Actress Catherine O'Hara passed away at the age of 71 on January 30, 2026. She is probably best known for her portrayal of the mother, Kate McCallister, in the first pair of Home Alone films, per Us Weekly. She and Macaulay Culkin, 45, cultivated a deep bond that lasted long after filming wrapped. Her passing was clearly very painful for him.
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His sweet post about O'Hara is economical with words, but overflowing with feeling. Culkin wrote of her on Instagram, "Mama. I thought we had time. 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."
It's as if Culkin was her actual son, not an actor who was playing one. You can feel the yearning and the heartache in each line.
O'Hara Spoke Movingly When Macaulay Culkin Got a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Just over two years ago, Macaulay Culkin was honored with a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame. Not surprisingly, Catherine O'Hara was present. She spoke emotionally at the ceremony. Her words echo poignantly today.
Per the outlet, she said, "Home Alone was, is and always will be a beloved global sensation...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. I know you worked really hard, I know you did, but you made acting look like the most natural thing in the world to do."
She added with genuine maternal pride, "Macaulay, congratulations. You so deserve your star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. And thank you for including me, your fake mom who left you home alone not once but twice, to share in this happy occasion. I'm so proud of you."
Fans Were Deeply Touched
Many fans posted messages of condolence and sympathy on Instagram. They are feeling O'Hara's loss. People loved Home Alone and they loved Catherine O'Hara. And they understand Culkin's sadness.
"you made her so proud bro, and i'm sure you'll continue to make her proud in the future. i'm so incredibly sorry for your loss and you have my utmost condolences"
"Just awful news to wake up to. We lost a real one today"
"My heart is broken into a thousand pieces. Catherine O'Hara made my childhood awesome I was born a few months before home alone two was released and I watched the first two movies every Christmas. It's a Christmas tradition."
