Devin Ratray: Beyond Buzz McCallister and the "Home Alone" Mayhem
Devin Ratray. The name might not bring memories for all, but the face? You know it. Think of a mischievous brother who enjoys annoying his younger counterpart during Christmas. Yes, this is Buzz McCallister from "Home Alone." There's more to Devin than just Buzz, so let’s explore his career.
Devin Ratray's Journey Through Film and Television
What films has Devin Ratray been in? Besides being the annoying brother in "Home Alone," he has enjoyed a steady career. You see his face and think, "I know him!"
The role that made him famous is Buzz McCallister. He played the teenage bully so well that you laughed while cringing at his antics. Buzz and his tarantula created a funny chaos against Macaulay Culkin's Kevin.
Speaking of Buzz, Devin's ties to "Home Alone" are unique. He played Buzz in "Home Alone" (1990) and "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" (1992). Years later, he was back as Buzz in "Home Sweet Home Alone" (2021). This makes him the *only* actor in three "Home Alone" films, a great trivia fact!
Beyond snowy Chicago streets and Christmas chaos, Devin Ratray also dipped into the supernatural. He appeared in "Supernatural" as Damien or 'Dean.' Proof that even ghost hunters need a bit of Buzz in their lives. His range is notable, going from holiday fun to spooky tales.
"Home Alone": A Deep Dive into a Christmas Classic
"Home Alone" isn’t just a film; it's a cultural touchstone. It's part of Christmas like eggnog and holiday sweaters. Let’s dig into some pressing questions about this beloved series.
Meet the McCallisters and the Mischief Makers
The "Home Alone" world has memorable people, adding charm to the films. Let’s start with the infamous older brother, Buzz McCallister.
What is Buzz doing today? In "Home Sweet Home Alone," he is a police officer! Talk about a shocking career shift! What about his age during filming? Devin Ratray was 13 when it was shot, making Buzz a realistic teen.
Then we have Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin. Remember "Home Alone 2"? Kevin was older and even more clever. Macaulay was 10 when filming "Home Alone 2," giving Kevin a relatable age.
And who can forget the burglars, Harry and Marv? Let’s focus on Marv Murchins, portrayed by Daniel Stern. What is Marv up to now? Daniel left robberies behind and moved to a farm where he raises cattle and grows tangerines! From battling Kevin to gardening, what a shift! He also sculpts, proving bandits can be creative.
How old was Daniel when he played Marv? He was 33, bringing maturity to the less-than-smart criminal role. Did Marv actually walk barefoot in snow? Nope! During scenes where he steps on ornaments, Daniel wore rubber feet. A smart choice, no one wants frostbite! Knowing Marv, he might not notice the cold.
Let’s talk about Fuller McCallister, Kevin’s cousin. Kieran Culkin was 7 when playing the Pepsi-loving Fuller. This helps explain his youthful performance.
The McCallister family is large. Besides Buzz and Fuller, Kevin has another brother named Jeff and sisters Megan and Linnie. A full house!
Moving on to adults, Catherine O'Hara plays Kevin's mom, Kate McCallister. How old was she during filming? She was likely in her 30s when "Home Alone" came out in 1990. She captured both comedy and motherly concern perfectly.
Remember the kind woman at the airport who helps Kate? That’s Billie Bird, "Woman in Airport" on IMDb. A small but caring role enhancing the film's warmth.
Who was the "pretty lady" in "Home Alone 2" distracting Kevin at the hotel? Leigh Zimmerman played a "Fashion Model." A brief but memorable cameo in vibrant New York.
Ages Behind the Antics: The Actors During Filming
We’ve discussed ages, so let’s sum up key actors' ages during filming:
- Macaulay Culkin: 10 years old during "Home Alone" (1990).
- Catherine O'Hara: Likely in her 30s during "Home Alone" (1990).
- Daniel Stern: 33 years old for Marv in "Home Alone" (1990).
- Kieran Culkin: 7 when he played Fuller in "Home Alone" (1990).
A quick note about Linnie McCallister, played by Angela Goethals. Why wasn’t she in "Home Alone 2"? She had to decline due to a "conflict of interest." Hollywood schedules can be difficult for McCallister siblings.
Lights, Camera, "Home Alone": Filming Locations
Have you ever wondered where "Home Alone" magic occurred? Let’s look at filming spots, starting with the famous McCallister house.
