Macaulay Culkin Net Worth

Macaulay Culkin’s Net Worth: From Child Star to Modern Icon

Macaulay Culkin, the name that defined a generation’s childhood, has captivated audiences for decades. From his breakout role in “Home Alone” to his more recent ventures, Culkin’s career has been a fascinating journey. This article delves into Macaulay Culkin’s net worth, salary, career earnings, and the key moments that have shaped his life in the spotlight. We’ll explore his early beginnings, the peak of his fame, his career transitions, and his life today.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born Macaulay Carson Culkin on August 26, 1980, in New York City, Macaulay Culkin entered the entertainment world at a young age. His father, Christopher Culkin, a former Broadway actor, and his mother, Patricia Brentrup, nurtured his early interest in performing. Starting at the age of four, Culkin began his career in small theater productions and made-for-TV movies. He gained experience with small television and film roles, paving the way for his breakthrough roles. He attended St. Joseph’s School of Yorkville for five years before going to the Professional Children’s School. His sibling, Kieran Culkin, is also a successful actor.

One of his memorable early performances was alongside John Candy in the 1989 film “Uncle Buck”, directed by John Hughes. This initial taste of the industry set the stage for the extraordinary success that followed. Culkin’s early experiences provided the foundation for his future stardom, demonstrating his natural ability to connect with audiences.

Home Alone and Global Stardom

Macaulay Culkin’s career took a dramatic turn in 1990 when he was cast as Kevin McCallister in John Hughes’s “Home Alone.” The film was a massive success, turning Culkin into a global superstar overnight. He received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor and won both an American Comedy Award and a Young Artist Award for his performance. Culkin’s portrayal of Kevin McCallister, a resourceful and quick-witted child, resonated with audiences worldwide, making “Home Alone” a holiday classic that continues to be loved.

Following the success of “Home Alone,” Culkin hosted “Saturday Night Live” and appeared in Michael Jackson’s “Black or White” music video. His star continued to rise with roles in “My Girl” (1991) alongside Anna Chlumsky. In 1992, he reprised his role as Kevin in “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” which further solidified his status as a major box-office draw. These projects cemented his place in pop culture history, making him one of the most recognizable faces of the 1990s.

Salary and Earnings Per Movie

Culkin’s salary soared during his peak years, reflecting his immense popularity. Here’s a breakdown of his earnings for some of his most significant films:

• 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, Macaulay Culkin earned a total of $23.5 million. Adjusted for inflation, this is comparable to approximately $40 million today.

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Post-Home Alone Career and Hiatus

After the peak success of the “Home Alone” films, Culkin took a break from acting in the late 1990s. He returned to acting in 1998, appearing in a music video for Sonic Youth’s “Sunday.” He also took a role in the play “Madame Melville” in London’s West End. Culkin’s return to film included roles in “Party Monster” (2003), where he portrayed drug user Michael Alig, and “Saved!” (2004), where he received positive reviews for his performance. He also contributed voice work to Seth Green’s animated series “Robot Chicken.”

In 2006, he released a semi-autobiographical novel, “Junior,” which explored his experiences with stardom and his relationship with his father. Later projects included the dark comedy “Sex and Breakfast” (2007) and a role in the NBC series “Kings” (2009). In 2011, he appeared in Adam Green’s experimental film “The Wrong Ferarri,” which was shot entirely on an iPhone.

Recent Work and Ventures

Culkin’s career has continued to evolve, with appearances in various projects. In 2013, he gained attention for a viral video of himself eating pizza, which served as a promotional stunt for his pizza-themed comedy rock band, The Pizza Underground. The band toured, but they had a somewhat turbulent run, and they disbanded in 2016. He has also appeared in TV ads, including a notable 2018 commercial for Google Assistant where he reprised his “Home Alone” role. He was paid $1 million for the Google Ad commercial. In 2019, Culkin appeared in Seth Green’s film “Changeland,” and in February 2020, it was announced that he would join the cast of the tenth season of “American Horror Story.” Culkin also runs “Bunny Ears,” a satirical pop culture website and podcast, which is a parody of “Goop.”

Personal Life and Real Estate

Culkin’s personal life has also been a subject of public interest. He was previously engaged to Mila Kunis and was married to actress Rachel Miner from 1998 to 2002. Since 2017, he has been in a relationship with Brenda Song, his “Changeland” co-star. The couple welcomed their first child, Dakota, on April 5, 2021, named after Culkin’s sister who died in 2008, and a second child in December 2022.

In terms of real estate, Macaulay Culkin owns apartments in New York City and Paris. In August 2022, he and Brenda Song purchased Kiefer Sutherland’s home in the Toluca Lake area of Los Angeles for $8 million, which is a 4,879-square-foot home with five bedrooms and six bathrooms, and a .6-acre property featuring a swimming pool, a putting green, and a terrace with a fireplace and pergola. This purchase coincided with the couple selling their single-story build in Los Angeles after listing it for $3.25 million.

Macaulay Culkin’s Net Worth Today

Macaulay Culkin’s net worth today is estimated to be $18 million. His earnings from his acting career, investments, and other ventures have contributed to his financial success. Despite the ups and downs of his career, Culkin has maintained a strong presence in the entertainment industry and continues to be a recognizable and beloved figure.

His ability to reinvent himself and adapt to the changing landscape of the entertainment industry has kept him relevant and successful.