Macaulay Culkin is an American actor and former child star best known for his iconic role as Kevin McCallister in the Home Alone films. Born on August 26, 1980, in New York City, he quickly became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces during the 1990s. After a hiatus from acting, Culkin returned to the entertainment industry with roles in independent films, television, and even music. Today, he balances his career with family life alongside his partner, actress Brenda Song, and their two children.
Early Life and Education
Macaulay Carson Culkin was born on August 26, 1980, in New York City, United States. He is the son of Christopher Cornelius Culkin, a former stage actor, and Patricia Brentrup. Macaulay grew up in a large family with six siblings, including Kieran and Rory Culkin, who also pursued careers in acting.
Raised in a small apartment in New York, Macaulay’s family faced financial struggles. Despite these hardships, he was introduced to the performing arts at an early age, largely influenced by his father’s background in the industry. Culkin attended St. Joseph’s School of Yorkville, a Catholic school, before enrolling at the Professional Children’s School. He also briefly attended the School of American Ballet, where he honed his early performance skills.
Personal Life
Macaulay Culkin’s personal life has often been in the spotlight due to his early fame and high-profile relationships. He was in a long-term relationship with actress Rachel Miner, whom he married in 1998 when both were 18 years old. However, the couple separated in 2000 and divorced in 2002.
Culkin later dated actress Mila Kunis for nearly a decade, from 2002 to 2010. Their relationship ended amicably, and they remained friends. In 2017, he started dating actress Brenda Song. The couple welcomed their first child, Dakota Song Culkin, in April 2021, named in honor of Macaulay’s late sister, Dakota.
Over the years, Culkin has faced several controversies, including legal issues and struggles with substance abuse. However, he has openly addressed his past and has worked towards personal growth and stability.
Family
Macaulay Culkin comes from a large and talented family. His father, Christopher Culkin, was an aspiring actor and worked as Macaulay’s manager during his early career. His mother, Patricia Brentrup, played a significant role in raising her children.
He has six siblings: Shane, Dakota (who tragically passed away in 2008), Kieran, Quinn, Christian, and Rory. Kieran and Rory have followed in Macaulay’s footsteps, gaining recognition for their work in film and television. The Culkin family dynamics have been complex, particularly due to conflicts between Macaulay and his father, which led him to legally emancipate himself from his parents at the age of 15.
Detailed Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Macaulay Carson Culkin |
| Date of Birth | August 26, 1980 |
| Place of Birth | New York City, USA |
| Parents | Christopher Cornelius “Kit” Culkin and Patricia Brentrup |
| Siblings | Shane, Dakota (deceased), Kieran, Quinn, Christian, and Rory |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (1.7 meters) |
| Partner | Brenda Song |
| Children | Dakota Song Culkin (born 2021), Carson Culkin (born 2022) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $18 million as of 2025 |
Career
Early Beginnings
Macaulay Culkin’s acting career began at a very young age. He appeared in theater productions and minor television roles before gaining recognition in the late 1980s. His first significant film role was in Rocket Gibraltar (1988), followed by Uncle Buck (1989), where he starred alongside John Candy.
Breakthrough with Home Alone
Culkin’s breakthrough role came in 1990 when he starred as Kevin McCallister in Home Alone. The film became a massive hit, earning over $470 million worldwide. His performance as the clever and mischievous Kevin made him one of the most recognizable child actors in Hollywood. He reprised his role in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), which also performed well at the box office.
Continued Success and Hiatus
Following the success of Home Alone, Culkin starred in several films, including My Girl (1991), The Good Son (1993), Richie Rich (1994), and The Pagemaster (1994). However, by the mid-1990s, he began to experience burnout and decided to take a break from acting.
During his hiatus, he focused on personal endeavors and tried to live a more private life, away from the pressures of Hollywood.
