Macaulay Culkin Pays Emotional Tribute to Catherine O’Hara: “I Thought We Had Time”
Macaulay Culkin is mourning the loss of his Home Alone on-screen mother, Catherine O’Hara, following news of her passing at the age of 71. The beloved actress’s death was confirmed on Jan. 30, leaving fans and colleagues reflecting on her lasting impact in film and television.
O’Hara, widely known for her roles in Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, shared a special bond with Culkin, who was just 10 years old when they first starred together in the iconic 1990 holiday film.
Culkin’s Heartfelt Message
Shortly after the news became public, Culkin took to Instagram to share a touching tribute to the woman he affectionately referred to as “Mama.” Alongside side-by-side photos of the pair from Home Alone and a more recent reunion in 2023, Culkin expressed his grief and gratitude.
“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.”
The message resonated deeply with fans who remember the unforgettable mother-son dynamic they portrayed in the beloved holiday franchise.
A Bond That Lasted Beyond the Screen
Culkin has previously spoken about how O’Hara became a maternal figure in his life during the filming of Home Alone and its 1992 sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Their on-screen chemistry helped turn the films into enduring classics watched by families around the world each holiday season.
The two remained close over the years. In December 2023, O’Hara showed her support for Culkin by attending his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony. During the event, she reflected on the passage of time, noting how he had grown older than she was when she first portrayed his mother.
O’Hara also credited Culkin for the lasting success of Home Alone, acknowledging that audiences continue to return to the film year after year largely because of his performance.
A Shared Family Memory
In a previous interview, O’Hara once shared a personal story that mirrored the premise of Home Alone. While traveling in New York with her husband, Bo Welch, and their sons, Matthew and Luke, the couple experienced a frightening moment when they accidentally boarded a subway train just as the doors closed — leaving their children on the platform.
O’Hara recalled the panic she felt in that moment, saying the thought of what could have happened still unsettled her. Fortunately, the situation resolved quickly when the doors reopened and their children were reunited with them.
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Remembering Catherine O’Hara’s Legacy
Catherine O’Hara’s passing marks the loss of a truly remarkable talent whose career spanned decades. Known for her versatility, warmth, and comedic brilliance, she earned numerous accolades, including Emmy recognition for her work.
Fans across generations continue to celebrate her performances, from her unforgettable portrayal of Kate McCallister in Home Alone to her iconic role as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek.
As tributes continue to pour in, Culkin’s heartfelt message stands as a reminder of the genuine connections formed behind the scenes — connections that often last far longer than the roles themselves.
A cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed.