Buzz McCallister: Where Is The Home Alone Star Now?
Has the mischievous, tarantula-loving Buzz McCallister truly faded from the spotlight, or has his journey taken an unexpected turn? Devin Ratray, the actor indelibly etched in our memories as Buzz in the Home Alone franchise, has seen a career marked by both iconic moments and, more recently, challenging circumstances.
From the boisterous chaos of the McCallister household to the cold streets of New York, Buzz McCallister, with his sardonic wit and penchant for tormenting his younger brother Kevin, was a key ingredient in the runaway success of Home Alone and its sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. His iconic delivery of lines like, "I wouldn't let you sleep in my room if you were growing on my ass," cemented his place in the hearts of moviegoers, even as he played the role of the antagonist.
Now, let's delve deeper into the life and career of the actor who brought this unforgettable character to life:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Devin Ratray |
| Date of Birth | January 11, 1977 |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, USA |
| Known For | Buzz McCallister in the Home Alone franchise, Cole in Nebraska |
| Other Notable Works | Blue Ruin, Kimi, The Tick (TV), Better Call Saul (TV) |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Years Active | 1989 - Present |
| Recent Activity | Reprising his role as Buzz McCallister in Home Sweet Home Alone (2021) |
| Personal Life | In late December 2021, Ratray was accused of assaulting his girlfriend in Oklahoma, he pleaded guilty to two charges of domestic violence |
| Reference | IMDB |
Devin Ratray's journey began long before he became a household name. He started his acting career at a young age, appearing in both television and movies. His breakout role, of course, was as Buzz McCallister in the 1990 blockbuster Home Alone. The film, directed by Chris Columbus and written and produced by John Hughes, was a cultural phenomenon, and Ratray's performance was crucial to its comedic dynamic. The character of Buzz, the older brother with a knack for mischief, was the perfect foil to Macaulay Culkin's Kevin, creating a sibling rivalry that resonated with audiences worldwide.
He reprised his role in the sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992). The second film, saw the McCallister family once again separated, this time in New York City. The family was, in a way, a Christmas staple in the film as well, for example when the family was cooped up in the motel room in Miami, it's a wonderful life is once again on TV except this time it's dubbed in spanish.
Buzz McCallister, the anti-heroic antagonist and oldest brother of Kevin, Megan, Linnie, and Jeff, delivered iconic lines that have been forever etched in the memory of the audience. "I wouldn't let you sleep in my room if you were growing on my ass." This showed the nature of the relationship that Buzz had with his brother Kevin.
In 2021, Ratray made a surprise return to the franchise in Home Sweet Home Alone, a Disney+ film. He appeared as a local police officer, offering a glimpse into what Buzz had become. This return marked a unique achievement, making Ratray the only actor to have appeared in three Home Alone films.
Beyond the confines of the McCallister household, Ratray's career has seen him take on a diverse range of roles. He has demonstrated his acting range in films like Nebraska, where he portrayed Cole, and Blue Ruin. His television work includes appearances in The Tick and Better Call Saul. These roles showcase his versatility as an actor, but they haven't always garnered the same level of recognition as his early work.
The actor's career trajectory, while including notable performances, hasn't always been smooth sailing. Some speculate that his choice of roles hasn't always played in his favor. The transition from child actor to adult performer is challenging, and maintaining a career in Hollywood demands both talent and a degree of strategic role selection. Its a well-worn path, often filled with the hurdles of typecasting and the struggle to shake off the shadow of a defining early role. For Ratray, the iconic status of Buzz McCallister has perhaps both aided and complicated his career.
However, in the realm of holiday cinema, the character of Buzz McCallister has had a profound and enduring impact. He has become synonymous with the festive season, embodying a peculiar blend of resilience, humor, and holiday cheer. As Buzz himself said, when questioned if he was concerned about Kevin being home alone, he replied, with typical bluntness, "A, I'm not that lucky. Two, we use smoke detectors and d, we live on the most boring street in the whole United States of America, where nothing even remotely dangerous will ever happen."
It's worth noting that in December 2021, Ratray faced some challenges in his personal life, being accused of assaulting his girlfriend. He subsequently pleaded guilty to two charges of domestic violence stemming from the arrest.
When the family was at Uncle Rob's apartment in Paris, it was evident that the McCallisters had their share of family issues, including the strained relationship between Kevin and Buzz. Even in France, It's a Wonderful Life, a Christmas staple, was dubbed in French, providing a stark contrast to the chaotic situation unfolding. In Home Alone 2, the theme continued with the family cooped up in a Miami motel room and watching the same film, this time dubbed in Spanish.
The legacy of Home Alone continues to resonate with audiences. Its enduring popularity speaks to the film's timeless themes of family, mischief, and the spirit of the holiday season. Devin Ratray, as Buzz McCallister, played a crucial role in establishing those themes. His portrayal continues to be a source of both nostalgia and laughter.
As we reflect on the journey of Devin Ratray, it's a reminder that the path of an actor is filled with twists and turns. While his star may not shine as brightly as it once did, his contribution to a beloved film franchise is undeniable. The memories, the iconic lines, and the character of Buzz McCallister remain firmly etched in the annals of holiday cinema, ensuring that Devin Ratray's name will continue to be associated with a film that brings joy to millions each Christmas season.
The phrase, "Keep the change, ya filthy animal," a line uttered by Buzz, epitomizes his character. When Buzz looks out the window and sees Old Man Marley outside, Kevin and Rod, along with Buzz, watch him. Its a moment that captures the blend of humor and unexpected warmth that defines the film. Buzz's character, with all his flaws, remains a memorable part of the beloved franchise, which still evokes memories and nostalgia for the fans.
