Macaulay Culkin is an American actor and musician who gained fame as a child actor, notably starring as Kevin McCallister in the first two Home Alone films.
He was one of the most successful child actors of the 1990s, receiving various awards and nominations for his performances.
Culkin took a break from acting in the mid-1990s but returned to the screen in the early 2000s.
Apart from his acting career, he co-founded a comedy rock band, the Pizza Underground and is currently the publisher and CEO of Bunny Ears, a satirical pop culture website and podcast.
Culkin’s personal life has also been in the spotlight, including his relationships and family tragedies.
Despite his early fame, he has managed to navigate his career with selectivity, taking on roles in both television and film, such as in American Horror Story and The Righteous Gemstones.
Net worth | $18 million |
Profession | Musician, actor |
Date of birth | August 26, 1980 |
Nationality | American |
Background and early life
Culkin was born on August 26, 1980, in New York City to parents Patricia Brentrup and Christopher Culkin.
He grew up in a large family with six siblings and a half-sister, facing financial struggles in his early years.
Culkin’s acting career began in the 1980s with roles in television shows and films, but he rose to fame with his iconic role as Kevin McCallister in the Home Alone film series.
His success in the first two Home Alone movies led to numerous award nominations and wins, including a Golden Globe nomination.
Despite his early fame, Culkin decided to take a break from acting in 1994 to live a more normal life.
He returned to acting in 2003 with appearances in Will and Grace and the film, Party Monster.
Culkin’s personal life has also been in the public eye, including his marriages, relationships, and his current engagement to actress Brenda Song, with whom he has a son.
Net worth
Culkin’s net worth is estimated to be around $18 million as of 2023.
Despite his early success as a child actor, he took control of his earnings, notably going to court at 14 to secure his trust fund from his parents.
Culkin’s financial success stems from his roles in iconic films like Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, where he earned significant paychecks.
His career spanned various movies in the 1990s, including My Girl, Richie Rich and The Good Son.
Culkin later took a break from acting but returned to the screen in the early 2000s.
His ability to manage his wealth and transition into other ventures like music and publishing has contributed to his substantial net worth.
Endorsement deals
Culkin has been involved in several endorsement deals with prominent brands.
Some of the brands he has endorsed include Gucci and Happy Socks.
Culkin’s endorsements span a diverse range of product types, including luxury goods and socks.
His collaborations with these brands showcase his versatility and appeal across different industries.
Additionally, Culkin’s involvement in endorsement deals reflects his strategic selection of brands that align with his personal values and interests, ensuring a genuine connection with the products and services he promotes.
These endorsements not only highlight Culkin’s influence in the entertainment industry but also demonstrate his ability to leverage his popularity to support and promote various products and brands.
Business ventures
Culkin has ventured into various business endeavors beyond acting.
One notable venture is his satirical pop culture website and podcast called Bunny Ears.
Described as a platform that blends elements of Goop meets The Onion, Bunny Ears offers a humorous take on lifestyle content, celebrity culture and self-referential humor.
Culkin, as the CEO and publisher, has been actively involved in creating content for the website, showcasing his wit and creativity in the digital space.
Additionally, Culkin has explored different avenues in the entertainment industry, including hosting a podcast and engaging in video content creation on platforms like YouTube.
His foray into digital media with Bunny Ears reflects his desire to contribute to the positive side of the internet by providing engaging and entertaining content that resonates with audiences seeking a unique and satirical perspective on celebrity-driven lifestyle brands.
Google ad
Culkin starred in a Google ad that featured a parody of his iconic role as Kevin McCallister from the movie, Home Alone.
In the ad, Culkin reprises his role as a grown-up Kevin McCallister, who finds himself home alone once again.
This time, he uses Google Assistant to navigate his day, from ordering aftershave to interacting with the pizza delivery person.
The ad cleverly incorporates scenes from the original movie, showcasing Kevin’s resourcefulness and humor.
The commercial went viral, resonating with fans of Home Alone and highlighting the enduring popularity of the film nearly 30 years after its release.
The ad not only pays homage to the classic movie but also demonstrates how technology like Google Assistant can enhance everyday tasks in a fun and entertaining way.
Early career
Culkin’s early career began at a young age, with his first foray into showbiz at just 4 years old.
He appeared in Off-Broadway shows like the New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker and landed roles in films such as Rocket Gibraltar and See You in the Morning by the age of 8. Culkin’s breakthrough came in 1990 when he starred as Kevin McCallister in the iconic film, Home Alone, directed by Chris Columbus and written by John Hughes.
The movie’s immense success catapulted Culkin to stardom, making him one of the biggest movie stars of the time.
Following Home Alone, he continued to impress audiences with roles in films like My Girl in 1991 and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York in 1992.
Culkin’s early career was marked by a string of successful movies that showcased his talent and versatility as a young actor.
Acting hiatus
Culkin took a significant hiatus from acting in 1995 at the age of 14, stepping away from the limelight to escape the pressures of early fame and personal challenges.
This break allowed him to have a semblance of a normal childhood after facing a highly publicized legal battle over his trust fund and his parents’ contentious custody fight.
Culkin’s departure from acting was a deliberate choice to distance himself from the industry and the typecast roles that had defined his early career.
During this hiatus, which extended into the late ’90s and early 2000s, Culkin avoided returning for Home Alone 3 and remained out of the public eye, exploring life outside of Hollywood.
It wasn’t until the mid-2000s that Culkin re-emerged in the acting scene, taking on more mature and darker roles to reshape his image and establish himself as a versatile actor.
Return
After his hiatus from acting, Culkin made a return to the big screen in the mid-2000s, taking on more mature and darker roles to shed his child star image.
His comeback was marked by a shift towards roles that showcased his versatility and acting range.
