In a candid interview, Tim Curry, iconic for his role as the suspicious concierge Mr. Hector in Home Alone 2, shared surprising anecdotes about Donald Trump and his then-wife Ivana Trump, reigniting discussions around the film’s controversial cameo and its lasting impact on fans.
Decades after its release, the beloved holiday classic Home Alone 2: Lost in New York continues to captivate audiences. Beyond the slapstick humor and heartwarming tale of Kevin McCallister navigating the Big Apple alone, the film holds a unique place in cinematic history for its memorable setting at The Plaza Hotel and the brief, yet enduring, cameo by Donald Trump.
Recently, veteran actor Tim Curry, who famously portrayed the meticulous and suspicious concierge Mr. Hector, opened up about his experiences working on the 1992 sequel. In a revealing interview with The Guardian, Curry offered a glimpse into his interactions with both Donald and Ivana Trump during the production.
Behind the Scenes at The Plaza: Ivana and Donald’s Presence
The Plaza Hotel, a New York City landmark, was famously owned by Donald Trump at the time, having acquired it in 1988. His then-wife, Ivana Trump, played a significant role as its president and manager, overseeing its operations and public image. Ivana’s business acumen and control over the iconic establishment meant she was deeply involved, even when Hollywood came knocking. Her managerial role at The Plaza was a key part of her public profile during that period, as reported by The New York Times.
Curry recalled a particularly polite, yet amusing, interaction with Ivana. “She knocked on my door and said, ‘Are you happy in your room? Do you like the way it looks?'” Curry recounted, adding, “And I loathed it actually.” His recollection highlights the careful tightrope actors often walk, especially when dealing with powerful figures on location.
Donald Trump’s own eagerness for involvement was also a point of note for Curry. The actor remembered Trump being “very anxious” to find director Chris Columbus. “He said, ‘I’ve got to get Marla to meet Chris Columbus because she’s a brilliant actress,'” Curry stated, referring to Trump’s then-girlfriend Marla Maples. Curry’s internal thought — “Yeah, I’m sure” — perfectly captures the subtle skepticism many held regarding Trump’s often-effusive endorsements.
The Infamous Cameo and Its Lingering ‘Curse’
Beyond Ivana’s managerial oversight and Donald’s matchmaking attempts, the future president’s most direct impact on Home Alone 2 was his brief but undeniable cameo. In the scene, a lost Kevin McCallister asks Trump for directions in The Plaza lobby.
Director Chris Columbus has been vocal about the circumstances surrounding the cameo, describing it as a “curse” in his career. According to Columbus, Trump “bullied his way into the movie,” making access to The Plaza Hotel conditional on his appearance in the film. “We were desperate to get The Plaza Hotel,” Columbus told the San Francisco Chronicle in April. He further elaborated to Business Insider that upon screening the film, audiences inexplicably cheered when Trump appeared, leading him to keep the scene in. This anecdote underscores the complex dynamic between creative control and real-world influence during film production.
Fan Reactions and the Call for Digital Editing
In the years since its release, and particularly following Donald Trump’s political career, his cameo in Home Alone 2 has become a point of contention for many viewers. A significant portion of the film’s dedicated fanbase has voiced discomfort with his presence, leading to widespread calls for the scene to be digitally edited out.
This sentiment gained significant traction when Macaulay Culkin, the actor who brought Kevin McCallister to life, himself weighed in on the debate. In January 2021, Culkin responded to a fan’s petition on X (formerly Twitter) to replace Trump with a “40-year-old Macaulay Culkin” by simply stating, “Sold.” His endorsement resonated deeply within the fan community, highlighting a shared desire among many to re-experience the film without the controversial moment.
The Enduring Legacy of a Classic
Despite the various behind-the-scenes stories and ongoing debates, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York remains a beloved holiday classic. Tim Curry’s recent revelations, alongside prior comments from Chris Columbus and Macaulay Culkin, offer a fascinating, multilayered perspective on a film that has intertwined with pop culture and political history.
For fans, these insights deepen the appreciation for the film’s production while also acknowledging the complex figures involved. Whether cheering for Kevin or debating cameos, the enduring power of Home Alone 2 lies in its ability to spark conversation and evoke nostalgia, year after year.
