Macaulay Culkin Had “Unfinished Business” With Costar Catherine O’Hara

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Macaulay Culkin wants to have one more conversation with his onscreen mom.

The actor, best known for playing a son to Catherine O’Hara in Home Alone, recently explained why he’s still processing her death after her passing on January 30th following a short illness.

Macaulay recently told The Gentlemen’s Journal that he felt he needed to resolve things with her. He explained he felt like he owed her something and doesn’t like leaving things unresolved.

The 45-year-old actor, who became famous as Kevin McCallister when he was just nine years old, shared how the experience of loss impacted him.

Her death in January was really tough for me,” he said. “It happened so suddenly, it was just too soon to process.

Macaulay and the Schitt’s Creek actress were close for many years before she passed away at 71. He’s grateful for all the chances he had to work with her and other talented people, opportunities that started when he began his career in Hollywood at a young age.

Growing up in the public eye has been a singular experience for Macaulay. He feels he doesn’t share similar experiences with many people his age, and while that can be isolating, he focuses on appreciating how special and fulfilling his life is.

Catherine shared that she watched him develop as an actor and become a pop culture icon thanks to their beloved Christmas film, as she said at his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in December 2023.

Catherine spoke about how much people all over the world love the movie Home Alone. She said it’s a classic that families enjoy watching together every year, and that’s all thanks to Macaulay Culkin. She was speaking in front of Macaulay’s friends and family, including his fiancée Brenda Song and their two children, Dakota and Carson, who are currently 4 and 3 years old.

Following the death of his “Mama” costar, Macaulay Culkin publicly shared his grief on Instagram. He wrote that he had assumed they would have more time together and expressed his regret at not being able to say everything he wanted to her. He wished he could have simply sat with her and continued their conversations.

Macaulay expressed their affection, saying “I love you,” and indicated they would connect again later. They then added, “I’m really excited about this…” in a comment.

Keep reading for more tributes to Catherine from her loved ones and former costars.

Following the death of his “Mama” co-star, Macaulay Culkin publicly shared his grief online. In an Instagram post, he wrote about feeling like there hadn’t been enough time, expressing his wish for more moments with her and lamenting all he still wanted to say.

Macaulay expressed their affection, saying “I love you,” and indicated they would connect again later. They then added, “I’m really excited about this…” in a comment.

Keep reading for more tributes to Catherine from her loved ones and former costars.

It was a true joy to work with Catherine O’Hara for so many years and witness her incredible talent. After spending over fifty years working with my dad, Catherine felt like family long before she even played one on screen. It’s hard to imagine life without her. I’ll always treasure the funny moments we shared, and my thoughts are with Bo, Matthew, Luke, and her entire wonderful family.

This goes all the way back to before the first Beetlejuice movie. She’s been like a wife, an enemy, and most importantly, a wonderful, genuine friend to me. I’m really heartbroken. I’m going to miss her terribly, and I’m also thinking of Beau right now.

Mom, I didn’t realize time was so short. I still had so much I wanted to share with you, like just sitting with you and talking. I told you I loved you, and I’ll see you again someday.

I’m honestly at a loss for words. I told O’Hara when we first met that I thought she was the funniest person I’d ever seen perform. Home Alone actually inspired me to become a filmmaker, so working with her was a real privilege. She was hilarious, genuinely kind, insightful, and incredibly generous. She pushed me to make our show the best it could be, something worthy of her talent. This is just heartbreaking, and we were all so fortunate to have her in our lives.

“Catherine, I love you… You were a special part of my life and after life.”

I’m absolutely devastated by the loss of Catherine O’Hara. She was a truly unique and brilliant talent, and her death feels incredibly heavy – it’s hard to express just how much she will be missed.

She was more than just a famous artist, actor, and comedian. She truly represented the best of Canada – incredibly talented, brave, uniquely herself, and deeply compassionate. She brought joy to people around the world, and also had a gift for making everyone feel understood.

As an artist, she was a huge inspiration to me. She showed me how to represent your country with both skill and kindness, all while remaining down-to-earth and humble.

I’m deeply saddened for her family, friends, and all who loved her, here in Canada and everywhere else.

