The Evolution of Macaulay Culkin Revealed... From Child Star and Superstardom to Running From Spotlight Following Box Office Hits
Macaulay Culkin was a megastar before when he was a child.
Dec. 16 2025, Published 8:30 p.m. ET
Macaulay Culkin captured hearts worldwide as the mischievous and lovable Kevin McCallister in Home Alone. Since then, the former child star has created a fascinating journey through Hollywood.
RadarOnline.com can reveal Culkin's journey, and why he stepped away from the spotlight.
Macaulay Culkin Is From an Acting Family
Macaulay Culkin's dad was a notable Broadway actor.
Growing up in a household steeped in the entertainment industry, the My Girl star got an early start in acting.
His father, Kit Culkin, is a Broadway actor, while his aunt Bonnie Bedelia has made a name for herself as an Emmy-winning actress in shows like Love of Life and Parenthood, and movies including Die Hard and Needful Things.
Two of his younger brothers, Kieran and Rory Culkin, also ventured into the spotlight, achieving success as actors.
Macaulay Culkin's Early Beginnings
Macaulay Culkin's appeared with John Candy in 'Uncle Buck' before hitting superstardom with 'Home Alone.'
Macaulay began acting at just 4 years old. He landed minor parts in the 1985 made-for-TV movie The Midnight Hour and a 1988 episode of The Equalizer. His big-screen debut arrived in 1988 as Cy Blue Black in Rocket Gibraltar.
The following year, he starred alongside John Candy in Uncle Buck.
'Home Alone' Era
Macaulay Culkin earned a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in 'Home Alone.'
The New York City native hit the jackpot in 1990 when he starred in Home Alone. This holiday classic reunited him with Candy, who played polka musician Gus Polinski, and director John Hughes, who also directed Uncle Buck.
Macaulay's portrayal of Kevin earned him an American Comedy Award, a Young Artist Award, and a Golden Globe nomination.
Macaulay Culkin Scores More Projects
Macaulay Culkin's fame led him to appearing in Michael Jackson's 'Black or White' music video.
Macaulay's breakout role propelled him into the limelight, leading to a hosting gig on a 1991 episode of Saturday Night Live and a spot in Michael Jackson's Black or White music video.
He reprised his role as Kevin in 1992's Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, which also became a massive hit.
Acting Break
Macaulay Culkin stepped away from Hollywood for some time.
Beyond Home Alone, Macaulay continued to act in early '90s hits like My Girl (1991), The Good Son (1993), and The Pagemaster (1994). However, he decided to take a break from acting later that year to focus on school.
"I just wanted a little bit of a break," he told Time magazine in a 2001 profile. "I wanted a summer vacation for the first time in, you know, forever."
Return to the Spotlight
Macaulay Culkin returned to Hollywood in 2000.
Macaulay resumed his acting career in 2000 with the play Madame Melville on London's West End, followed by a guest appearance on Will & Grace.
He returned to film with roles in Party Monster (2003), Saved! (2004) and S-- and Breakfast (2007). In 2006, he published a semi-autobiographical book titled Junior.
More Endeavors
Never Miss an
Daily updates from the heart of Hollywood, right to your inbox
By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
The actor also turned to music, with his band, The Pizza Underground.
In 2013, Macaulay shifted his focus to music after a YouTube video of him eating pizza went viral. He embraced creativity through his comedy rock band, The Pizza Underground.
The group released several music videos and toured North America and Europe before disbanding in 2018.
Macaulay Culkin's Love Life
Macaulay Culkin is engaged to Brenda Song.
The host of the Bunny Ears Podcast has also made headlines for his once-erratic behavior and high-profile relationships. He had a brief marriage to actress Rachel Miner and a long-term relationship with Mila Kunis before starting to date his Changeland costar Brenda Song in 2017.
The couple, who share son Dakota, got engaged in 2022.
