Macaulay Culkin, at 44 years old, remains one of the most iconic child actors in Hollywood history. With an estimated net worth of $18 million, Culkin made a fortune from his early career and continues to maintain his financial standing through selective film and television appearances, business ventures, and real estate investments. Despite stepping away from the spotlight for several years, he has remained a beloved pop culture figure.
How Did Macaulay Culkin Rise to Fame?
Culkin began acting at the age of four, performing in theater productions and TV movies before landing his breakthrough role in 1989’s Uncle Buck alongside John Candy. However, it was his portrayal of Kevin McCallister in Home Alone (1990) that catapulted him to international stardom. The film grossed over $470 million worldwide, and its success made him a household name. He reprised the role in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), further solidifying his position as one of the highest-paid child actors of all time.
What Were Culkin’s Biggest Paychecks?
Culkin commanded impressive salaries for his roles in the early ‘90s, becoming one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood. Here’s a breakdown of his earnings:
- Uncle Buck (1989): $40,000
- Home Alone (1990): $100,000
- My Girl (1991): $1 million
- Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992): $4.5 million
- The Good Son (1993): $1.5 million
- Getting Even with Dad (1994): $8 million
- Richie Rich (1994): $8 million
Between 1989 and 1994, Culkin earned a staggering $23.5 million, equivalent to approximately $40 million today when adjusted for inflation.
Why Did Macaulay Culkin Take a Break from Acting?
At the peak of his career, Culkin shocked Hollywood by stepping away from acting. His decision was largely influenced by personal struggles, particularly his tumultuous relationship with his father, Kit Culkin, who also acted as his manager. The pressure of fame and a string of underperforming films led Culkin to take a hiatus from the entertainment industry in 1994. During this break, he attended a private high school in New York City and lived a relatively low-profile life.
How Did Culkin Make His Comeback?
Culkin returned to acting in the early 2000s with a role in Party Monster (2003), a film about the real-life club kid turned murderer, Michael Alig. He then appeared in Saved! (2004), which became a sleeper hit. Over the years, he took on selective projects, including voice work on Robot Chicken and guest appearances on television. In 2019, he had a role in Changeland, a film directed by Seth Green. In 2020, it was announced that Culkin would join the cast of American Horror Story season 10.
What Are Macaulay Culkin’s Other Ventures?
Beyond acting, Culkin has pursued various creative and business ventures. He founded Bunny Ears, a satirical pop culture website and podcast that parodies lifestyle brands like Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop. He also dabbled in music with The Pizza Underground, a comedy rock band that performed pizza-themed parody songs. However, after a short-lived tour, the band disbanded in 2016.
Culkin has also capitalized on his nostalgia factor, appearing in a widely popular 2018 Google Assistant commercial where he reprised his role as Kevin McCallister in a modern take on Home Alone.
What Is Culkin’s Personal Life Like?
Culkin was previously married to actress Rachel Miner from 1998 to 2002. He later had a long-term relationship with actress Mila Kunis. Since 2017, he has been in a relationship with Brenda Song, his co-star from Changeland. The couple welcomed their first child, Dakota, in April 2021, named in honor of Culkin’s late sister. In December 2022, they welcomed a second child, further cementing their commitment to family life.
What Real Estate Does Macaulay Culkin Own?
Culkin has made significant real estate investments over the years. In 1999, he purchased a full-floor loft in New York City for $1.73 million, which he later sold in January 2025 for $7.75 million. In 2022, he and Brenda Song bought Kiefer Sutherland’s Toluca Lake home for $8 million. The property, built in 1935, features five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a swimming pool, a putting green, and a fireplace terrace. They also sold their previous Los Angeles home for $3.25 million.
How Does Macaulay Culkin Live Today?
Unlike many former child stars, Culkin has managed to stay financially secure and relatively drama-free. Despite persistent tabloid rumors, he leads a private life, focusing on family, creative projects, and selective acting roles. His childhood friend Seth Green has defended him against media scrutiny, emphasizing that Culkin simply prefers to live outside Hollywood’s relentless spotlight.
Final Thoughts
Macaulay Culkin’s journey from child star to independent adult has been anything but ordinary. With an $18 million net worth, successful investments, and a stable personal life, he has managed to carve out a unique path for himself. Whether through acting, business ventures, or his pop culture presence, Culkin continues to captivate audiences while enjoying the financial rewards of his early success.
