‘Home Alone’ Cast Then & Now: What Became of the Actors from the Iconic 1990 Christmas Movie
It has been over 30 years since the iconic 1990 classic "Home Alone" was released. Since then, the film's actors have gone on to build their careers in the entertainment industry and focused on advancing their personal lives, and some, unfortunately, have passed away. Here is what became of the cast of "Home Alone" since the film's debut.
The real life "Home Alone" house in Winnetka, Illinois on November 8, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
"Home Alone" is a popular 1990 Christmas classic enjoyed by countless people across the world to this day. The plot follows eight-year-old Kevin McCallister, portrayed by Macaulay Culkin, who finds himself alone at home on Christmas Eve after his family forgot to bring him on their vacation.
The brave little boy relies on his wit, charm, and clever tactics to defend his family's fortress against two dim-witted burglars. Using traps and conventions, Kevin thwarts every attempt the Wet Bandits make to gain access to the McCallister home and its assets.
Where Are They Now? — A Look at What the 'Home Alone' Cast Has Been up to since the Movie Aired
It has been over 30 years since "Home Alone" debuted in 1990. Since then, the film's cast has gone on to advance their professional and personal lives, while some, unfortunately, are no longer around. From garnering more fame with other roles to starting families, here is a look at what happened to the cast of the iconic film.
The real life "Home Alone" house in Winnetka, Illinois on December 1, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Macaulay Culkin, AKA Kevin McCallister
Since starring in the lead role, Macaulay, now 43, quickly rose to prominence as one of the most famous child stars in America and, at one point, received the highest salary ever to have been paid to a child actor. The New York City-born actor, who was raised as one of seven children, may have scored his big break with "Home Alone," but he had already appeared on Broadway at the age of 4.
Kevin McCallister from 1990's "Home Alone," posted on November 14, 2020 | Macaulay Culkin at his Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony in Hollywood, California on December 1, 2023 | Sources: YouTube/Disney Plus | Getty Images
By nine, Macaulay had already starred in three movies, and when he scored the role of Kevin in "Home Alone," which grossed a whopping $285 million, his stardom skyrocketed. He went on to feature in other noteworthy productions until his career somewhat halted during his teenage years as his parents went through a nasty custody dispute. He also explained:
"Took about a decade off...I was tired of it, to be honest...I did like 14 movies in 6 years or something like that...it's a lot...I needed something else. I needed to grow and develop as a person."
Macaulay Culkin at the 5th Annual American Comedy Awards in Los Angeles, California in 1991 | Source: Getty Images
Macaulay, who married Rachel Miner in 1998 and divorced her in 2002, returned to acting on stage in 2001, eight years since his last film in 1994. In 2003, he appeared in "Party Monster."
Macaulay Culkin at the 82nd Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, California on March 7, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
In 2021, he appeared on-screen alongside actress Leslie Grossman in season 10 of "American Horror Story." Grossman gushed about how much she enjoyed working with him.
Macaulay Culkin at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles, California on October 9, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Macaulay's personal life has also been flourishing. He welcomed his first son, Dakota, in April 2022, with fellow child actress Brenda Song. The couple got engaged later that same year following a decade of dating.
He has been married to his beloved wife, Jazz Charton, for several years now.
Macaulay Culkin and Brenda Song at Macaulay Culkin's Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony in Hollywood, California on December 1, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Macaulay welcomed another baby boy with Song earlier this year. Earlier this month, the family of four made a public appearance to support Macaulay, who received his Hollywood Walk of Fame star. During his speech, he acknowledged his beautiful family:
"I'd like to thank Brenda...You give me purpose. You give me family. And after the birth of our two boys, you've become one of my three favorite people."
Macaulay Culkin, Brenda Song, and their son Dakota at Macaulay Culkin's Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony in Hollywood, California on December 1, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin with their youngest son at Macaulay Culkin's Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony in Hollywood, California on December 1, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Joe Pesci, AKA Harry Lime
Joe Pesci, who played one half of the Wet Bandit duo, Harry Lime, has established himself as a big star in Tinseltown. Like Culkin, the New Jersey-born talent, now 80, started out as a child actor. Since "Home Alone," he has gone on to work with some heavy hitters, like the legendary Robert De Niro and iconic film guru Martin Scorsese.