If you’re feeling sad about this loss, please know that you’re not the only one. We’re all sharing in this grief. Rest peacefully, Catherine, and thank you for all you did.

I’m so thankful I had the chance to tell her how much she meant to me – she truly inspired me, influenced my humor, and helped me understand our work. I always thought of her as the best of the best, and I’m sure many actors felt the same. What was amazing was that she never seemed jaded; she listened with genuine kindness and a wonderful sense of humor. I want to thank Jason Reitman for letting me participate in the Film Independent LACMA reading where I got to work with her and witness her incredible talent firsthand. Being around her and watching her work was unforgettable. I’ll cherish every moment. Both that day and when we overlapped on the set of Away We Go, she was incredibly kind to everyone, from the director to the production assistants. She truly lit up a room – she was radiant and almost otherworldly. Her talent was one of a kind. There’s never been anyone like her, and there never will be. She was a true genius and a beautiful person.

Catherine was an extraordinary person – kind, honest, intelligent, and had a wonderful sense of humor. She was strikingly beautiful, and her work radiated her deep love for people. She possessed a rare combination of integrity, clear thinking, and wisdom, making her truly special. It feels like all those who inspired her are now eagerly learning from her. We’re heartbroken here, and she’ll be deeply missed, especially now. May she rest in peace, dear friend.

As someone who appreciates genuine connection, I was so saddened to hear about the loss of Catherine O’Hara. She was truly one of a kind – a woman who lived with incredible authenticity, and you could see that honesty shine through everything she did, both on screen and in her personal life. My heart goes out to her sons, Bo, Luke, and Matthew, during this difficult time. I hope her memory continues to bring joy and inspiration to all who knew and loved her. May she rest in peace.

“Catherine O’Hara. The absolute greatest. Only 71. An angel. The funniest. This is shocking.”

As someone who appreciates true brilliance, I just have to say, being near Catherine O’Hara was an absolute gift. The world feels a little dimmer now, but I’m so grateful for the joy she brought, and her legacy will shine on forever. She truly was one of a kind.

I truly never imagined I’d have the chance to work with Catherine O’Hara, and I especially never expected to become her friend. I’m heartbroken that she’s gone, but so thankful for the time we shared. Thank you, Catherine. I’ll always love you.

“Oh Catherine. You will be so so missed.”

“She was an all-timer. Her memory and work is a blessing. Rest peacefully.”

I’m still in shock and can’t accept that she’s gone. It’s devastating to think about how much pain everyone is feeling right now. It’s so hard to say goodbye to someone who was so vibrant and had so much life ahead of her. Farewell to a true icon. Thank you for all the joy and laughter – that’s what makes this loss so incredibly painful. Rest in peace. Sending all my love and sympathy to her family.

Catherine O’Hara was a remarkably talented comedian, and she was loved by so many – possibly everyone!

This news is devastating. She was a truly wonderful person, a talented artist, and a joy to work with. I feel so fortunate to have directed, produced, and acted alongside her – she was becoming more impressive every year. My deepest sympathies go to Bo and her family.

“Absolutely heartbreaking. She was the kindest person in our business.”

Francesca was speechless after seeing her dad’s reaction on FaceTime, sharing a photo and saying she was completely heartbroken and in shock.

It’s a huge loss. She was incredibly talented, graceful, and genuinely humble – a natural performer. She brought so much joy to everyone around her and will be greatly missed. She inspired countless comedians and always delivered a brilliant performance.

As a lifelong fan of great comedic talent, I was so saddened to hear about Catherine O’Hara. From her early days on SCTV to becoming a household name in Home Alone and, of course, her absolutely iconic portrayal of Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, she was a true Canadian treasure. She had this incredible ability to make generations laugh, and she really put Canadian storytelling on the map. My heart goes out to her family, friends, and all of us who loved her work.

“BEST OF THE BEST IN SHOW!”

“Legend.”

“Ugggg legend. No one funnier.”

“Nooo my most profound condolences.”

She was truly inspiring, bringing joy and warmth to everyone through her comedy. We’ll always remember her kind spirit and may she rest in peace.

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2026-05-13 01:18