Culkin’s return to acting included roles in independent films like Party Monster in 2003, where he portrayed Michael Alig and Saved! in 2004, a black comedy that explored themes of religion and teenage pregnancy.
This period marked a deliberate effort by Culkin to distance himself from his earlier roles and to establish himself as a more serious actor capable of tackling complex and challenging characters.
Despite his early fame, Culkin’s decision to opt for independent and darker films after his hiatus demonstrated his commitment to evolving as an actor and moving beyond his child star persona.
Notable films
Culkin has appeared in several notable films throughout his career.
Some of these include Home Alone, where he played Kevin McCallister, a young boy left behind by his family during Christmas, defending his home against burglars.
In the sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Kevin finds himself alone in New York City during the holidays, facing familiar foes.
Culkin’s role as Thomas J. Sennett in My Girl was well-received, showcasing his talent in a coming-of-age story.
The Good Son marked Culkin’s departure from comedy into a dark psychological thriller, demonstrating his versatility as an actor.
In Richie Rich, Culkin starred as the wealthy child navigating his world.
is return to acting in Party Monster saw him portray the infamous party promoter Michael Alig.
Culkin also appeared in Saved!, a comedy where he played a high-school student dealing with religious zealotry.
These films highlight Culkin’s range as an actor, from iconic comedic performances to more serious and challenging roles.
Awards and accolades
Culkin has received several awards and accolades throughout his career.
Notably, for his role in Home Alone, Culkin was nominated for a Golden Globe Award in 1991 for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
He also won a Young Artist Award in the same year for Most Entertaining Family Youth Motion Picture – Comedy/Action.
Additionally, the film Home Alone received various recognitions, including a Golden Screen award in Germany and a National Film Registry award in the USA.
Culkin’s talent was further acknowledged with a British Comedy Award for Best Comedy Film and a Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Most Promising Actor.
These accolades highlight Culkin’s early success and the impact of his performances in the entertainment industry.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame
Culkin was recently honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, celebrating his 40-year acting career.
The ceremony, held on December 1, 2023, marked a significant milestone for Culkin, recognizing his enduring impact on the entertainment industry.
Culkin’s star, the 2,765th on the Walk of Fame, was unveiled at 6353 Hollywood Boulevard, with esteemed guests like Catherine O’Hara and Natasha Lyonne in attendance.
O’Hara, who played Culkin’s on-screen mother in the iconic Home Alone films, delivered a heartfelt speech, praising Culkin’s talent and contribution to cinema.
The event was a touching reunion between Culkin and O’Hara, highlighting the lasting bond forged during their time working together.
Culkin’s star on the Walk of Fame is a testament to his versatile career, from his early success in Home Alone to his recent appearances in projects like American Horror Story and The Righteous Gemstones.
Philanthropic efforts
Culkin has been actively involved in philanthropic endeavors, supporting various charitable causes over the years.
One notable cause he has championed is the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
Culkin competed on Celebrity Jeopardy! to raise money for this organization, which operates the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park while also supporting conservation efforts globally.
Despite narrowly missing the win on the show, Culkin raised $30,000 for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
Additionally, Culkin has been engaged in other charitable activities, aligning with causes that resonate with him.
His philanthropic work showcases his commitment to giving back and making a positive impact beyond the entertainment industry.
Controversies
Culkin has been involved in several controversies throughout his life and career.
One significant controversy surrounded his friendship with Michael Jackson.
Culkin’s close bond with Jackson raised eyebrows, especially amidst the allegations of child sexual abuse against the King of Pop.
Despite claims from Neverland Ranch staff alleging they witnessed inappropriate behavior, Culkin vehemently denied these accusations and publicly defended Jackson.
Another controversy in Culkin’s life involved his family dynamics, particularly his strained relationship with his father.
Culkin revealed details of a toxic and exploitative relationship with his father, Kit Culkin, who was accused of being jealous and abusive.
This tumultuous family situation led Culkin to emancipate himself from his parents at a young age, highlighting the challenges he faced growing up in the spotlight.
Additionally, Culkin faced legal troubles, including an arrest in Oklahoma City in 2004 for drug possession, further adding to the controversies surrounding his life and career.
Macaulay Culkin family
Culkin comes from a large family with several siblings.
He was born in New York City to Kit Culkin and Patricia Brentrup, and he is one of seven siblings.
His father, Kit Culkin, a former child actor, guided Macaulay and his siblings into acting at a young age.
Two of Macaulay’s brothers, Rory and Kieran, also pursued successful acting careers.
Macaulay’s family has been involved in the entertainment industry, with his father, uncle, and aunts having ties to acting and theater productions.
Despite the challenges within his family, including his parents’ separation and legal issues, Culkin has maintained relationships with his siblings and has navigated the complexities of fame and family dynamics.
His family background has played a significant role in shaping his life and career, with each sibling carving their own path in the entertainment world.
Childhood trauma
Culkin’s childhood was marked by significant trauma and challenges.
Growing up in a cramped New York City apartment with six siblings, Culkin’s family struggled financially, with all seven children sharing bunk beds in one room.
His parents, particularly his father Kit Culkin, played a pivotal role in his early career, with Kit becoming the children’s full-time manager to capitalize on their success.
However, Culkin revealed disturbing details about his relationship with his father, describing him as mentally and physically abusive.
Culkin emancipated himself from his parents at the age of 15, aiming to protect his earnings and gain independence from their control.
This decision stemmed from a desire to safeguard the fortune he had amassed from his acting career and to distance himself from the toxic environment created by his parents.
Culkin’s traumatic experiences with his family, especially his father, have had a lasting impact on his life and contributed to his struggles with fame, substance abuse, and legal issues in later years.