It feels almost unreal that thirty-five years have passed since a little holiday movie about a boy accidentally left behind by his family evolved into a global cultural phenomenon. Released in 1990, Home Alone didn’t just become a hit — it redefined what a family Christmas film could be. The film shattered box office expectations, becoming the highest-grossing live-action comedy of all time for over two decades, a record it held well into the 2010s. Its impact extended far beyond numbers: John Hughes’ warm, mischievous storytelling, Chris Columbus’ direction, and John Williams’ now-iconic score helped the film earn two Oscar nominations and secure its status as an annual holiday staple around the world.
For multiple generations, Home Alone became a ritual — quoted endlessly (“Keep the change, ya filthy animal”), endlessly parodied, and firmly cemented as the defining Christmas film of modern pop culture. Its legacy sparked a sprawling franchise, inspired countless coming-of-age comedies, and turned its child star into a global icon.
Now, as the McCallister family’s unforgettable adventure hits its 35th anniversary, we revisit the stars who brought the film and its sequels to life — from the core cast to the surprise names whose careers were launched by the franchise. Perfect for a before/after journey, here’s where the Home Alone universe’s most memorable faces are today.
Macaulay Culkin (Kevin McCallister)
Then & Now:
The phenomenon began with him. As Kevin, Macaulay Culkin became the world’s most famous child actor — a symbol of ’90s Hollywood. Today, Culkin, now in his mid-40s, enjoys a selective, self-driven career as an actor, writer, and cultural figure. He scored a memorable part in American Horror Story: Double Feature (2021), followed by voice roles in Zootopia 2 (2025) and an appearance in Fallout Season 2.
His comedy-meets-counterculture brand, through his website and podcast Bunny Ears, has made him a beloved personality online. In 2023, Hollywood acknowledged his enduring influence with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, celebrating a legacy few child actors have achieved.
Catherine O’Hara (Kate McCallister)
Then & Now:
As the desperate yet loving mother who delivered the legendary on-screen scream “KEVIN!”, Catherine O’Hara became an instant fan favourite. Decades later, she experienced a career renaissance with her Emmy-winning turn as the unforgettable Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020).
She returned to the Tim Burton universe with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) and is set for a recurring role in The Last of Us – Season 2, once again proving her range across comedy, drama, and genre storytelling.
Joe Pesci & Daniel Stern (The Wet Bandits)
Joe Pesci (Harry Lime)
Pesci brought a surprising and hilarious volatility to Harry, showcasing his comedic chops between his acclaimed dramatic roles. After semi-retiring to focus on music, he returned with a landmark performance in Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman (2019). He later appeared in Pete Davidson’s Peacock series Bupkis, reminding audiences how effortlessly he commands the screen.
Daniel Stern (Marv Murchins)
Marv might have suffered the most on-screen pain in film history, but Daniel Stern carried his slapstick brilliance into a steady acting career. He appeared in the celebrated Apple TV+ series For All Mankind and continues to work as an acclaimed sculptor. His 2024 memoir, Home and Alone, revisits his long Hollywood journey with humour and insight.
The Extended McCallister Family & Key Characters
Kieran Culkin — Fuller McCallister
Culkin’s tiny role as soda-loving Fuller was a footnote compared to the powerhouse career that followed. Today, he is one of Hollywood’s most respected dramatic actors, winning an Emmy for Succession and an Oscar for his acclaimed 2024 film A Real Pain.
Devin Ratray — Buzz McCallister
As Kevin’s bully brother, Ratray became a ’90s pop-culture villain. He built a solid character-acting career with roles in Better Call Saul, Hustlers, and notably reprised Buzz in Home Sweet Home Alone (2021) — the only original cast member to officially return.
Gerry Bamman — Uncle Frank
Known for giving us one of cinema’s greatest grumpy-uncles, Bamman continued an active stage and screen career. He recently appeared in the 2024 short film The Second Oldest Man Alive.
Roberts Blossom — Old Man Marley
His touching turnaround from feared neighbour to lonely soul made Marley one of the film’s most moving presences. Blossom, a veteran of classics like Close Encounters of the Third Kind, passed away in 2011 at age 87.
John Candy — Gus Polinski
In one unforgettable, improvised cameo, Candy cemented himself as “The Polka King of the Midwest.” After a career filled with beloved hits, he tragically died in 1994 at just 43. His legacy was recently celebrated in John Candy: I Like Me (2025).
John Heard — Peter McCallister
Kevin’s well-meaning but scatterbrained father was played by John Heard, a respected actor with credits across decades, including his Emmy-nominated role in The Sopranos. He passed away in 2017 at age 71.
Scarlett Johansson (Home Alone 3)
Before she was a Marvel superstar, Scarlett Johansson appeared in the 1997 standalone sequel Home Alone 3 as Molly Pruitt. Today, she is one of the world’s biggest movie stars, earning two Oscar nominations for Marriage Story and Jojo Rabbit, and gearing up for major releases such as Jurassic World Rebirth (2025). Her early connection to the franchise remains a fascinating pop-culture footnote.
A Legacy That Refuses to Fade
What began as a witty, warm-hearted family comedy has, over 35 years, transformed into a global cultural touchstone. From unforgettable performances to careers that evolved in remarkable directions, the world of Home Alone remains as vibrant as ever. The franchise continues to inspire filmmakers, holiday traditions, and nostalgic rewatches every year — proving that a simple story about a boy defending his home has become one of cinema’s most enduring Christmas miracles.
