From Buzz McCallister To Courtroom Drama: 5 Shocking New Updates On Home Alone’s Devin Ratray
Devin Ratray, the actor who immortalized the role of the bullying older brother Buzz McCallister in the classic Home Alone films, remains a figure of intense public curiosity more than three decades after the original movie’s release. As of December 2025, his life has taken a complex and often dramatic turn, moving far beyond his iconic 1990s character.
The latest updates on Ratray are a mix of career resurgence and serious personal controversy, providing a stark contrast to the nostalgic image of the McCallister family's eldest son. While he recently reprised his famous role, it is the highly publicized legal drama surrounding a domestic violence case that has dominated headlines and reshaped his public narrative, making him one of the most talked-about members of the original cast.
Devin Ratray: Biography and Filmography Profile
Devin Ratray's career spans over four decades, starting as a child actor and evolving into a versatile character actor known for his work in both independent and major studio productions.
- Full Name: Devin D. Ratray
- Date of Birth: January 11, 1977
- Birthplace: New York City, New York, U.S.
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 48 years old
- Notable Roles: Buzz McCallister in Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992); Officer Buzz McCallister in Home Sweet Home Alone (2021).
- Career Highlights:
- Film (Selected): Dennis the Menace (1993), Nebraska (2013), Blue Ruin (2013), R.I.P.D. (2013), Masterminds (2016), Kimi (2022).
- Television (Selected): The Good Wife (2009), Blue Bloods (2011), Person of Interest (2012), Better Call Saul (2015), Chicago Med (2015), The Good Fight (2017), Mosaic (2018).
- Recent Legal Status (as of Dec 2025): Pleaded guilty to domestic violence charges.
The Shocking Legal Drama: Domestic Violence Plea Deal
The most significant and current update on Devin Ratray involves his highly publicized legal issues stemming from an incident in December 2021.
The actor was arrested in Oklahoma after allegedly assaulting his then-girlfriend during an argument.
The initial charges included felony domestic assault and battery by strangulation.
The Final Resolution: In a major development that brought the nearly three-year-long case to a close, Ratray officially pleaded guilty to two domestic violence charges in a plea deal.
The plea agreement allowed him to avoid prison time, but he was ordered to undergo a behavior intervention plan.
This resolution, confirmed in recent months, marks a definitive end to the criminal proceedings, but it has undeniably cast a shadow over his career and public image.
Buzz’s Surprising Return: From Bully to Beat Cop in the Reboot
Before his legal troubles became public, Devin Ratray experienced a significant career moment by reprising his famous role in the 2021 Disney+ reboot, Home Sweet Home Alone.
His return was a major nod to the original film’s canon, delighting long-time fans of the franchise.
In a surprising twist, Buzz McCallister is no longer the tormenting older brother but has grown up to become a police officer.
Officer Buzz McCallister is shown actively warning the new protagonist's parents about the dangers of leaving a child home alone, a moment of meta-humor that connects the original films to the new generation.
This role not only confirmed that the original McCallister family exists within the same universe as the reboot but also provided a unique career pivot for Ratray, showcasing his ability to revisit a classic character with a mature, comedic twist.
Beyond Home Alone: Ratray’s Versatile Adult Career
While Buzz McCallister remains his most recognizable role, Devin Ratray has successfully transitioned into a respected character actor, taking on roles that are often dark, complex, or critically acclaimed.
His post-Home Alone filmography demonstrates significant range, far removed from the comedic holiday franchise.
Critical Acclaim: Ratray received praise for his performance in the 2013 Oscar-nominated film Nebraska, directed by Alexander Payne.
He also appeared in the critically acclaimed thriller Blue Ruin (2013), showcasing his dramatic capabilities.
Recent Projects: In 2022, he starred in the Steven Soderbergh-directed thriller Kimi alongside Zoë Kravitz, further cementing his status in the independent film scene.
On television, he has had guest and recurring roles on prestigious shows like AMC's Better Call Saul and CBS's The Good Fight, proving his versatility across genres and platforms.
The Buzz McCallister Deep Dive: 3 Iconic Character Secrets
The character of Buzz McCallister is a goldmine of nostalgic curiosity. Even the smallest details from the original Home Alone films have become iconic pieces of cinematic trivia, adding to the topical authority of the franchise.
1. The Truth About Buzz’s “Girlfriend” Photo
One of the most memorable scenes involves Kevin sneaking into Buzz’s room and finding a framed photo of his "girlfriend," which Kevin famously describes with the line, "Buzz, your girlfriend... woof!"
The shocking reality is that the person in the photo was not a girl at all.
To avoid potentially embarrassing a young girl, director Chris Columbus decided to use a photograph of the film’s art director, Dan Webster, dressed up to look like a girl.
This behind-the-scenes decision is a beloved piece of Home Alone lore that maintains the joke without causing any real-life discomfort.
2. The Name of the Terrifying Tarantula
In a critical moment of the first film, Buzz’s massive pet tarantula, which he keeps in his messy room, is used by Kevin to scare the Wet Bandits.
The tarantula's name, though rarely mentioned in the film, is Axl.
The scene where the tarantula crawls onto Marv’s face remains one of the most iconic and terrifying moments of the holiday classic.
3. The Most Famous Buzz Quotes
Buzz’s dialogue is full of memorable, sarcastic lines that perfectly capture the essence of a condescending older brother.
His most famous line comes when the family is worried about Kevin being left behind: "No, for three reasons: 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."
Another classic is his dramatic, enraged scream after seeing his room destroyed by Kevin: "KEVIN. What did you do to my room?"
These lines have cemented Buzz McCallister as a cult-favorite character, whose legacy continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
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