THE WRAP UP

JOHN HEARD 1946 - 2017

Home Alone star dies; Helen at the movies; Robbie’s illness

Tributes flowed last week for Home Alone actor John Heard who passed away in his hotel room, aged 71, in California.

The star, who was best known for playing Macaulay Culkin’s dad in the hit family movies, died just days after minor back surgery. At press time, a cause of death hadn’t been established, though authorities say there’s no evidence of foul play.

Former co-stars such as Jeff Bridges (67), Bette Midler (71), Elijah Wood (36) and Rob Lowe (53) were quick to pay tribute to the star on social media, with Jeff dubbing him a “wonderful actor”, while Bette expressed her sadness.

“John Heard, with whom I worked on Beaches, has died, too soon,” wrote Bette. “I am so sorry. Without a doubt, one of the best actors of his generation.”

Perhaps the most touching tribute came from Macaulay (36), who played his son Kevin in two of the Home Alone films. The former child star wrote, “You will always be my father. No matter what! Your son, Kevin.”

As well as his roles in Home Alone, Big, Beaches and Radio Flyer, John had a recurring part in The Sopranos, for which he was nominated for an Emmy in 1999.

Heartbreakingly, John’s death comes just six months after his son Max, whom he was estranged from, passed away in his sleep, aged 22.

Above and inset: Macaulay Culkin considered John, who played Peter McCallister in the Home Alone movies, a father figure and mourned his loss.

As the frazzled dad in Home Alone 2, alongside Catherine O’Hara.