Macaulay Culkin’s Tearful Tribute to Catherine O’Hara: Remembering His ‘Home Alone’ Mom After Her Passing at 71

The entertainment world mourns the loss of Catherine O’Hara, the beloved actress best known for her iconic role as Kate McCallister in Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. She passed away at age 71, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and a generation of fans who adored her wit, warmth, and talent.

Among those grieving deeply is Macaulay Culkin, who rose to fame as the star of Home Alone and shared a special bond with O’Hara on and off-screen. Culkin honored O’Hara with a moving Instagram tribute that revealed the profound love and pain he feels after her passing.

“Mama. I thought we had time,” he wrote. “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 connection was more than just the mother-son relationship they portrayed in the hit movies — it was a real, heartfelt friendship that lasted decades. The duo reunited emotionally in December 2023 when Culkin was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. O’Hara delivered a touching speech, praising the young actor’s enduring sense of humor and resilience, qualities she said were essential to surviving the pressures of Hollywood stardom.

“Macaulay — this beautiful, dear little 10-year-old boy — was called a superstar, a moneymaker, one of the hottest leading young men in Hollywood by the world over. How does anyone survive that?” O’Hara reflected during the ceremony. “Well, I believe you’d have to possess a certain quality, a gift that dear [writer-producer] John Hughes obviously recognized in you, Macaulay: your sense of humor. It’s a sign of intelligence in a child, and a key to surviving life at any age. And from what I see, you have brought this sweet, yet twisted, yet totally relatable sense of humor to everything that you have chosen to do since Home Alone.”

O’Hara ended her speech with a heartfelt message to Culkin: “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.” The emotional moment culminated in a warm embrace between the two stars, with Culkin wiping away tears as they reunited.

Catherine O’Hara’s portrayal of the fiercely loving and protective Kate McCallister became an indelible part of holiday movie tradition, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. Beyond Home Alone, her career spanned decades and genres — from her Emmy-winning role as Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek to memorable performances in Christopher Guest’s cult classics.

Her passing leaves a profound void in the world of entertainment, but the memories she created and the relationships she nurtured will endure. Macaulay Culkin’s tribute perfectly encapsulates the deep affection and respect she inspired in those who worked closely with her.

As fans continue to celebrate Catherine O’Hara’s remarkable life and legacy, Macaulay Culkin’s words remind us all of the fragile beauty of time and the enduring power of love.