although Culkin was unable to pay his debt to his on-screen mother, he honored her legacy and mourned her loss in a heart-wrenching tribute.
Following the news of O’Hara’s passing, the 45-year-old took to Instagram, sharing a throwback photo of them on “Home Alone” alongside one of them at his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony.
Referring to the late actress as “Mama” in the caption, he wished for more time together. “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,” he wrote, per The Blast.
Culkin vowed to see O’Hara “later,” as Danzig’s “Mother“ was included as a background song on the upload. Thousands of fans camped in the comments, sending comfort to the heartbroken star.
The Actor Kept A Somber Appearance During Public Sighting
Culkin’s grief was evident when he made his first public appearance after his on-screen mother’s death. Just hours after the news broke, the actor was spotted out and about in Los Angeles, according to The Blast.
The father-of-two was seen alone, wearing a dark outfit comprising an orange sweater underneath a black blazer and black pants as he kept a low-key profile.
Barely interacting with anyone, Culkin wore a weighed-down expression as he ran errands.
Cause Of Catherine O’Hara’s Death Revealed
The news of O’Hara’s demise sent shock waves across Hollywood. The beloved actress passed away on January 30, 2026, after a brief illness. She was 71 years old.
A rep of O’Hara’s talent agency, CAA, shed light on the details of her passing, revealing that the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call at the actress’s home, where she lives with her husband, Bo Welch, at 4:48 AM.
Weeks later, it was revealed that the “Schitt’s Creek” alum died from a blood clot in her lungs, known as pulmonary embolism. A report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office listed rectal cancer as the underlying cause.
It was revealed that the entertainer was rushed to the hospital in a severe condition after experiencing difficulty breathing, as detailed in a 911 call.
As reported by The Blast, O’Hara’s death certificate confirmed she was cremated, with her remains given to her beloved husband.
Inside Catherine O’Hara’s Intimate Memorial Service
The “Beetlejuice” star was laid to rest two weeks after her passing in an intimate ceremony attended by her family and close industry friends.
As reported by The Blast, actress Kelly Lynch gave fans a glimpse into the heartbreaking service, posting a black-and-white photo of the funeral program. On it was printed an adorable photo of a younger O’Hara wearing a cheerleader outfit, with a huge smile on her face.
Alongside the image was a poem curated by Raymond Carver titled “Late Fragment.” It was written when he was dying from cancer, a message that also applies to O’Hara.
“Rest in peace, darling Catherine,” Lynch wrote alongside the post.
