A Star of 'Home Alone' Pays Emotional Tribute to Catherine O'Hara 34 Years After Her Movie Career Ended
In a heartwarming display of nostalgia, Hillary Wolf Saba, a former actress from the beloved film 'Home Alone', has shared a touching tribute to her on-screen mother, Catherine O'Hara, who passed away last week. Hillary, who played Meghan, the sister of Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) in the iconic movie franchise, took to social media to express her gratitude for the time spent with Catherine on set.
Hillary's tribute comes as a surprise to many, considering she left the film industry in the early 90s, just as 'Home Alone 2' was being released. At the time, she was already making a name for herself, starring in the comedy 'Big Girls Don't Cry... They Get Even'. However, her passion for acting was short-lived, as she soon discovered a new love for judo.
In a rare social media post, Hillary shared a cast photo from the era, featuring Catherine, Macaulay, Devin Ratray (who played Buzz McCallister), and director Chris Columbus. She wrote, 'My onscreen mom was so good to all of us kids on the sets of Home Alone 1 & 2. She was sweet and hilarious! RIP Catherine O'Hara.'
This isn't the first time Hillary has praised Catherine. In a 2021 essay for Newsweek, she described her as 'funny, great with kids, and just a wonderful person'. She recalled the fun they had filming the scene at O'Hare Airport and how Catherine made the set a 'kid-friendly environment'.
Macaulay Culkin, who played Kevin in the franchise, also paid an emotional tribute to Catherine after her death. He wrote on Instagram, '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.'
Catherine's passing has left a void in the entertainment industry, with director Chris Columbus calling himself an 'obsessive fan' of her work. Meanwhile, Hillary Wolf Saba, the former child star, has found success in martial arts, winning the junior judo world championships in 1994 and representing the USA at the Olympic Games.
Despite her achievements in judo, Hillary's love for acting never faded. She and her husband, Chris, who she married in 2002, even opened a wrestling club in Colorado in 2004. They went on to have two sons, Michael and Dylan.
As Hillary reflects on her time with Catherine, she is reminded of the joy and camaraderie that made the 'Home Alone' set so special. Her tribute serves as a reminder that even the smallest roles can leave a lasting impact on both actors and audiences alike.
