Every Notable Actor from ‘Home Alone’ Franchise Who Died

The ‘Home Alone’ franchise spans six films across more than three decades, which means several familiar faces have since passed away. Below is a focused look at notable actors who appeared in one or more entries and are no longer with us. For each person, you’ll find the character they played, which installment they appeared in, and a quick snapshot of their wider career and legacy.

John Heard

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John Heard played Peter McCallister, Kevin’s dad, in ‘Home Alone’ and ‘Home Alone 2’. He was a seasoned character actor with credits in films like ‘Big’ and ‘Awakenings’ and shows such as ‘The Sopranos’. Heard died in July 2017 at age 71 after a long career in film and television.

John Candy

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John Candy appeared in ‘Home Alone’ as Gus Polinski, the polka band leader who helps Kate get back to Chicago. He was already a comedy star from projects like ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ and ‘Uncle Buck’. Candy died in March 1994 at age 43 while working on a film in Mexico.

Roberts Blossom

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Roberts Blossom portrayed Old Man Marley in ‘Home Alone’, the neighbor whose quiet scenes with Kevin became central to the story. Blossom worked steadily in film and on stage, including roles in ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ and ‘Christine’. He died in July 2011 at age 87.

Ralph Foody

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Ralph Foody played Johnny, the tough gangster in the black and white spoof ‘Angels with Filthy Souls’ seen in ‘Home Alone’ and followed up by a similar bit in ‘Home Alone 2’. The parody clips became some of the franchise’s most quoted moments. Foody died in November 1999 at age 71.

Eddie Bracken

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Eddie Bracken appeared in ‘Home Alone 2’ as Mr. Duncan, the kindly toy store owner who supports Kevin’s plan to help the children’s hospital. Bracken had a long stage and screen career dating back to the 1940s, including work with Preston Sturges. He died in November 2002 at age 87.

Marian Seldes

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Marian Seldes played Mrs. Hess in ‘Home Alone 3’, the elderly neighbor whose run in with the crooks sets the plot in motion. A celebrated stage performer, Seldes earned multiple Tony nominations and taught at the Juilliard School. She died in October 2014 at age 86.

Lenny Von Dohlen

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Lenny Von Dohlen portrayed Burton Jernigan, one of the quartet of thieves in ‘Home Alone 3’. He was known for distinctive roles in projects like ‘Twin Peaks’ and ‘Electric Dreams’. Von Dohlen died in July 2022 at age 63.

Bill Erwin

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Bill Erwin had a small role in ‘Home Alone’ as a traveler during the airport sequences. Beyond the film, he was a prolific character actor with appearances on ‘Seinfeld’, ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’, and many classic sitcoms. Erwin died in December 2010 at age 96.

Billie Bird

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Billie Bird played Irene, the other half of the airport couple in ‘Home Alone’. She worked steadily in film and television and later reunited with Bill Erwin in ‘Dennis the Menace’. She died in November 2002 at age 94.

Clarke Devereux

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Clarke Devereux appeared as a Chicago police officer in ‘Home Alone’ and returned in ‘Home Alone 2’ as an evidence specialist. He also worked on films like ‘Adventures in Babysitting’ and ‘Bicentennial Man’. He died in November 2021 at age 90.

Share any names or memories we should include next in the comments.