Let’s talk about Devin Ratray—yeah, that name might not immediately ring a bell for everyone, but once you hear “Buzz” from Home Alone, it all clicks. Devin Ratray became a household name thanks to his unforgettable portrayal of the sarcastic, flat-topped older brother who delivered some of the most quotable lines in movie history. You know the ones: “Mice guts,” “French women who don’t shave,” and let’s not forget the legendary tarantula scene. It was pure comedic gold, and Devin Ratray absolutely nailed it.
But before he was Buzz—the ultimate embodiment of sibling annoyance—Devin Ratray had already started making waves in the late ‘80s. His early roles showcased a knack for playing the cheeky troublemaker. He made his debut in Where Are the Children? back in 1986, then popped up on the short-lived CBS series Heartland in 1989. That same year, he played a schoolyard bully in Little Monsters, a campy horror-comedy that, while not a blockbuster, gave him a chance to flex that mischievous charm.
Of course, it was Home Alone (1990) that really put Devin Ratray on the map. And naturally, he returned for the sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), because let’s face it—how could they leave Buzz behind? After that, he kept the momentum going with a role in Dennis the Menace (1993), where he played the babysitting boyfriend, proving he could handle different kinds of characters beyond just the obnoxious big brother.
Now, here’s where things get interesting. After more than ten years of steady gigs, Devin Ratray took a bold turn in 2008 by co-producing and starring in Courting Condi. It was a quirky, faux-documentary-style project where Devin Ratray literally played himself—on a bizarre quest to win over former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Yeah, it was unusual, but it showed his range and willingness to take creative risks.
Then came Surrogates in 2009, where Devin Ratray delivered a memorable supporting performance, further cementing his place in adult-oriented cinema. He even made a brief appearance in R.I.P.D. (2013), which, honestly, wasn’t the most memorable film—but still, his presence was noted.
All in all, Devin Ratray has done something not every child actor manages: he successfully transitioned into adulthood with a diverse, evolving career. From tormenting Kevin at home to exploring oddball documentaries and sci-fi thrillers, Devin Ratray has stayed relevant—and frankly, kind of fascinating—throughout the years.
Well, when it comes to Devin Ratray’s film career, there are definitely some standout moments—and a few that didn’t quite hit the mark. If we’re talking about his highest rated movie, that would have to be Blue Ruin from 2013. It really showcased Devin Ratray’s talent and earned a lot of critical praise. On the flip side, one of the lower points in his filmography is R.I.P.D., which also came out in 2013 but didn’t receive nearly as much love from audiences or critics. So, while Devin Ratray has had some strong performances, like in Blue Ruin, not every project was a win—R.I.P.D. being the clearest example. Still, it’s impressive how Devin Ratray continues to take on diverse roles and leave his mark in different kinds of films.