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Rod McCallister was the second child and firstborn son of Rob and Georgette McCallister.

Biography[]

Rod lived with his parents and siblings in New York, New York; his eldest sister, Heather later attended Northwestern University. When his father and immediate family were transferred to Paris due to the former's work promotion, Rod remained in the United States to finish high school, moving in to live with his Uncle Frank and Aunt Leslie in Ohio for that purpose.[1][2]

Trip to Paris[]

Following his father's payment for their Paris Christmas vacation, Frank drove his immediate family and Rod to Chicago, stopping at the Winnetka McCallister house, where they would congregate with the other McCallisters for the trip, Harry Lyme, disguised as a police officer, visited the house and attempted to get his attention. Like most of the family, Rod ignored him.[3]

Rod walked to his cousin Buzz's room, where he examined his pet tarantula and they had a brief conversation wherein the latter asked him a couple questions about France. When Kevin came in, Buzz pointed out Old Man Marley. Observing him through a window, Buzz told Rod and Kevin of the rumor that he was a serial killer, visibly frightening them both. As Marley looked up at them, Rod and Buzz quickly pulled the curtains shut.[3]

Rod later ate pizza with his family. Along with the rest of the family, he became upset and stared irately at Kevin after he charged at Buzz and caused several messes in the kitchen.[3]

The next morning, the whole family woke up late due to an electrical outage and hurriedly prepared for the trip. Once outside, Rod shoved away Megan's bag after she tried to hand it to him.[3]

After the family arrived in Paris, Rod participated in trying to phone for help when Kevin was discovered to be at home alone. Later, he attempted to grab his glasses from Jeff after he stole them. Later at his family's apartment, Rod watched It's a Wonderful Life dubbed in French with his family.[3]

Trip to Florida[]

While preparing for the trip, Buzz asked Rod if there were nude beaches in Florida.[4]

When Buzz pranked Kevin during the pageant, Rod laughed at the aftermath. When the family returned to the house, Buzz delivered a false apology; however Rod and the others (except Kevin) took it seriously and applauded him.[4]

The next day, after the family arrived in Miami, Peter passed Kevin's suitcase all the way to Fuller, who passed it all the way back to the front, with every family member, including Rod, saying, "Kevin's not here." This led to the discovery that Kevin was separated from the family for the second year in a row.[4]

Later, Rod, along with the rest of the family, watched It's A Wonderful Life, dubbed this time in Spanish, in their hotel room at the Villa de Dolphiné. Receiving word that Kevin was in New York City, Rod packed up and accompanied his family to the Plaza Hotel, where they were given a suite. Buzz and Rod shared a couch for the night.[4]

In the morning, Fuller woke Rod and the rest of the family up. They went to the suite's Christmas tree to find a truckload of presents from Mr. Duncan. When Buzz pointed out that they would not be there if not for Kevin, Rod gave Kevin a big smile and clapped for him.[4]

Gallery[]

Trivia[]

  • In the script for Home Alone, Rod is described as "thin and lanky, dull, and bookish".
  • In the script for Home Alone 2, Kevin asks Rod to help him tie his tie. Rod replies that he does not wear ties, as he has "an image to protect".
  • While not clearly communicated in the films, the novelizations (specifically Home Alone and A.L. Singer's Home Alone 2: Lost in New York) establish that Rod is Rob and Georgette's son, not Frank and Leslie's as is often assumed.
    • This is subtly explained by Kate McCallister to Harry when the latter asked if there is a reunion, wherein she reveals that "both of his kids still go to school here".
  • It is possible that his birth name is either Roderick or Rodney, as he is only addressed as Rod. The same thing may happen to his father, who was born either Robert or Robin.

References[]


The McCallister family
Peter and Kate's family KevinPeterKateBuzzMeganLinnieJeff
Frank and Leslie's family FrankLeslieTracySondraBrookeFuller
Rob and Georgette's family RobGeorgetteHeatherRodSteffanTwins
Others PenelopeAnna
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