Where was "Home Alone" filmed? The movie shot in suburbs of Winnetka and Wilmette, Illinois. The McCallister house is at 671 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka. People can visit, but no recreating booby traps! Just a short distance away at 656 Lincoln Avenue is Mitch Murphy’s house, whose garbage bins Kevin messes with.
The church seen is Trinity United Methodist Church in Wilmette. For the pharmacy, they filmed at Graeter's Ice Cream in Winnetka, disguised as a pharmacy on screen. Recall the railroad bridge where Kevin tricks Harry and Marv? That’s Hubbard Woods Metra Station in Winnetka.
Most interior scenes were not filmed in the house itself. They were actually shot on sets at New Trier High School in Winnetka, using the gym and pool to represent the interiors. And for airport scenes, they used O'Hare Airport. Even "Carnegie Hall" scenes were filmed at Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Symphony Center, doubling as the famous concert hall.
What about "Home Alone 2"? Much of it was filmed in lively New York, including the elegant Plaza Hotel during Christmas season – a festive filming environment!
Was "Home Alone" shot entirely inside the
house? Most interior scenes were not shot in the actual house. The "Home Alone" house belonged to the Abendshien family. They faced sudden fame, with tourists flocking to see it. From a quiet life to a movie landmark – quite the change!
Behind the Scenes: Snow, Improv, and Surprising Salaries
Let's uncover some secrets of "Home Alone."
How much was improvised? John Candy, who played Gus Polinski, improvised many scenes. This explains his hilarious stories! He added a lot to his brief screen time.
Was the snow real? No, it wasn't. The movie didn't budget for snow. A blizzard hit on day two of shooting, blanketing the suburbs. Filmmakers decided to keep the snowy look using fake snow. Sometimes, unplanned events lead to blessings!
And here's a fact about John Candy: he was paid only $414 for his role. Why so little? He worked as a favor to John Hughes and was available for just one day, which turned into a long shoot. Talk about dedication!
The "Home Alone" House: From Fiction to Reality
The "Home Alone" house is now a character. Let's explore its story.
Who owns the house? The house in Winnetka sold in January 2025 for over $5.5 million, after being listed for $5.25 million. The new owners are still unknown. Imagine living in the "Home Alone" house!
Can you rent it? Yes, for a limited time! Airbnb offered the "Home Alone" house for a one-night rental. A dream for fans wanting to experience Christmas in the McCallister house.
How much would it cost? It recently sold for over $5.5 million, reflecting its iconic status. Not exactly cheap for a family, but invaluable for movie history.
Is the "Uncle Buck" house the same? No, but there's a connection. The Abendshiens lived in Evanston before buying the "Home Alone" house. A location manager was interested in their Evanston home for "Uncle Buck." There's a John Hughes link to both films.
"Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" – More Mayhem, More Locations
"Home Alone 2" brought chaos to New York City. When was it filmed? This 1992 film was directed by Chris Columbus and produced by John Hughes.
Remember Duncan's Toy Chest? Sadly, it's not real. The iconic toy store was made for the film, enhancing the festive New York setting.
Yes, that was Donald Trump in "Home Alone 2." He appeared as himself at Trump Plaza Hotel when Kevin asks for directions. A classic 90s moment.
Did they edit the Twin Towers out? After 9/11, some broadcasts removed scenes featuring the World Trade Center out of respect. However, as of Christmas 2018, those scenes were restored, allowing viewers to see the film as intended.
Cast and Crew Salaries: Who Got Paid What?
Let's discuss salaries. How much did the cast earn?
Macaulay Culkin's salary was $100,000 for his role as Kevin McCallister. Not bad for a child facing burglars!
What about Joe Pesci? His salary for "Home Alone 2" was much higher. Daniel Stern initially got $250,000. Then, he learned Joe Pesci received between $2 million and $3 million, plus profit shares. Stern negotiated for a better deal.
Who almost played Harry Lime? Robert De Niro and Jon Lovitz reportedly turned down the role before Joe Pesci took it. Hard to imagine anyone else as Harry!
"Home Alone" Franchise Status: Sequels and Spin-offs
The franchise has expanded beyond the first two films. Is Devin Ratray in "Home Alone 3"? No, he wasn't in "Home Alone 3," "4," or "5." He did return for "Home Sweet Home Alone" in 2021, but not in direct sequels.
Why didn't Culkin return? Macaulay Culkin declined to reprise his role as Kevin. He felt he had done enough with it and wanted new experiences.
