Beloved actor Tim Curry recently revealed an amusing yet insightful anecdote about his experience filming Home Alone 2: Lost in New York at the iconic Plaza Hotel. The Plaza, owned by Donald Trump at the time, became a key filming location for the 1992 hit. Curry shared that he once lied to Ivana Trump about his feelings toward the room’s décor — a small moment that paints a vivid picture of the unique mix of Hollywood, power, and politics behind the classic Christmas film.
Filming Home Alone 2: When Hollywood Met the Trumps
The 1992 sequel to Home Alone took young Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) from suburban Chicago to the glamorous chaos of New York City. One of the film’s most memorable locations was the Plaza Hotel — a real-life landmark then owned by business magnate Donald Trump and managed by his ex-wife, Ivana Trump.
Tim Curry, who played the hotel’s suspicious concierge Mr. Hector, became one of the film’s comedic highlights. But behind the laughter, the cast and crew were navigating a setting shaped by real-world power and privilege.
In a recent interview, Curry shared that while filming scenes at the Plaza, Ivana Trump herself stopped by to check on guests and staff — including the film’s actors.
The “White Lie” That Became a Famous Moment
During filming, Ivana Trump reportedly visited Tim Curry in his hotel room to ensure he was comfortable. According to Curry, Ivana asked, “Are you happy with your room? Do you like the décor?”
Curry admitted that he “actually loathed it,” describing the style as overly ornate. But, ever the gentleman, he smiled and told her he loved it.
“She asked if I liked it, and I said I did — though I actually didn’t. I hated it,” Curry laughed.
The story, both charming and revealing, showcases how the actor maintained his professionalism and good humor in a rather unusual filming environment.
The Plaza Hotel Deal and Donald Trump’s Cameo
Beyond the décor, Home Alone 2 also made headlines for including Donald Trump in one of its most famous cameos. Director Chris Columbus has previously revealed that Trump allowed the production to film inside the Plaza only on the condition that he appear in the movie.
That brief cameo — in which Trump directs Kevin to the hotel lobby — quickly became part of pop culture history. Test audiences even cheered when Trump appeared on-screen, securing his role in the final cut.
Years later, Columbus admitted he regretted including the scene, calling it an “albatross” that followed the film’s legacy. Still, the cameo has since become a cultural artifact, representing the intersection of entertainment and celebrity power in early-1990s America.
Tim Curry’s Role: A Comic Masterclass
As Mr. Hector, the snobbish concierge of the Plaza Hotel, Tim Curry delivered one of his most memorable comedic performances. His interactions with Kevin McCallister — from suspicious glares to exaggerated apologies — remain fan favorites to this day.
Curry brought his signature theatrical flair to the role, perfectly balancing menace and humor. His exaggerated expressions, dramatic voice, and impeccable timing made Mr. Hector one of the most quoted characters in the movie.
The actor’s charm turned what could have been a simple supporting role into a standout performance, adding sophistication and bite to a film aimed at family audiences.
Behind the Scenes: Balancing Politeness and Power
Curry’s recollection of lying to Ivana Trump speaks volumes about the environment surrounding big-budget films in prestigious locations. For actors, diplomacy often plays as big a role as performance.
The Plaza Hotel, at the time, wasn’t just a filming location — it was a symbol of luxury, ownership, and status. Navigating interactions with powerful figures like the Trumps required tact and grace.
Curry’s good-natured “white lie” wasn’t just about the décor; it was a subtle act of professionalism in a setting where show business and real-world influence overlapped.
The Cultural Legacy of Home Alone 2
More than 30 years after its release, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York remains one of the most beloved holiday films ever made. Its themes of family, adventure, and redemption continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
The Plaza Hotel scenes, complete with Tim Curry’s hilariously expressive performance, add a level of sophistication and New York charm that set the sequel apart from the original.
However, as time has passed, the film’s cameo featuring Donald Trump has taken on a more complicated legacy. While it once served as a fun Easter egg, it now carries political and cultural weight — a reminder of how film history and real-life figures can intertwine in unexpected ways.
Tim Curry’s Career Beyond the Plaza
Tim Curry’s career spans over five decades, encompassing unforgettable performances in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Clue, It, and Legend. His versatility as an actor — moving effortlessly between comedy, horror, and drama — made him a Hollywood icon.
Even after suffering a major stroke in 2012, Curry has continued to inspire fans through voice acting and public appearances. His humor, grace, and storytelling continue to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide.
This recent revelation about Home Alone 2 is just another reminder of Curry’s charm and his knack for turning even small moments into memorable tales.
The Trump Connection: A Snapshot of 1990s Celebrity Culture
When Home Alone 2 was filmed, Donald Trump was already a well-known business magnate and pop-culture figure. His ownership of the Plaza Hotel symbolized his growing influence in both real estate and media.
The cameo, the décor, and Ivana Trump’s personal involvement in the film’s hospitality all highlight how celebrity culture, wealth, and entertainment collided in the early ’90s.
Today, that period feels like a snapshot of pre-digital fame — when wealth and showmanship defined public image, long before social media reshaped how celebrities interacted with fans and filmmakers.
Why Tim Curry’s Anecdote Matters
While at first glance it’s a funny story about a polite lie, Curry’s recollection offers more than just nostalgia. It captures the complexities of working in high-profile environments — where charm, etiquette, and subtle diplomacy go hand in hand with performance.
It also highlights the human side of Hollywood — the quiet moments behind the cameras where stars, directors, and even hotel owners share interactions that never make it to the screen.
Curry’s good humor and honesty about the experience remind us that behind every legendary film, there are countless small stories that make the magic happen.
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FAQs
Q1. What did Tim Curry say about Ivana Trump during Home Alone 2 filming?
Tim Curry revealed that Ivana Trump visited his room at the Plaza Hotel to ask if he liked the décor. Though he disliked it, he politely told her he did, calling it a “white lie.”
Q2. Why did Donald Trump appear in Home Alone 2?
Donald Trump’s cameo was reportedly part of the agreement for the film to shoot scenes at his hotel, The Plaza. Director Chris Columbus confirmed the deal years later.
Q3. What role did Tim Curry play in Home Alone 2?
He portrayed Mr. Hector, the Plaza Hotel’s overzealous concierge, known for his suspicious attitude toward Kevin McCallister and his exaggerated comedic expressions.
Q4. How does Tim Curry feel about his experience filming the movie?
Curry looks back on the experience fondly, sharing humorous and diplomatic stories like his exchange with Ivana Trump.
Q5. Why does the Trump cameo remain controversial?
While initially a lighthearted moment, the cameo gained political significance after Trump’s presidency, leading to renewed debate about its inclusion.
Q6. What other iconic roles has Tim Curry played?
Curry is best known for The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Clue, It, Legend, and voice roles in animated series like The Wild Thornberrys.
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