MACAULAY CULKIN

Early Life & Family Background

Macaulay Carson Culkin was born on August 26, 1980, in Manhattan, New York City, making him 44 years old  He is the third of seven siblings, including brothers Shane, Kieran, Quinn, Christian, Rory, late sister Dakota, and half‑sister Jennifer . His parents, Christopher “Kit” Culkin and Patricia Brentrup, never married but raised a large family in a modest Manhattan apartment while working day jobs—Kit as a Broadway performer turned manager and Patricia as a telephone operator . Macaulay’s upbringing was marked by financial challenges and a strict Catholic school education before transitioning to the arts-focused Professional Children’s School .

Rise to Stardom – Childhood Career

Macaulay began performing at just four years old, appearing in Off‑Broadway productions and television commercials, and made his credited TV debut in The Equalizer (1988) . He gained global recognition as a lovable screen kid: first in Uncle Buck (1989), then skyrocketing to iconic status with Home Alone (1990) and its sequel Lost in New York (1992). He earned a Golden Globe nomination and became one of the highest-paid child actors ever—pulling in $4.5 million from Home Alone 2 alone .

Transition & Teen Years

Following early fame, Macaulay’s blockbuster roles included My Girl (1991), The Good Son (1993), and family favorites The Nutcracker, Richie Rich, and Getting Even with Dad (1994) . However, the teen years brought family tensions—he eventually sued his parents to gain control over his $15–20 million fortune and openly distanced himself from his father, whom he later described as abusive and narcissistic .

Adult Life—Acting, Music & Writing

After a break starting in 1995, Macaulay resurfaced in Party Monster (2003), followed by Saved! (2004) and Sex and Breakfast (2007) . He explored music as lead vocalist for The Pizza Underground, a Velvet Underground parody band (2013–2016) . In 2018, he launched Bunny Ears, a pop‑culture satire site and podcast, and authored his memoir Junior (2006), charting his tumultuous journey in fame and family .

Recent Career Highlights

Macaulay returned to screens with supporting roles like the 10th season of American Horror Story (2021) and as a voice in Kid Cudi’s Entergalactic (2022) . He's also reconnected with Home Alone nostalgia—taucally touring with “Home Alone: A Nostalgic Night” and earning a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in December 2023 .

Personal Life & Parenting

After a nearly decade-long relationship with Mila Kunis, Macaulay began dating actress Brenda Song in 2017. The couple quietly welcomed their first son, Dakota, in April 2021, and a second child in late 2022, announcing their engagement in January 2022 . They now enjoy a cozy family life in Toluca Lake, California, in a home he bought in 2022 for about $8 million . Macaulay embraces fatherhood with hands-on devotion and shared parenting values .

Legacy & Cultural Influence

Macaulay is considered one of the greatest child actors of all time—ranked #2 on VH1’s “100 Greatest Kid-Stars” in 2005 . His impact on pop culture continues through nostalgic tours, media appearances, and his satirical media endeavors. Despite early turmoil, he’s built a rich career across acting, music, writing, and family life—reflecting resilience and reinvention.