Who is the Pigeon Lady in Home Alone?

Last Modified Feb 7, 2025 01:59 EST
Who is the Pigeon Lady in Home Alone?
The Pigeon Lady (Source: Screengrab from the film)


The "Pigeon Lady" was a homeless woman whom Kevin McCallister met in New York City and became friends with. She was portrayed by Brenda Fricker in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.


The American Christmas comedy Home Alone 2: Lost in New York was written and produced by John Hughes and directed by Chris Columbus. It is the sequel to Home Alone (1990). The film was released theatrically in the United States on November 20, 1992.


The Pigeon Lady frequently spent time in Central Park with pigeons. She scared Kevin at first, but he soon realized that, despite her life's errors, she was polite, intelligent, and kind. She saved Kevin from Harry Lyme and Marv Murchins' attack in the park. On Christmas morning, Kevin promised to always be friends with the Pigeon Lady and presented her with a turtledove that he had gotten from Mr. Duncan.


Pigeon Lady’s background in Home Alone


At one point, the Pigeon Lady had a family, a job, and a romantic partner who eventually broke up with her. She thus lost faith in people and refused to fall in love again. She eventually found herself homeless and would care for the pigeons in Central Park.


Pigeon Lady in Home Alone


The Pigeon Lady met the uneasy Kevin McCallister one day; upon which Kevin muttered, "Sick!" and ran from her. The two later came across one another once more. In a panic, Kevin tried to flee from the Pigeon Lady but was caught by his foot. After she released him, Kevin began to run away once more, but he stopped to apologize for upsetting the Pigeon Lady with his behavior.


She accepted him calmly, not seeming to care about anyone's opinion of her and not finding Kevin annoying. Kevin received some bird seed from the Pigeon Lady, which he then threw into the air to draw the pigeons. They then attended a concert in a loft above Carnegie Hall, where they heard a rendition of "Oh, Come All Ye Faithful." The two became good friends with each other, sharing their life’s events and opinions.


Who is the Pigeon Lady in Home Alone?
The Pigeon Lady and Kevin (Source: Screengrab from the film)


Later, when Harry and Marv forced Kevin to Central Park by Harry holding Kevin at gunpoint, the Pigeon Lady snuck behind them with an entire bucket of birdseed and demanded to let Kevin go. She told Kevin to flee as soon as they did. Harry tried shooting her, but his gun was stuck with varnish and he was unable to do so. After that, the Pigeon Lady flung all of the birdseed at Harry and Marv, which caused the pigeons to attack them and knock them to the ground. The Pigeon Lady chuckled, feeling energized once more. The Pigeon Lady blew him a kiss in response as Kevin thanked her.


They exchanged Merry Christmas greetings as Kevin ran into the park the following day. After giving the Pigeon Lady one of the two turtledoves that Mr. Duncan had given him, Kevin said that they would always be friends as long as they each had one. The Pigeon Lady smiled and hugged Kevin after she expressed her gratitude and he reaffirmed his pledge to be her friend.


Also read: Cast of Home Alone films


Who played the Pigeon Lady in Home Alone?


Who is the Pigeon Lady in Home Alone?
The Pigeon Lady (Source: Screengrab from the film)


The Irish actress Brenda Fricker played “the Pigeon Lady” in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Her career spanned six decades on stage and screen. She has appeared in over 30 television shows and movies. She won Best Supporting Actress for the 1989 film My Left Foot, making her the first Irish actress to receive an Academy Award in 1990.




FAQs about the Pigeon Lady in Home Alone

A. Brenda Fricker played the role of “the Pigeon Lady” in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. She only has this moniker and no real name for the character she portrayed.

A. The "Pigeon Lady" was a homeless woman Kevin McCallister met in New York City and became friends with. At one point, the Pigeon Lady had a family, a job, and a romantic partner who eventually broke up with her. She eventually found herself homeless and would care for the pigeons in Central Park.

A. The Pigeon Lady is played by the Irish actress Brenda Fricker.

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