Macaulay Culkin shares emotional tribute after Home Alone star Catherine O’Hara dies aged 71

Macaulay Culkin has shared an emotional tribute for his on-screen 'mama'.

Catherine O'Hara died at the age of 71 today (30 January), as her management, the Creative Artists Agency said in a statement: "Prolific multi-award-winning actress, writer, and comedian Catherine O’Hara died today at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness."

She started off with Canadian sketch comedy series Second City Television and had a resurgence in her 60s thanks to Schitt's Creek.

And amongst her incredible list of TV and film credits spanning five decades is of course her unforgettable performance as Kate McCallister in Home Alone.

Following the sad news, Culkin shared side-by-side pictures of himself with the star in the 1990 Christmas classic and at his Walk of Fame ceremony in 2023.

The former child star wrote: "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."

During their reunion at the Walk of Fame ceremony, O'Hara expressed just how 'proud' she was of Culkin as 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.”

The actors had maintained a close friendship over the years.

O'Hara started off her iconic career with Canadian sketch comedy series Second City Television and had a resurgence in her 60s thanks to Schitt's Creek.

Between 1996 and 2006, the Canadian collaborated with Christopher Guest and appeared in a number of his mockumentary films including Best in Show and For Your Consideration.

She also appeared in the likes of Beetlejuice, After Hours and Heartburn. And her talent wasn't just limited to physically appearing on screen, as the legend also voiced various roles for popular animations such as The Nightmare Before Christmas, Chicken Little and Over the Hedge.

Most recently, O'Hara starred alongside Seth Rogen in Apple TV's comedy hit The Studio.

The second season of the newly Golden Globe-winning show had recently begun filming.

The Screen Actors Guild also paid tribute to O'Hara as the union said: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Catherine O’Hara. A beloved actor and comedian, she was a two-time Actor Award winner and a current nominee. Our condolences to her family, colleagues and legions of fans."