The trajectory of a child star can often be unpredictable, and for Devin Ratray, the actor best known globally as the bullying older brother Buzz McCallister from the iconic *Home Alone* franchise, his life has recently been dominated by a series of shocking legal and personal challenges. As of December 2025, the narrative surrounding Ratray has shifted dramatically from nostalgic film roles to serious criminal charges, a high-stakes plea deal, and a sudden, critical health emergency that halted his court proceedings. This article dives deep into the most current and verified information about the actor's life, career, and the dramatic legal battles that have defined his recent years, providing a fresh and comprehensive look at where the former child star stands today.
The latest updates regarding Devin Ratray are both complex and unsettling, painting a picture of an actor wrestling with significant personal and legal fallout. From his recent guilty plea in a domestic violence case in Oklahoma to a separate, years-old alleged sexual assault investigation in New York, the public spotlight has intensified on the man who once famously delivered the line, "Buzz, your girlfriend... woof!"
Devin Ratray: A Full Biography and Filmography
Devin Ratray, born Devin D. Ratray, has maintained a steady, though often understated, career in Hollywood since his breakout role in 1990. Despite the recent legal troubles, his filmography is extensive, showcasing a versatility that extends far beyond the Christmas classic that made him famous. The following is a detailed look at his life and professional journey.
- Full Name: Devin D. Ratray
- Date of Birth: January 11, 1977
- Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.
- Occupation: Actor, Singer, Songwriter
- Notable Role: Buzz McCallister in *Home Alone* (1990) and *Home Alone 2: Lost in New York* (1992)
- Career Start: Began acting in the late 1980s.
- Recent Filmography Highlights:
- *Hollywood.Con* (2021) - Starring Role
- *Kimi* (2022) - Supporting Role alongside Zoë Kravitz
- *Nebraska* (2013)
- *Blue Ruin* (2013)
- *R.I.P.D.* (2013)
- *The Tick* (2016-2019) - TV Series
- *Mosaic* (2018) - TV Series
- *Hustlers* (2019)
- Music Career: Ratray is also a singer and songwriter, known for his band, Little Bill and the Beckleys.
1. The Domestic Violence Guilty Plea and Probation Sentence
The most significant and recent legal development in Devin Ratray’s life is his guilty plea to domestic violence charges, which brought a dramatic end to a case that began with his arrest in December 2021 in Oklahoma City.
The Charges and the Plea Deal
In a major update, Ratray pleaded guilty to two counts of domestic violence. Specifically, the charges included one count of domestic assault and battery by strangulation and a second count of domestic assault and battery. These charges stemmed from an altercation with his then-girlfriend at a hotel in Oklahoma City following a fan convention. The victim accused Ratray of punching her in the face, pushing her onto a bed, and putting his hands over her mouth and throat.
The actor accepted a plea deal, a resolution that successfully kept him from serving time in prison. The terms of the agreement are stringent and include:
- Three Years of Supervised Probation: Ratray must adhere to strict conditions while under supervision.
- Mandatory Batterers’ Intervention Program: He is required to complete a program designed to address and change abusive behavior.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Evaluation: Ratray must undergo evaluations and follow any recommended treatment.
- No Contact Order: He is prohibited from having any contact with the victim in the case.
This guilty plea marks a definitive, albeit troubling, chapter in his public life, closing the door on the Oklahoma case but opening up scrutiny on his personal conduct.
2. Hospitalization and Critical Condition Status
The legal proceedings in the domestic violence case were dramatically interrupted by a sudden health crisis. In a shocking turn of events, Devin Ratray was reportedly hospitalized and listed in "critical condition," forcing a postponement of his trial. This development introduced a new layer of concern and uncertainty into his already turbulent situation.
While specific details about the nature of his illness or injury were not immediately made public, the severity of his condition was enough to halt a high-profile criminal trial. The hospitalization underscored the immense stress and pressure Ratray was facing as his legal battles unfolded, raising questions about his long-term health and ability to cope with the ongoing public and legal scrutiny.
3. The Separate New York Sexual Assault Investigation
As Ratray was dealing with the domestic violence charges, an older, separate allegation of sexual assault resurfaced, adding another serious layer to his legal woes. This case involves a woman named Lisa Smith, who accused Ratray of raping her in his Manhattan apartment in 2017.
A Case Reopened
The alleged victim had initially filed a police report shortly after the 2017 incident, but the case was closed after she reportedly chose not to pursue charges at the time. However, following Ratray's highly publicized 2021 arrest for domestic violence, Smith reached out to prosecutors to inquire about the status of her years-old case. She expressed feeling "devastated" that the original case had not been fully investigated.
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) subsequently confirmed that an investigation into the alleged rape was ongoing. This means that even with the resolution of the Oklahoma case, Ratray continues to face a serious, active investigation that could potentially lead to further charges. The juxtaposition of his career resurgence with these severe allegations highlights the complex and often dark reality behind the scenes for the former *Home Alone* actor.
4. A Career Defined by Buzz and a Resurgence in Thrillers
Despite the legal turmoil, Devin Ratray's acting career has seen a low-key but solid continuation into the 2020s. His enduring fame, of course, rests on the shoulders of Buzz McCallister, the sarcastic and often cruel older brother of Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) in the first two *Home Alone* films.
Moving Beyond the Franchise
Ratray has successfully transitioned into a character actor, often taking on roles in critically acclaimed independent films and television series. His performance in the 2013 films *Nebraska* and *Blue Ruin* were well-received, showcasing his ability to handle dramatic and nuanced roles.
More recently, he appeared in the 2022 Steven Soderbergh-directed thriller *Kimi*, a supporting role that demonstrated his continued relevance in the contemporary film landscape. He also starred in the 2021 comedy *Hollywood.Con*. These roles confirm that Ratray has maintained a professional presence, even as his personal life became increasingly complicated.
5. The Ongoing Public Perception and Future
Devin Ratray's current situation has inevitably led to a significant shift in his public perception. For decades, he was a figure of nostalgia, a familiar face from a beloved holiday movie. Now, his name is inextricably linked with serious criminal allegations, including domestic assault and battery by strangulation.
The guilty plea and the ongoing sexual assault investigation have raised difficult questions for fans and the industry about separating the art from the artist. His future career prospects are now shadowed by his legal record and the potential for new charges from the New York investigation. The three years of supervised probation will be a critical period, requiring him to maintain strict compliance with all court-ordered terms. Any violation of his probation could result in his suspended sentence being revoked and a prison term being imposed.
As of late 2025, Devin Ratray is navigating a precarious path—one that balances a decades-long career with the severe consequences of his actions. The coming months will be crucial in determining the final outcome of the New York investigation and the long-term impact of his plea deal on his life and legacy.
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