Macaulay Culkin Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Macaulay Carson Culkin |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 26, 1980 |
| Age | 45 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | New York City, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, musician, podcaster |
| Years Active | 1985-present |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Spouse | Engaged to actress Brenda Song |
| Children | 2 sons |
| Net Worth | ~$18 million |
| Known For | Playing Kevin McCallister in Home Alone and Home Alone 2 |
Early Life & Background
Culkin was born in Manhattan, one of seven children to former Broadway actor Kit Culkin and Patricia Brentrup. He trained at the American Ballet School and performed in off-Broadway productions before landing film roles such as Uncle Buck (1989), where he stole scenes opposite John Candy.
Career Journey
Home Alone Superstar
At age ten, Culkin headlined John Hughes and Chris Columbus' comedy Home Alone (1990), which became the highest-grossing live-action comedy at the time. He reprised Kevin McCallister in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) and starred in early-90s hits like My Girl, The Good Son, The Nutcracker, and Richie Rich.
Hiatus & Return
Burned out by fame, Culkin stepped away from Hollywood in the mid-1990s. He returned in the indie film Party Monster (2003) and wrote the memoir Junior (2006). Culkin co-founded satirical lifestyle site Bunny Ears, voiced characters on Robot Chicken, and toured with pizza-themed Velvet Underground parody band The Pizza Underground.
Recent Work
In 2021 Culkin received praise for his role as Mickey Roth in American Horror Story: Double Feature. He launched the Bunny Ears podcast, appeared in NBC's Ramy Season 3 cameo, and invests in nostalgic pop-culture ventures. In 2026 Culkin is producing a documentary about child-star wellness and guest-starring in Hulu's comedy Only Murders in the Building.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Home Alone | Kevin McCallister | Breakthrough |
| 1992 | Home Alone 2 | Kevin McCallister | Sequel |
| 1994 | Richie Rich | Richie Rich | Family comedy |
| 2003 | Party Monster | Michael Alig | Cult drama |
| 2004 | Saved! | Roland | Dark teen comedy |
| 2021 | American Horror Story: Double Feature | Mickey Roth | FX anthology |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Actor – Musical or Comedy | Home Alone | Nominated |
| 1991 | American Comedy Awards | Funniest Actor in a Motion Picture | Home Alone | Won |
| 2024 | Hollywood Walk of Fame | Motion Picture Star | Career | Honored |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$18 million (2026)
Residuals from Home Alone, voice work, streaming royalties, Bunny Ears merchandising, podcast sponsorships, and limited-edition collectibles contribute to Culkin's wealth. He invests in retro gaming startups and Los Angeles coffee shops.
Personal Life
Culkin lives in Los Angeles with Brenda Song and their sons Dakota and Carson. He values privacy, enjoys painting miniatures, and is an avid retro toy collector. Culkin maintains a close friendship with actor Seth Green and frequently guests on Green's projects.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
He supports Stand Up To Cancer, cystic fibrosis research, and child-actor mental-health initiatives. Culkin volunteers at animal shelters and donates to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Social Media Presence
- Twitter/Instagram: @IncredibleCulk shares tongue-in-cheek memes, Bunny Ears updates, and charity campaigns.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Culkin hosted Saturday Night Live at age 11, one of the youngest hosts ever.
- He once toured with the comedy rock band The Pizza Underground, handing out slices mid-show.
- Culkin voiced a parody Kevin in the Google Home holiday ad campaign (2018).
- He legally changed his middle name to "Macaulay Culkin" after a fan poll, making his full name Macaulay Macaulay Culkin Culkin.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
Culkin will appear in Hulu's Only Murders in the Building Season 4, produce the Max documentary Child Star State of Mind, and continue the Bunny Ears live podcast tour with stops in Chicago and New York. He is also launching a retro gaming barcade in downtown LA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Macaulay Culkin?
Macaulay Culkin is an American actor best known for playing Kevin McCallister in the Home Alone films and for his satirical projects like Bunny Ears.
What is Macaulay Culkin most famous for?
He is most famous for his early-1990s child-star success in Home Alone, My Girl, and Richie Rich.
Is Macaulay Culkin active on social media?
Yes. Culkin uses Twitter and Instagram to promote creative projects, podcasts, and philanthropy with an irreverent tone.