Macaulay Culkin Spotted In L.A. Hours After Catherine O’Hara’s Death

Macaulay Culkin was spotted out in the Los Angeles area on Friday, just hours after news broke that his former “Home Alone” co-star Catherine O’Hara had died at age 71. Many fans know that Culkin and O’Hara were forever linked by 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 maternal energy to the role of Kate McCallister. Over the years, their bond stretched far beyond the movie, with Culkin making it clear that O’Hara wasn’t just his on-screen mom, but she was someone who remained part of his life right up until her death at 71.

The 45-year-old former child star appeared visibly somber as he stepped out alone, keeping a low profile in the hours following the heartbreaking news. Dressed in dark, low-key layers, Culkin walked quietly with little expression, his subdued demeanor reflecting the weight of Catherine O’Hara’s death.

Earlier in the day, Culkin took to Instagram to share an emotional tribute to O’Hara, who famously portrayed his on-screen mother, Kate McCallister, in “Home Alone.”

Alongside two photos, one a still from “Home Alone” and another taken years later on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, 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.”

Culkin and the award-winning actress reunited publicly in December 2023, when O’Hara introduced him at his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony. During her speech, O’Hara praised Culkin’s performance in the 1990 blockbuster, calling it “perfect.”

“’Home Alone’ was, is, and always will be a beloved global sensation,” she said. “The reason families all over the world can’t let a year go by without watching and loving ‘Home Alone’ together is because of Macaulay Culkin. 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.”

O’Hara’s death was confirmed Friday by Creative Artists Agency, which said the actress passed away at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness. Tributes have 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 passing.

“What most people don’t realize is that Catherine carries the weight of 50% of that film,” Columbus told CNN. “The movie simply would not work without her extraordinary performance. I will miss her greatly. Yet there is a small sense of comfort, realizing that two of the finest human beings I’ve ever known, Catherine and John Candy, are together again, brilliantly improvising, making each other laugh.”

Candy memorably appeared in the holiday classic as Gus Polinski, the Polka King of the Midwest, whose kindness helps Kate McCallister make it back to Chicago in time for Christmas. Though his screen time was brief, Candy’s performance became one of the film’s most cherished elements, especially as much of his dialogue was famously improvised.

Candy died on March 4, 1994, at just 43 years old after suffering 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 alike remembering him for his generosity and ability to make people laugh.

In addition to John Candy, Catherine O’Hara is also being remembered alongside her late “Home Alone” on-screen husband, John Heard, who portrayed Peter McCallister in the beloved holiday classic. Heard died in July 2017 at the age of 71 after suffering cardiac arrest.

For many, the idea that O’Hara is now reunited with part of her “Home Alone” family offers a small measure of comfort amid the loss.