Return to Acting and New Ventures
Culkin made a comeback in the early 2000s with roles in indie films such as Party Monster (2003), where he played a real-life club promoter Michael Alig. He also appeared in Saved! (2004), a satirical comedy, which was well received by critics.
In addition to acting, Culkin explored various creative ventures. He formed a comedy rock band called The Pizza Underground in 2013, which parodied songs by The Velvet Underground with pizza-themed lyrics. Although the band disbanded in 2018, it showcased Culkin’s humor and love for unconventional projects.
Recent Work and Legacy
In recent years, Culkin has continued to make selective appearances in films and television. He appeared in Changeland (2019), directed by his longtime friend Seth Green, and joined the cast of American Horror Story: Double Feature (2021). His performance in AHS was widely praised, proving that he still has strong acting abilities.
Beyond his acting career, Culkin has embraced a more laid-back and humorous public persona. He launched a comedy website, Bunny Ears, which satirizes celebrity lifestyle brands. He has also been active in social media, engaging with fans and maintaining a self-aware, humorous outlook on his early fame.
Macaulay Culkin Movies
| Year | Movie Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Rocket Gibraltar | Cy Blue Black | Film debut |
| 1989 | See You in the Morning | Billy Livingstone | |
| 1989 | Uncle Buck | Miles Russell | |
| 1990 | Home Alone | Kevin McCallister | Breakthrough role |
| 1991 | My Girl | Thomas J. Sennett | |
| 1992 | Home Alone 2: Lost in New York | Kevin McCallister | Sequel |
| 1993 | The Good Son | Henry Evans | Dark thriller role |
| 1994 | Getting Even with Dad | Timmy Gleason | |
| 1994 | The Pagemaster | Richard Tyler | Voice role |
| 1994 | Richie Rich | Richie Rich | |
| 2003 | Party Monster | Michael Alig | Comeback film |
| 2004 | Saved! | Roland | Satirical comedy |
| 2007 | Sex and Breakfast | James | |
| 2011 | The Wrong Ferrari | Himself | Experimental film |
Latest News
As of January 2025, Macaulay Culkin and Brenda Song have shared rare glimpses into their family life with their two sons, Dakota and Carson. The couple, known for keeping their personal lives private, delighted fans with candid family photos, showcasing their joy and togetherness.
Physical Appearance
Standing at 5 feet 6 inches (1.7 meters), Macaulay Culkin has maintained a slender build throughout his career. With his distinctive blonde hair and blue eyes, he retains the boyish charm that endeared him to audiences worldwide during his early years as a child actor.
Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Username | Link |
|---|---|---|
| @culkamania | Instagram Profile | |
| @IncredibleCulk | Twitter Profile |
Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Macaulay Culkin’s net worth is estimated to be around $18 million. This wealth primarily stems from his successful acting career during the 1990s, notably from the “Home Alone” franchise, as well as his ventures in music and other entertainment projects.
Macaulay Culkin’s journey from a beloved child star to a multifaceted entertainer and devoted family man highlights his resilience and adaptability in the ever-evolving entertainment industry.
People Also Ask
Why did Macaulay Culkin stop acting?
Macaulay Culkin took a break from acting in the early 2000s to focus on his personal life and escape the pressures of child stardom. He later mentioned that he wanted to live a normal life away from Hollywood and enjoy his independence.
Is Macaulay Culkin married with kids?
Yes, Macaulay Culkin is in a relationship with actress Brenda Song. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Dakota, in 2021. They have kept their personal life private but are happily together.
What does Macaulay Culkin do today?
Macaulay Culkin has returned to acting in recent years, making appearances in TV shows like American Horror Story. He also runs a comedy website called Bunny Ears and occasionally works on independent film projects.
Who was the highest-paid actor in Home Alone?
Macaulay Culkin was the highest-paid actor in Home Alone. For the first film, he earned around $100,000, but for Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, he reportedly received a $4.5 million salary, making him one of the highest-paid child actors at the time.
