The Home Alone 2 Mom: Where Is Catherine O'Hara Now And Her Shocking Return To The Big Screen In 2024?

For millions of fans worldwide, the frantic, desperate mother searching for her son in a crowded airport is the unforgettable heart of the *Home Alone* franchise. That iconic role, Kate McCallister, was brought to life by the legendary Canadian-American actress, comedian, and writer, Catherine O'Hara. As of the current date, December 2025, O'Hara remains one of Hollywood's most beloved and active stars, with her career experiencing a massive resurgence and a slate of major projects in 2024 and 2025 that prove she is far more than just the "Home Alone 2 Mom." The enduring popularity of *Home Alone 2: Lost in New York* ensures that O'Hara's performance—especially her desperate cry of "KEVINNNN!"—is revisited every holiday season, but her recent work on *Schitt's Creek* as the eccentric Moira Rose has introduced her genius to a new generation. This article delves into Catherine O'Hara’s complete profile, her latest career moves, and the fascinating, little-known details about her time filming the Christmas classic.

Catherine O'Hara: The Complete Biography and Profile

Catherine Anne O'Hara is a highly decorated actress, comedian, and writer, renowned for her improvisational skills and her ability to create unique, memorable characters. She is an Officer of the Order of Canada (OC), one of the country's highest civilian honors.

• Full Name: Catherine Anne O'Hara
• Date of Birth: March 4, 1954
• Age (as of December 2025): 71
• Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Nationality: Canadian and American
• Spouse: Bo Welch (m. 1992)
• Children: Two sons, Matthew and Luke
• Notable Roles (Film): Kate McCallister (*Home Alone*, *Home Alone 2*), Delia Deetz (*Beetlejuice*, *Beetlejuice Beetlejuice*), Sally (*The Nightmare Before Christmas*), Guffman (*Waiting for Guffman*).
• Notable Roles (Television): Moira Rose (*Schitt's Creek*), Various roles (*SCTV*).
• Major Awards: Primetime Emmy Award (for *SCTV* and *Schitt's Creek*), Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award.
• Recent Projects: *Argylle* (2024), *Beetlejuice Beetlejuice* (2024), *The Studio* (2025).

O'Hara's career began in the 1970s as a founding member of the legendary Toronto comedy troupe The Second City, where she honed her satirical and improvisational talents. This led to her breakthrough role on the sketch comedy show *SCTV*, where she worked alongside comedy giants like Eugene Levy, John Candy, and Martin Short.

The Shocking Truth Behind Her Home Alone 2 Salary

While the role of Kate McCallister—the mother who accidentally leaves her son, Kevin McCallister, behind not once but twice—is one of her most famous, Catherine O'Hara recently revealed a surprising detail about her contract for the 1992 sequel, *Home Alone 2: Lost in New York*. This detail offers a unique insight into the business side of major blockbuster films. In a recent interview, O'Hara disclosed that she had to take a significant pay cut for the second film.

The Pay Cut Negotiation: O'Hara was reportedly asked to take "way less money" for *Home Alone 2* than she had earned for the original *Home Alone* in 1990. The reason? To ensure that the entire main cast, including all the McCallister children and the other adult actors, could return for the sequel.

This decision highlights O'Hara's commitment to the ensemble and the creative integrity of the film, prioritizing the reunion of the original cast over a higher personal salary. The sequel, which saw Kevin accidentally board a flight to New York City while the rest of his family flew to Florida, went on to become a massive box office success, grossing over $350 million worldwide.

The Iconic Reunion and On-Set Disagreements

The bond between Catherine O'Hara and her on-screen son, Macaulay Culkin, who played Kevin McCallister, remains strong decades later. In a heartwarming moment that went viral in late 2023, O'Hara gave a moving speech when Culkin received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She referred to him as a "sweet young man" and praised his performance as Kevin, a character she believes will "always be a sweet young man to me." The reunion was a major highlight for fans, proving the enduring legacy of the *Home Alone* cast. Another interesting tidbit O'Hara has shared is a rare disagreement she had with director Chris Columbus regarding a crucial scene in *Home Alone 2*.

• The Fainting Scene: The moment Kate McCallister realizes Kevin is missing *again* and dramatically faints is one of the film's most memorable scenes.
• The Disagreement: Director Chris Columbus wanted O'Hara to simply sit down and process the news. However, O'Hara, a master of physical comedy and character, insisted that Kate would react much more dramatically, leading to the iconic, over-the-top fainting spell that made the final cut. She proved her instincts were right, as the scene is now a fan favorite.

Catherine O'Hara's Career Resurgence and New Projects (2024-2025)

While many know her as Kate McCallister, Catherine O'Hara's career has flourished in recent years, particularly with her award-winning role as Moira Rose on the series *Schitt's Creek* from 2015 to 2020. This success has led to her taking on several high-profile projects in 2024 and 2025, ensuring the beloved actress is back on the big screen.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)

O'Hara is set to reprise one of her most beloved roles, Delia Deetz, in the highly anticipated 2024 sequel, *Beetlejuice Beetlejuice*. This marks a major reunion with director Tim Burton and co-stars Winona Ryder and Michael Keaton, decades after the original 1988 film. This project is arguably her biggest movie return in years, solidifying her status as a cinematic icon who can seamlessly transition between comedy and the macabre.

The Studio (2025)

Looking ahead to 2025, O'Hara is slated to star in the Apple TV+ television series *The Studio*. She will play the character Patty Leigh in this new project, a role that promises to showcase her versatile acting talents for a streaming audience. This move demonstrates her continued relevance in the modern television landscape, following the massive success of *Schitt's Creek*.

Argylle (2024)

In early 2024, O'Hara appeared in the star-studded spy film *Argylle*, directed by Matthew Vaughn. Her participation in this major studio production, alongside actors like Henry Cavill and Bryce Dallas Howard, further cements her place in contemporary cinema. From her iconic line, "This is *Christmas*! The season of perpetual hope!" as Kate McCallister, to the complex, theatrical brilliance of Moira Rose, Catherine O'Hara has established a legacy that transcends any single role. Her recent projects and continued activity in Hollywood ensure that the actress behind the "Home Alone 2 Mom" remains one of the most talented and relevant performers working today.