Joe Pesci as Harry Lime in "Home Alone," 1990 | Joe Pesci at the 57th New York Film Festival in New York City on September 27, 2019 | Sources: Facebook/Home Alone | Getty Images
Some of his most notable works include "Goodfellas," "My Cousin Vinny," "Gone Fishin'," "Casino," and "The Irishman." Known for his knack for starring in family crime sagas and portraying the tough guy persona, Pesci said about his role in "Good Fellas":
"I've been in tough places. Nothing I can talk about, but I've seen terrible, terrible fights. So I knew the sense of fear..."
Joe Pesci at the 2nd Annual ESPY Awards in New York City in 1994 | Source: Getty Images
His incredibly successful career has seen him receive 63 industry award nominations, of which he has won 33. As far as his personal life is concerned, Pesci, who has an affinity for golf, has been divorced three times and has one daughter named Tiffany.
Joe Pesci at the 27th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Los Angeles, California in 1992 | Source: Getty Images
Daniel Stern, AKA Marv Murchins
Although Daniel Stern, 66, who made up the second half of the Wet Bandits, has appeared in other productions that happened even before "Home Alone," the 1990 classic remains his most notable film. However, his fans recognize him from other productions like "The Wonder Years" because of his voice, as he played the narrator in the series.
Daniel Stern as Merv Murchins in "Home Alone," 1990 | Daniel Stern at a Paley Center for Media event in Beverly Hills, California on July 9, 2014 | Sources: Facebook/Home Alone | Getty Images
Aside from his career, Stern has been married to his wife Laure since 1980, and the couple share three kids, Henry, Sophie, and Ella. Though not much is known about Sophie and Ella, Henry, according to a media outlet, is a California State Senator.
Daniel Stern at the Creative Coalition Spotlight Awards in Los Angeles, California on December 7, 2004 | Source: Getty Images
When he is not busy acting, Stern busies himself with sculpting, riding horses, and farming. Of what he enjoys doing outside of acting, Stern disclosed:
"I am a sculptor— I do these life-size bronze sculptures. I am so engaged in that stuff. I also have a cattle ranch and another farm with avocados, lemons, and tangerines."
Daniel Stern speaking at the Creative Coalition Spotlight Awards in Los Angeles, California on December 7, 2004 | Source: Getty Images
Catherine O'Hara, AKA Kate McCallister
Catherine O'Hara, 69, who played Kevin's mom, Kate McCallister, had already acquired prominent fame before "Home Alone." She established herself as a Hollywood star working in television and then in film with the likes of icons like Tim Burton.
Catherine O'Hara as Kate McCallister in "Home Alone," 1990 | Catherine O'Hara at Elle's 2023 Women in Hollywood celebration in Los Angeles, California on December 5, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Since "Home Alone," some of her notable productions included "The Nightmare Before Christmas," "Frankenweenie," "Best in Show," and "Schitt's Creek," which won her two Emmys. In addition to her Emmy wins, O'Hara has received 42 industry award nominations and has won 33 Awards in various categories.
Catherine O'Hara at the Canadian Screen Awards in Toronto, Ontario on April 14, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
O'Hara is also a mom of two sons, Matthew and Luke, whom she shares with her husband of over 30 years, Bo Welch. Interestingly, O'Hara and Welch were introduced to each other through Burton, and, according to the "Beetlejuice" star:
"Tim Burton made him ask me out..."
Catherine O'Hara and Bo Welch at The Earthshot Prize event in Boston, Massachusetts on December 2, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
John Heard, AKA Peter McCallister
John Heard, who played the patriarch Peter McCallister (Kevin's father) on "Home Alone," was already a prominent actor before the movie. After the popular 1990 comedy, Heard starred in the hit series, "The Sopranos," and later, other famous films like "White Chicks."
John Heard as Peter McCallister in "Home Alone," 1990 | John Heard at the screening of "Big" in Hollywood, California on July 20, 2013 | Sources: Facebook/Home Alone | Getty Images
Unfortunately, Heard passed away in 2017 at 71 years old, a year after one of his sons died. According to a news report, authorities found his body at a local hotel in Palo Alto.
