Catherine O’Hara — the beloved actress and comedian whose career spanned decades and whose warmth and comic brilliance made her a household name — shared one unforgettable moment in 2023 with her onscreen son Macaulay Culkin.
The two shared some sweet movements as Culkin received his star during the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony.
GettyThe images of the day highlight the special bond the two actors shared.
During her speech, O’Hara even affectionately referred to herself as Macaulay Culkin’s “fake mom.”
O’Hara, who played Kate McCallister, Kevin McCallister’s resourceful and determined mother in the “Home Alone” films, wasn’t shy about acknowledging how much that role meant to her and the impact it had worldwide.
At the ceremony where Culkin received his star, she delivered a warm speech celebrating his craft and their shared legacy.
Getty“Thank you for including me, your fake mom, who left you home alone not once but twice, to share in this happy occasion,” she said with a laugh and evident affection, underlining both the humor and nostalgia tied to their iconic roles.
The “Home Alone” franchise has endured as one of the most beloved holiday film series ever made, blending slapstick comedy with heartfelt family storytelling.
O’Hara’s portrayal of Kevin’s mom became one of her most recognizable roles — a blend of comic timing, maternal earnestness and cinematic soul that endeared her to fans of all ages.
The bond between O’Hara and Culkin only grew stronger over the years, translating off-screen as the actors remained connected even decades after the original film’s release.
Culkin’s Heartbreaking Tribute
After the news broke of O’Hara’s passing, Culkin shared a tribute to social media.
“Mama. I thought we had time,” he began.
He concluded, “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.”
At the 2023 event, O’Hara also highlighted her pride in Culkin’s growth and success over the years, acknowledging how his innate sense of humor and natural talent — first captured when he was just a 10-year-old leading man — guided his career long past childhood fame.
The reunion was emotional, with genuine admiration from O’Hara for someone she had once guided through one of cinema’s most famous fictional family adventures.
Culkin was one of many to pen a touching tribute to O’Hara after her tragic passing was announced.
