Culkin who initially stepped into the limelight at the age of 10, stole hearts as the unforgettable Kevin McCallister in the Home Alone franchise. His journey began with the iconic first film in 1990, and a successful sequel followed in 1992, set in snow covered New York City. O’Hara brought her no-nonsense charm to the role as his on-screen mum, Kate, a bond that has truly stood the test of time and which offers us just a glimpse into the magic behind the scenes of everyone’s favourite holiday classic.
In her speech, O’Hara acknowledged Home Alone as a “global sensation” as well as commending Culkin for preserving nostalgia, praising his performance as ‘perfect.’ She also highlighted his natural acting ability stating “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.” and noted his quirky sense of humour, describing it as sweet, twisted, and relatable.
O’Hara continued by giving a nod to Culkin’s smarts and survival skills on-screen, joking about being his “fake mum who left him home alone not once but twice.” She wrapped it up beaming with pride at Culkin’s journey from little Kevin to Hollywood Walk of Famer as she playfully touched Culkin’s face, reflecting on their enduring connection, spanning over three decades.
After O’Hara’s heartfelt words, the two shared a hug as Culkin wiped away tears next to the podium before grabbing the mic. In his acceptance speech, he thanked O’Hara, gave a shout out to his partner, Brenda Song, and their two children, Dakota and the newest addition, Carson, making it a real family affair.
Culkin got emotional whilst thanking his wife Brenda, saying, “You’re absolutely everything. You’re my champion. You’re the only person happier for me today than I am.” Adding a touch of personal warmth to the whole event.
Hollywood Walk of Fame executive Ana Martinez summed up Culkin’s impact in pop culture as well as the magic of ‘Home Alone’, mentioning Culkin’s other standout roles such as My Girl (1991) and American Horror Story: Double Feature (2021).
‘He has an extensive trajectory of work but his movie, Home Alone, is one of the most beloved holiday movies known the world over.’
‘How fitting that Catherine O’Hara who played Macaulay’s mother in the film is reuniting with her movie son and will be speaking at the ceremony!’
Culkin’s star on the Walk of Fame now stands as a permanent symbol of his lasting contributions to the entertainment industry – proof that the iconic role of Kevin McCallister is the Christmas gift that keeps on giving.