Which Hollywood Actor Turned Down a Role in Home Alone
Uncovering the Stars Who Said No to Becoming Part of the Wet Bandits
(By Carmichael Phillip)
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Robert De Niro and Jon Lovitz: The Almost Harrys
One of the more surprising bits of casting trivia from Home Alone is that Robert De Niro and Jon Lovitz both reportedly turned down the role of Harry Lyme – one half of the mischievous burglar duo.
According to multiple sources, including CheatSheet, the filmmakers considered De Niro for Harry, but he declined.
Far Out Magazine adds that director Chris Columbus was “stunned” when Joe Pesci eventually accepted the role.
Meanwhile, Jon Lovitz is also said to have refused the part, leaving the way open for Pesci to step in.
Showbiz Cheat Sheet
These casting “what‑ifs” are especially interesting in hindsight: Home Alone ended up being a family comedy classic, and Pesci’s turn as Harry is now iconic — but imagine how different it would have felt with De Niro’s more serious presence, or Lovitz’s distinct comedic voice.
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Daniel Stern: Turning Down Marv (Because of Pay)
Another key actor who almost didn’t join Home Alone was Daniel Stern, who eventually played Marv Murchins, the bumbling partner to Pesci’s Harry. Stern initially turned down the role, citing a disagreement over pay.
As detailed in a Collider piece and in a Netflix documentary (The Movies That Made Us), Stern had been told that the shoot would last six weeks. Later, producers extended the schedule to eight weeks — but they refused a pay increase for the added time.
Collider
Stern reportedly said, “for my pride, no, I’m quitting.”
HELLO!
After Stern walked away, the role of Marv was offered to Daniel Roebuck, who even rehearsed with Pesci.
Collider
But chemistry was lacking, according to director Chris Columbus — so Stern was eventually brought back, and Roebuck was let go after just a few days.
Collider
Reflecting later, Stern admitted that he regretted his initial refusal: he called himself “an idiot” for letting the part slip away, but also expressed gratitude that Columbus came back to him.
HELLO!
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Why These Turn‑Downs Mattered
So why do these casting near-misses matter? First, they highlight just how different Home Alone could have been. De Niro is known for his intensity, not his slapstick; Lovitz offers a snarky, offbeat energy; Stern brings a warmth and physicality that eventually defined Marv. The film’s tone — its balance of menace and comedy — may have shifted dramatically depending on who signed on.
Second, the cases of Stern and De Niro show different kinds of negotiation dynamics in Hollywood. Stern’s refusal was based on contract terms: the extension of the shoot without additional pay. That’s a very practical concern — especially for someone offered a recurring role in a movie that, at the time, had unproven franchise potential. Meanwhile, De Niro’s decision seems more about fit or interest than about money (at least according to publicly available reports).
Finally, these stories underscore how fragile film casting can be. A role can seem “open,” but until someone signs, nothing is guaranteed. Producers scramble, actors walk away, and yet sometimes, the perfect pairing emerges only after a few false starts.
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Aftermath: What Happened to Those Who Said No
Robert De Niro went on to have an extraordinary career, with Oscar wins, iconic roles, and dozens of celebrated films. Interestingly, despite being considered for Home Alone, he later admitted he has never seen the finished film.
Far Out Magazine
Jon Lovitz, meanwhile, continued in comedy, television, and movies — but he never got to be part of that early‑’90s Christmas classic.
Daniel Stern accepted the Marv role after all, and his performance helped define Home Alone. He reprised the part in Home Alone 2. In later interviews and documentaries, he expressed relief and gratitude that he eventually joined the film.
HELLO!
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Legacy: How These Decisions Shaped Home Alone
Because of these casting stories, Home Alone’s legendary status feels even more remarkable. The two burglars — Harry and Marv — could have had very different actors: more serious, more sarcastic, maybe less physically comedic. But the eventual combination of Pesci’s manic energy and Stern’s goofy goofball vibe created a chemistry that became central to what made the movie so lovable.
These near-misses also show the importance of risk, persistence, and negotiation in filmmaking. Studios court big names, but actors weigh more than just a paycheck — they consider timing, chemistry, schedule, and whether a role fits their vision. Sometimes, saying no leads to something even better; other times, it’s a decision they come back to, and the project comes back to them.
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Conclusion: Who Really Turned Down Home Alone?
In the end, the most famous actor who turned down a role in Home Alone was likely Robert De Niro, who was apparently considered for Harry Lyme but declined. Alongside him was Jon Lovitz, who also passed. Meanwhile, Daniel Stern did initially turn down Marv — but later returned when the casting didn’t work out with his replacement.
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