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Macaulay Culkin finally sets the record straight on long-standing Home Alone rumor 36 years later

Home> Film & TV> News

Published 12:41 8 Aug 2025 GMT+1

Macaulay Culkin finally sets the record straight on long-standing Home Alone rumor 36 years later

Think you know Home Alone? Macaulay Culkin just confirmed a decades-old rumor about the Christmas film

Gregory Robinson

Gregory Robinson

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Featured Image Credit: First We Feast via YouTube

Topics: Film and TV, Macaulay Culkin, Podcast

Gregory Robinson
Gregory Robinson

Gregory is a journalist for UNILAD. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, he has worked for both print and online publications and is particularly interested in TV, (pop) music and lifestyle. He loves Madonna, teen dramas from the '90s and prefers tea over coffee.

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Think you know everything about Home Alone? Think again. Macauley Culkin just set the record straight on a long-standing rumor that’s had fans guessing for decades.

The beloved 1990 Christmas flick follows young Kevin McCallister as he defends his home from burglars, after his family accidentally leaves him behind when they go on vacation.

Culkin also starred in the 1992 sequel Lost in New York.

The bumbling burglars in Home Alone are played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. Pesci plays Harry Lime, the ill-tempered leader, and Stern appears as Marv Murchins, his silly partner in crime. They've become a classic duo over the years as they make the perfect slapstick villains - can you imagine Christmas without them?

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In a brand new interview, the former child star opened up about a major behind-the-scenes moment from one of the film’s most iconic scenes - and it’s only going to make you love the film even more.

Macaulay Culkin revealed a huge secret about Home Alone (20th Century Fox)
Macaulay Culkin revealed a huge secret about Home Alone (20th Century Fox)

Although he denied improvising the line, 'You guys give up? Or are you thirsty for more?' the 44-year-old star said he was behind another one-liner.

He recalled: "When I was at the grocery store, it's like: 'Where are your parents? Why won't you tell me?' and I said: 'Because you're a stranger' that one was mine, I did a lot of that kind of stuff."

One of the film’s most talked-about rumors focuses on the moment Kevin stumbles across a photo of his older brother’s girlfriend, and delivers a reaction that has become famous.

He goes: “Buzz, your girlfriend: woof!”

For decades, fans have speculated that the photo wasn’t actually of a young girl but instead a crew member’s son in disguise. And now, the actor has finally confirmed that it’s true.

Culkin joined Hot Ones host Sean Evans for a chat about all things Home Alone while eating hot wings when the infamous moment came up.

The host asked: “Is it true that the picture of Buzz's girlfriend is actually a boy in makeup because [director] Chris Columbus thought it would be too cruel to rip on a little girl that way?”

Confirming the gossip, the actor explained: “As far as I know, yes, I mean, you'd have to ask [director] Chris [Columbus], but that's what I was told. Apparently that was the gag.”

Speaking of the film’s director, Columbus previously came forward to explain how the McCallister’s were able to afford a 10-bedroom mansion with six bathrooms.

Who doesn't love these burglars (20th Century Fox)
Who doesn't love these burglars (20th Century Fox)

On a podcast episode of The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter, Columbus revealed the back story behind the McCallisters.

Columbus explained he and writer, producer John Hughes had a chat about the backstory for the McCallisters and decided on 'what the jobs were' together.

If you'd noticed the mannequins in the basement of the house, that's a clue as to what Kate McCallister (Catherine O'Hara) did for work.

As quoted by The Hollywood Reporter, Columbus confirmed: "[She] was a very successful fashion designer."

And Peter McCallister? (John Heard) Well, that's not quite as clear.

Rumours have been swirling online about Peter McCallister actually being part of a mob and that being the reason Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern) end up targeting the house.

However, Columbus confirmed the dad very much wasn't involved in any sort of 'organised crime'.

"Even though there was, at the time, a lot of organised crime in Chicago," he added.

  • Truth behind iconic Home Alone scene that Macaulay Culkin improvised
  • Home Alone star Catherine O'Hara revealed one 'horrific' line she struggled to say in scene with Macaulay Culkin
  • Macaulay Culkin posts heartbreaking tribute to Home Alone 'mom' Catherine O’Hara after her death
  • Macaulay Culkin booed after making surprising comment about Christmas which left some fans upset

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