From Mean Older Brother To Convicted Felon: 5 Shocking Facts About What Happened To Buzz From Home Alone (Devin Ratray)

Contents
The character of Buzz McCallister, the tormenting older brother from the iconic *Home Alone* films, remains a cultural touchstone of 90s cinema. Today, in late 2024, the actor who brought him to life, Devin Ratray, has a real-life story that is far more dramatic—and troubling—than any antics seen on screen, involving a major career revival and a series of serious legal issues that have completely redefined his public image. The narrative of "Buzz" has shifted dramatically from a nostalgic Christmas figure to a central figure in high-profile legal proceedings, making his current status one of the most talked-about "where are they now" stories in Hollywood. This article dives into the latest, most critical updates on Devin Ratray's life, career, and the legal battles that have dominated headlines.

Devin Ratray: Full Biography and Profile

Devin Ratray is an American actor, musician, and songwriter best known for his portrayal of Buzz McCallister in the first two *Home Alone* films. Born into a family of actors, Ratray began his career as a child actor before transitioning into a versatile adult performer, though his life has recently been overshadowed by serious criminal allegations.

  • Full Name: Devin D. Ratray
  • Date of Birth: January 11, 1977
  • Age: 47 (as of late 2024)
  • Birth Place: New York City, New York, United States
  • Parents: Peter Ratray and Ann Willis (both character actors)
  • Profession: Actor, Singer, Songwriter, Musician
  • Film Debut: *Where Are the Children?* (1986)
  • Notable Roles: Buzz McCallister (*Home Alone* and *Home Alone 2: Lost in New York*), Tinfoil Kevin (*The Tick*), Cole (*Blue Ruin*), Ben Effinger (*Nebraska*), Kevin (*Kimi*).
  • Music Career: He is a member of the band Little Bill and the Beckleys, where he serves as a singer and songwriter.
  • Height: Approximately 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)

The Shocking Legal Fallout: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Allegations

The most current and critical news surrounding Devin Ratray revolves around severe criminal charges that have drastically impacted his career and personal life. The actor has been at the center of multiple legal battles that have drawn intense public scrutiny.

The first major incident occurred in December 2021, when Ratray was arrested in Oklahoma following an altercation with his then-girlfriend. The charges were serious, including domestic assault and battery by strangulation, and domestic assault and battery. The incident reportedly took place in a hotel room following an argument.

In a significant update, Ratray pleaded guilty to two domestic violence charges in early 2024. This resolution was part of a deal that allowed him to avoid prison time, though the exact terms of his sentencing, which were expected to be announced later in 2024, remain a point of public interest.

Adding to his legal woes, Devin Ratray is also under investigation for an alleged rape in New York City. The accusation stems from a woman named Lisa Smith, who claims the assault took place several years ago. This separate investigation further complicates his legal standing and has led to a significant step back from his acting career, despite his recent high-profile return to the screen.

Buzz’s Unexpected Return: Reprising the Role in *Home Sweet Home Alone*

Before his legal troubles became headline news, Devin Ratray experienced a significant career revival by reprising his most famous role. In 2021, 31 years after the original film, he returned as Buzz McCallister for the Disney+ reboot, *Home Sweet Home Alone*.

However, the character had undergone a major transformation. Instead of the mean-spirited older brother who famously told Kevin McCallister that his pet tarantula was "going to eat his face," Buzz was now an adult working as a police officer. This cameo appearance served as a direct link to the original *Home Alone* canon, confirming that the events of the first two films were part of the new movie's timeline. His return was a major promotional point for the new film, generating significant buzz among nostalgic fans of the franchise.

Beyond Macaulay Culkin: Ratray’s Versatile Adult Acting Career

While the *Home Alone* franchise defines his public identity, Devin Ratray has built a surprisingly diverse and critically acclaimed adult acting career over the past two decades. He successfully shed the child actor label by taking on darker, more complex roles in independent films and prestige television.

  • Acclaimed Indie Roles: Ratray received critical praise for his performances in the 2013 films *Nebraska* and *Blue Ruin*. These roles showcased his range beyond comedy.
  • High-Profile TV Appearances: He has appeared in numerous popular television dramas, including a notable role as a recurring character, Tinfoil Kevin, in the Amazon Prime Video series *The Tick*. He also had a guest role in the final season of the critically acclaimed series *Better Call Saul*.
  • Recent Mainstream Work: His credits also include the 2013 sci-fi fantasy film *R.I.P.D.* and the 2022 Steven Soderbergh thriller *Kimi*, starring Zoë Kravitz.

His post-*Home Alone* filmography demonstrates a commitment to character work, often playing intense or eccentric figures, a far cry from the cartoonish bully of his youth.

The Current Status of the Former Child Star

As of late 2024, Devin Ratray's professional life is in a state of flux due to his ongoing legal issues. While he has been active in his music career with the band Little Bill and the Beckleys, he has reportedly stepped back from acting. Despite the controversy, the actor is reportedly still residing in his hometown of New York City.

The situation highlights a common, yet often tragic, theme among child stars: the difficulty of maintaining a stable career and personal life under the intense spotlight of early fame. The character of Buzz McCallister, who was known for his mean pranks and iconic line, "Kevin, you are such a disease!", has an actor whose real-life narrative is now dominated by much more serious, and deeply unfortunate, headlines.

The ongoing legal processes—including the guilty plea in the domestic violence case and the active investigation into the sexual assault allegation—mean that the final chapter of Devin Ratray's story is still being written, casting a long, dark shadow over his nostalgic holiday legacy.

From Mean Older Brother to Convicted Felon: 5 Shocking Facts About What Happened to Buzz From Home Alone (Devin Ratray)
buzz home alone
buzz home alone

Detail Author:

  • Name : Felton Thiel
  • Username : fglover
  • Email : gia24@yahoo.com
  • Birthdate : 1978-08-09
  • Address : 62588 Fisher Circle Apt. 522 North Demarco, MI 62970
  • Phone : +1 (435) 667-3371
  • Company : Hermiston-Nikolaus
  • Job : Information Systems Manager
  • Bio : Et vel ex quod voluptatem est excepturi. Sunt soluta qui temporibus. Voluptas explicabo vitae et. Dolore architecto consequatur cupiditate corporis earum sint a ex.

Socials

tiktok:

  • url : https://tiktok.com/@estell_xx
  • username : estell_xx
  • bio : Debitis non ut eveniet. Ut quo incidunt eum nemo.
  • followers : 3336
  • following : 1285

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/estell.white
  • username : estell.white
  • bio : Tempore itaque sit qui. Consequatur et debitis id ipsa rerum. Nihil dolores dolorem est delectus.
  • followers : 1528
  • following : 1650

facebook:

linkedin: