The Home Alone franchise has become a quintessential part of the festive season, with its slapstick humor, endearing characters, and Kevin McCallister's iconic scream becoming synonymous with Christmas cheer. Released in November 1990, Home Alone became an instant hit, ranking as the second-highest-grossing film of the year. Its sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), also became a fan favorite. Decades later, the holiday classic and its sequel still remain popular, but behind-the-scenes tragedies have affected some actors. Several “Home Alone” cast members have experienced hardships, prompting some to call the film “cursed.”
ET Year-end Special Reads
Corporate Kalesh: Top family disputes of India Inc in 2024
The world of business lost these eminent people in 2024
Fast, faster, fastest: How 2024 put more speed into your shopping
Macaulay Culkin was just 10 years old when he became a global sensation as Kevin McCallister, the resourceful boy left behind by his family at Christmas. His performance catapulted him to fame, leading to roles in other hits like My Girl (1991) and Richie Rich (1994).
Despite his success, Culkin’s personal life was fraught with challenges. By 15, he legally removed his parents from controlling his $17 million fortune, citing alleged mental and physical abuse from his father, Kit Culkin. In a 2018 podcast interview, Macaulay described his father as “jealous” and reflected on how their strained relationship led him to leave Hollywood.
T