The Life And Career Of Macaulay Culkin: From Child Star To Adult Icon

Macaulay Culkin, born on August 26, 1980, in New York City, is a name that resonates with many, particularly those who grew up in the late 80s and early 90s. Known for his iconic role in Home Alone, Culkin's journey in the entertainment industry is both fascinating and complex. Despite his immense success as a child actor, his path has been marked by challenges and transformations that have shaped him into the person he is today.

Who Is Macaulay Culkin?

Although Macaulay Culkin made his feature screen debut in 1988's Rocket Gibraltar, it was his role in 1989's comedic hit Uncle Buck that made him Hollywood's favorite child actor. His stardom hit meteoric proportions the following year when he starred in the wildly successful slapstick comedy Home Alone. After 1991's My Girl, Culkin's star status faded, although he continues to act.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Macaulay Carson Culkin
• Born: August 26, 1980
• Birthplace: New York, New York
• Spouse: Rachel Miner (1998-2000)
• Children: 2
• Astrological Sign: Virgo

Early Life

Macaulay Carson Culkin was born on August 26, 1980, in New York City. The third of seven children, Culkin was drawn to the limelight from a young age. He performed in his first play Off-Broadway at age four. Culkin studied the performing arts extensively as a child, including training at Balanchine's School of the American Ballet, and appeared in numerous television commercials.

Child Actor: Home Alone Superstardom

Culkin made his feature screen debut in 1988's Rocket Gibraltar, but it was his charming turn as John Candy's precocious nephew in 1989's comedic hit Uncle Buck that made him Hollywood's favorite child actor. His stardom hit meteoric proportions the following year when he starred in the wildly successful holiday comedy Home Alone. The film was the highest-grossing film of the year and spawned a slightly less successful sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York in 1992.

In 1991, Macaulay Culkin impressed audiences and critics with his heartfelt and endearing performance as the best friend of a troubled young girl in the tear-jerker My Girl. Subsequent films, including 1993's The Good Son and 1994's Richie Rich, were underwhelming and emphasized Culkin's waning popularity.

Throughout his career, Culkin's father, Kit, was his manager. In the early 1990s, rumors began to surface that accused Kit of mismanagement. In 1995, Culkin's parents began a custody battle over their children and Macaulay's fortune. His mother eventually won custody.

Later Films and Friendship With Michael Jackson

In 2003, after a relatively long absence from the public eye, Culkin starred in Party Monster, a true story about the rise and fall of a club promoter. Other films include 2004's Saved! and 2007's Sex and Breakfast.

In September 2004, Culkin was arrested in Oklahoma for possession of 17.3 grams of marijuana and two other controlled substances for which he had no prescription. He was given a one-year deferred sentence on each charge and assessed $540 in court costs.

In 2005, Culkin defended Michael Jackson at the pop star's molestation trial. He called the allegations against Jackson "absolutely ridiculous." Culkin met Jackson in the early 1990s, after he had reached stardom with Home Alone and spent time at the Neverland Ranch. He also starred in Jackson's "Black or White" music video. The stars became such good friends that Culkin is godfather to Jackson's eldest two children Prince Michael Jr. and Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson.

The Pizza Underground

In 2013, Culkin debuted his comedy rock band The Pizza Underground, which parodied songs by The Velvet Underground using pizza-themed lyrics and song titles. In 2016, he announced that the band had dissolved.

Personal Life

Culkin married actress Rachel Miner in 1998 when he was 18. The couple separated in 2000. Culkin began dating actress Mila Kunis in 2002. After quietly dating for more than eight years, Kunis and Culkin announced their split in early 2011. Culkin is currently dating former Disney actress Brenda Song, whom he met while filming the 2018 movie Changeland, directed by Seth Green. The pair welcomed son Dakota Song Culkin in April 2021.

While appearing on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast in August 2018, Culkin revealed that he had turned down the opportunity to star in the hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory as the show was being created. "I'd have hundreds of millions of dollars right now if I did that gig," he said, adding, "At the same time, I'd be bashing my head against the wall."

Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn’t look right, contact us!

The Biography.com staff is a team of people-obsessed and news-hungry editors with decades of collective experience. We have worked as daily newspaper reporters, major national magazine editors, and as editors-in-chief of regional media publications. Among our ranks are book authors and award-winning journalists. Our staff also works with freelance writers, researchers, and other contributors to produce the smart, compelling profiles and articles you see on our site. To meet the team, visit our About Us page.