Fans of Home Alone 2: Lost in New York have been left feeling uneasy after another familiar face from the Christmas classic died. Tim Curry, who played Plaza Hotel concierge Mr Hector in the 1992 sequel, died on Tuesday aged 80. His death marks the third loss among the film's cast this year, following Catherine O'Hara and Brenda Fricker.
O'Hara, who played Kevin McCallister's mum Kate, died aged 71 in January. Fricker, remembered by fans as the Pigeon Lady, died aged 81 on July 16.
Fans react to string of deaths
The string of deaths has sparked an outpouring of reactions online, with some fans joking — and others seriously questioning — whether the much-loved film is somehow cursed. One viral post summed up the gloomy mood, writing: "That Home Alone 2 rewatch at Christmas is REALLY gonna hit huh." The tweet included screenshots of Curry, O'Hara and Fricker in their respective roles.
Others were quick to join the discussion, with one social media user describing the deaths as a 'Home Alone curse.' Another wrote: "Three people in Home Alone 2 have already died this year. I hope no one else in Home Alone 2 dies."
One fan admitted: "Don't even know if I have the stomach to watch it anymore," while discussing the Christmas tradition of watching the film. Another added: "It really sucks that over time you will see more and more people that are not alive anymore when rewatching this movie."
Tributes pour in for actor
Curry's death also prompted some darker posts because President Donald Trump has a brief cameo in the movie. One social media user wrote: "The rest of the people who appeared in that movie BEWARE," alongside a screenshot of Trump in the sequel. Another X user joined in with the nickname "The Curse of Home Alone 2," making a thinly veiled reference to the president's appearance.
Curry died at his Los Angeles home on Tuesday, with his manager confirming the news on Wednesday. The English actor was also hugely recognised for his performance as Dr Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. His other notable film roles included Clue, Annie and the horror movie It.
No cause of death was given. Curry had experienced serious health problems for more than a decade after suffering a stroke in 2012, which left him unable to walk. Tributes poured in for the actor following news of his death.
Rosie O'Donnell, Carol Burnett and Selma Blair were among those remembering Curry online. Burnett, who appeared alongside Curry in the 1982 musical Annie, shared a tribute on Instagram. "We had such a wonderful time working together on "Annie," wrote the 93-year-old comedian. She continued: 'Nobody could play lovable villains better than he could. He was a dear friend. I was blessed to know him.'
Burnett also shared a clip featuring herself, Curry and Bernadette Peters performing Easy Street. O'Donnell posted an old photograph of Curry and described him simply as the "sweetest man." Blair commented beneath Curry's final Instagram post, writing: "Rest in peace. Kind and wonderful you."
Meanwhile, fans have also remembered John Heard, who played Kevin's father Peter in the films. He died aged 71 in July 2017.
