Catherine O'Hara, the beloved actress best known for her role as Kate McCallister in the holiday classic Home Alone, recently opened up about her filming experience during the movie, admitting to her struggles with delivering one specific line to co-star Macaulay Culkin. This sentiment resonates deeply within the film's nostalgia, as fans still celebrate Home Alone decades after its initial release.
Released in 1990, Home Alone quickly became the second-highest-grossing film of the year. Directed by Chris Columbus and written by John Hughes, the film follows the story of Kevin McCallister, played by Culkin, who finds himself left home alone when his family goes on vacation to Paris for Christmas. The film revolves around Kevin's imaginative adventures and his efforts to defend his home from two bumbling burglars during his family's absence.
During the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony held on December 1, 2023, where Culkin was honored with his star, O'Hara delivered a heartfelt speech reflecting on their time working together. Among her memories, she recalled the challenging scene where she had to send Kevin to the attic as punishment. This is where the film features one of its most poignant exchanges. Kevin, upset, asserts, "I don't want to see you again for the rest of my life, and I don't want to see anybody else, either." O'Hara's character responds with care, saying, "I hope you don’t meanthat – you’d feel pretty sad if you woke up tomorrow morning and you didn’t have a family."
Yet it was the line she struggled with next, where Kate was supposed to respond with: "Then say it again - maybe it’ll happen." O'Hara shared how saying such hurtful words to the young Culkin felt almost unbearable. "I can’t tell you how muchthat killed me – I could not wrap my head around saying something so horrific to this beautiful child," she said during her speech.
Reflecting on her status as a young actress at the time, she humorously noted, "Of course I was not yet a mother at the time and I had no idea the kind of things would come out of my own mouth with my own two sons." This poignant reflection provided insight not just to her experience on set, but also to how life experiences influence the way we perceive certain moments.
O'Hara also used the opportunity to commend Culkin's immense talent as a child actor, praising his ability to handle the pressures of sudden stardom. "This beautiful 10-year-old little boy was called a superstar, a moneymaker, one of the hottest leading young men in Hollywood by the world over. How does anyone survivethat?" she remarked. Her praise didn’t stop there; she credited Culkin with bringing to life the alluring charm and humor of his character, which played a significant role in the film's success.
During her moving tribute, O'Hara emphasized the film's lasting impact, affirming, "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." This reflection speaks volumes about how Home Alone has become ingrained as part of holiday traditions for countless families across the globe.
From O'Hara's emotional confessions to her heartfelt recognitions of Culkin’s talent, the ceremony was filled with nostalgia for fans of the film. With all its magic, humor, and heart, Home Alone continues to resonate, creating memories through the years.
Home Alone was nominated for two Academy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards upon its release and remains timeless, not just for its comedic moments but for its genuine emotions, intertwined with families coming together during the holiday season.
O'Hara’s heartfelt reflection on her filming experience reminds us of the deep connections formed on set and how these echoes linger with us long after the closing credits roll. Indeed, Home Alone stands as more than just film; it is a cultural phenomenon helped largely by the performances of its cast, including the unforgettable Culkin.
