In the world of iconic Christmas movies, few stand as tall as 'Home Alone.' The 1990 film, directed by Chris Columbus and written by John Hughes, captured the hearts of millions with its heartwarming and hilarious story of Kevin McCallister, a young boy accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation. As Kevin defends his home against bumbling burglars, the movie delights audiences with its slapstick humor and memorable characters.
One aspect of the film that has recently garnered attention is the apparent wealth of Kevin's parents, Peter and Kate McCallister, portrayed by John Heard and Catherine O'Hara, respectively. A recent report by The New York Times estimated that the McCallisters would have had to be in the top 1% of earners in Chicago to afford their lavish suburban home, featured prominently in the film.
The economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, who collaborated with The New York Times on the report, estimated that the McCallisters would have needed an income of approximately $305,000 at the time (which would be roughly $665,000 in 2022) to support their affluent lifestyle. Furthermore, the real Winnetka, Illinois, home used in the movie, currently valued at around $2.34 million, according to Zillow, further bolsters the perception of the family's wealth.
However, when Catherine O'Hara, the actress who brought Kate McCallister to life, was asked about this revelation, she revealed that she never really considered the character's financial status while filming the movie. According to O'Hara, her focus was on portraying a loving and relatable mother caught up in the chaos of inadvertently leaving her child behind.
O'Hara expressed her admiration for the beautiful house featured in the film but admitted that she didn't dwell on the McCallisters' money, saying, 'That's not where my head was when I was doing [the movie]. Of course, they all went to Paris, didn't they?' O'Hara referred humorously to Peter McCallister's apparent affinity for extravagant spending, playfully suggesting that he had his own 'Church of the McCallisters' when it came to money matters.
The curiosity surrounding the McCallisters' wealth has given rise to various theories, including the possibility of inheritance. However, O'Hara believes that the character's financial background wasn't crucial to the story being told. What mattered most to her was being part of a good project with talented individuals, including the late John Heard, who portrayed her on-screen husband, Peter McCallister.
Reflecting on the experience, O'Hara spoke highly of the movie's director, Chris Columbus, and its writer, John Hughes. She praised Columbus as a family-oriented man while recognizing Hughes' ability to create a perfect script. O'Hara fondly remembered the camaraderie on set and the talented young actors who played the McCallister children, emphasizing the overall positive experience of being part of a beloved film.
'Home Alone' continues to hold a special place in the hearts of audiences worldwide, even more than three decades after its release. It's a testament to the film's timeless comedy and heartwarming message. And while the McCallisters' financial status may remain a point of fascination for some, ultimately, it is the story's universal themes of family, resilience, and the power of love that have made it an enduring holiday classic.