John Heard at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah in 2006 | Source: Getty Images
Official reports confirmed his cause of death to be cardiac arrest. The beloved actor's legacy is survived by his daughter and son.
John Heard at the 22nd Annual Night of 100 Stars Oscar Viewing Gala in Beverly Hills, California on February 26, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
Devin Ratray, AKA Buzz McCallister
Devin Ratray, 46, who played Buzz McCallister, one of Kevin's siblings in "Home Alone," appeared in the films "Nebraska," "R.I.P.D." and "Masterminds" since starring in the holiday classic. Though the movie came out over three decades ago, Ratray, who once recalled a fond memory he had with Pesci, expressed that he still keeps in contact with his "Home Alone" family.
Devin Ratray as Buzz McCallister in "Home Alone," 1990, posted on November 14, 2020 | Devin Ratray at the premiere of "The Tick" in New York City on August 16, 2017 | Sources: YouTube/Disney Plus | Getty Images
In fact, he and the original cast members had planned on doing a "Home Alone" reunion at some point. However, the same year he reflected on the movie, 30 years after its debut, was the same year Ratray was arrested for domestic violence charges.
On a lighter note, Ratray, who appears to have a close relationship with his mom, given the many pictures he posts with her on his social media account, is also a musician who started a band a couple of years ago.
Devin Ratray at the International Press Academy Satellite Awards in Century City, California on February 23, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
Kieran Culkin, AKA Fuller McCallister
Kieran Culkin, 41, aka Fuller McCallister, is a big star in the entertainment industry like his on-screen cousin and real-life brother, Macaulay, with whom he has worked several times. "Home Alone" was Kieran's big debut as an actor, and following the 1990 film, he went on to star in other noteworthy productions alongside other big names, like Steve Martin in "Father of the Bride."
Kieran Culkin as Fuller McCallister in "Home Alone," 1990, posted on December 8, 2011 | Kieran Culkin at the season 4 premiere of "Succession" in New York City on March 20, 2023 | Sources: Youtube/charminglyobsolete | Getty Images
Kieran really established a name for himself apart from constantly being referred to as Macaulay's brother after critics noticed his stellar performance in the 2002 movie "Igby Goes Down." Although the film itself wasn't exactly a hit, his acting stood out. However, Kieran wasn't all that keen on his stardom gaining traction, saying:
"I had this unhealthy relationship with what I did for a living. I really wanted to do it, but I didn't want to be successful at it."
Kieran Culkin at the TAG Heuer 5th Avenue flagship boutique opening in New York City on July 12, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
The "Succession" star felt this way, in part, as a result of watching how toxic fame could be concerning childhood stardom, of which his brother, Macaulay, was an example. The Culkin brothers, two siblings of a family of seven kids, have been through a lot, like when they lost their sister, Cody, in 2008.
Kieran and Macaulay Culkin at the premiere of "Serendipity" in New York City in 2001 | Source: Getty Images
However, as of late, their lives have been extremely blessed. Like Macaulay, Kieran also has a special someone in his life, and he is a father of two. He has been married to his beloved wife, Jazz Charton, for several years now.
Roberts Blossom, AKA 'Old Man' Marley
Roberts Blossom, who played the friendly next-door neighbor "Old Man" Marley, had an extensive run in show business. Apart from all the work he had done prior to the 1990 movie, Blossom also appeared in other productions, such as "The Equalizer," afterward.
Unfortunately, Blossom passed away in 2011 at the age of 87. He had been married twice, with the first ending in divorce and the second sadly ending when his wife died. The late actor, mostly known for his quirky character actor roles, left behind his daughter, Deborah, and son, Michael.
Roberts Blossom posing for a picture in 2003. | Source: Getty Images
Though some, sadly, are no longer around, the cast of "Home Alone" has gone on to achieve many incredible accomplishments since its debut over 30 years ago.
In many ways, barring a few misfortunes, the stars have all acquitted themselves successfully, both in their professional and personal lives.