A Star of 'Home Alone' Reflects on Her Time with Catherine O'Hara, 34 Years After Leaving the Film Industry
Hillary Wolf Saba, a former actress who played Meghan in the 'Home Alone' franchise, has paid a heartfelt tribute to her on-screen mother, Catherine O'Hara, who passed away last week at the age of 71. In a rare social media post, Hillary shared a cast photo from the early 90s, expressing her admiration for Catherine's kindness and humor. This isn't the first time Hillary has praised Catherine, as she did so in a 2021 essay for Newsweek, highlighting her talent and fun personality.
But here's where it gets interesting. While Hillary had a promising film career, starring in the comedy 'Big Girls Don't Cry... They Get Even' in 1992, the same year as the 'Home Alone' sequel, she made a surprising decision to pursue judo instead. This shift in focus led her to become a talented martial artist, winning the junior judo world championships in 1994 and representing the USA at the Olympic Games in 1996 and 2000. However, her acting career took a backseat, and she hasn't been seen on the big screen since.
The 'Home Alone' cast, including Macaulay Culkin, Devin Ratray, and director Chris Columbus, have all paid their respects to Catherine. Macaulay's emotional tribute on Instagram, where he expressed his regret for not having more time with her, has resonated with many. Meanwhile, Chris Columbus, an 'obsessive fan' of Catherine's work, was 'stunned and heartbroken' by her passing. Hillary's tribute serves as a reminder of the impact Catherine had on her life and the lives of her co-stars, even if their paths diverged after 'Home Alone'.
What do you think about Hillary's decision to leave acting for martial arts? Do you think Catherine's influence played a role in her choice? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
