What Happened to Macaulay Culkin?

Macaulay Culkin's journey in Hollywood began at a very young age, quickly ascending to global stardom in the early 1990s. His breakout role as Kevin McCallister in the 1990 Christmas comedy 'Home Alone' catapulted him into the spotlight, making him one of the most recognizable child actors of his generation. He reprised the role in the equally successful sequel, 'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York' (1992), and further solidified his status with films like 'My Girl' (1991), 'The Good Son' (1993), and 'Richie Rich' (1994).

However, the immense pressure of child stardom, coupled with a contentious custody battle between his parents over his earnings and career management, led Culkin to take a significant hiatus from acting in 1995 at the age of 14. He sought a more normal life, focusing on his education and stepping away from the public eye. This period was marked by personal challenges, including estrangement from his father, Kit Culkin, which he has openly discussed in later years.

Culkin gradually re-entered the entertainment world in the early 2000s, taking on more independent and experimental roles. His return to film included the biographical drama 'Party Monster' (2003) and the dark comedy 'Saved!' (2004). He also explored other creative avenues, forming the comedy rock band The Pizza Underground in 2013 and launching his satirical pop culture website and podcast, Bunny Ears, in 2018.

A significant turning point in his adult career came with his critically praised role in the tenth season of 'American Horror Story: Double Feature' in 2021, marking his first regular television series role. In his personal life, Culkin began dating actress Brenda Song in 2017 after meeting on the set of the film 'Changeland.' The couple welcomed their first son, Dakota Song Culkin, in April 2021, followed by their second son, Carson, in March 2023. They became engaged in late 2021, with the news publicly reported in January 2022.

As of 2026, Macaulay Culkin continues to balance his family life with a selective acting career. He received the 2,765th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 1, 2023, with his 'Home Alone' co-star Catherine O'Hara delivering a heartfelt speech. In January 2026, he served as a presenter at the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards. He has a voice role in the animated sequel 'Zootopia 2' (2025) and a recurring role in Season 2 of the television series 'Fallout' (2025/2026). Most recently, in March 2026, Culkin and Song sold their Toluca Lake estate for $14.25 million and purchased a new $10.3 million, six-bedroom mansion in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles. He also made a notable appearance at Paris Fashion Week in March 2026, showcasing a playful and experimental style. Culkin often speaks about the joy of fatherhood and his efforts to provide a different childhood experience for his sons, emphasizing his pride in them.