Was "Home Alone 3" a flop? Yes, compared to the first two films, it underperformed. It made about $80 million, a steep drop from the $359 million of "Home Alone 2." No Kevin McCallister, reduced box office magic.
Macaulay Culkin: From "Home Alone" to Present Day
Macaulay Culkin became a superstar overnight with "Home Alone." Let's look at his career and life post-Kevin.
Macaulay's Salary and Career Trajectory
To clarify, Culkin's salary for "Home Alone" was $100,000. A life-changing amount for a child actor in 1990.
Does he still act? Yes, Culkin acts but chooses selective roles. He leads a relatively private life now, beyond child stardom.
Personal Life: Relationships, Name Changes, and Net Worth
Culkin's personal life interests the public almost as much as his career.
Who is he married to? He was married to actress Rachel Miner from 1998 until 2002. Currently, he is not married.
Culkin's name change is internet lore. He changed his middle name to "Macaulay," making his legal name "Macaulay Macaulay Culkin Culkin." Why? Just because, it seems. A playful rebellion against fame's seriousness.
His net worth is speculated to be around $18 million in 2024. So yes, he is a millionaire. His earnings and investments secured his financial well-being.
Is he sober? Culkin has discussed past struggles but stresses he doesn't have an addiction now, using substances occasionally to cope. He navigated fame's pressures for a balanced life.
Why did he stop doing "Home Alone"? As stated earlier, he felt he exhausted the character and sought other projects. Child stardom can limit creativity.
Why change his name? The middle name change was whimsical, about personal expression instead of a significant reason.
Did Dakota Culkin pass away? Yes, Dakota died in a Los Angeles car accident in 2008. This was a tragic loss for the family.
What about Culkin's "downfall"? In 2004, he was arrested in Oklahoma City for possession of marijuana and controlled substances. He served a brief jail time but was released on bail. A widely reported public stumble.
Did his parents take his money? Yes, reports indicate that his parents had access to his
Parents took 15% of his earnings. He later removed them from his trust fund. He sought control over his finances and career.
Spotlight on Other "Home Alone" Actors and Crew
Let's give attention to other players in the "Home Alone" universe.
Daniel Stern: Marv's Post-"Home Alone" Life
Daniel Stern lives on a farm. He raises cattle and grows tangerines. He also sculpts. He was 33 when he played Marv in "Home Alone."
Catherine O'Hara: Mom Extraordinaire
Catherine O'Hara likely was in her 30s during filming. She brought warmth to the role of Kate McCallister. Her chemistry with Macaulay Culkin was a key part of the film. Their off-screen relationship is less documented.
John Candy: A Day's Work for a Song
John Candy's improvised scenes are legendary. He earned only $414 for "Home Alone." This shows his generosity and comedic talent, even with limited screen time and pay.
Devin Ratray Beyond "Home Alone": "Blue Bloods" and "Supernatural" Revisited
Now, let’s discuss Devin Ratray’s career. He appeared in "Blue Bloods" and "Supernatural."
"Blue Bloods" and Devin Ratray
Was Devin Ratray on "Blue Bloods"? This question arises. No information confirms his appearance in "Blue Bloods." This may be mistaken identity or fan wishful thinking.
Did the cast of "Blue Bloods" get along? Reports indicate they are quite close. They consider themselves "basically a family." The on-screen chemistry translates to real life.
Are Donnie Wahlberg and Tom Selleck friends? Yes, they are close friends off-screen. They lead "Blue Bloods" together and show friendship goals.
Why is Danny's oldest son not on "Blue Bloods"? Jack went off to college in Season 9, Episode 5, "Thicker Than Water." This is why his presence is reduced.
Are Sean and Jack Reagan brothers in real life? Yes, they are brothers. Jack is older, Sean is younger. Great casting synergy!
"Supernatural" and Werewolves
Devin Ratray was in "Supernatural." He played Damien/Dean in "The Real Ghostbusters" episode. DJ Qualls played a werewolf on "Supernatural." He returned after a season away. The show is full of surprises, like Devin Ratray’s career beyond Buzz McCallister.
In summary, this was a deep dive into Devin Ratray’s filmography. "Home Alone" has an enduring legacy. From Buzz McCallister’s antics to supernatural encounters, Devin Ratray created a memorable presence in pop culture. The movie captures hearts and minds every Christmas season.
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