At 44 years old, Macaulay Culkin remains one of the most iconic child actors of all time—and as of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $18 million. From his unforgettable role as Kevin McCallister in Home Alone to a life mostly outside of Hollywood, Culkin has carved out a career—and life—that’s anything but ordinary. So how did he earn his fortune, and what’s he been up to since those childhood blockbusters?
How Much Did Macaulay Culkin Make from His Movies?
Between 1989 and 1994, Macaulay Culkin was among the highest-paid actors in Hollywood, not just among child stars, but across the board. Here’s how his earnings stacked up during that golden era:
- Uncle Buck (1989): $40,000
- Home Alone (1990): $100,000
- My Girl (1991): $1 million
- Home Alone 2 (1992): $4.5 million
- The Good Son (1993): $1.5 million
- Getting Even with Dad (1994): $8 million
- Richie Rich (1994): $8 million
That’s a total of $23.5 million earned by age 14—equivalent to around $40 million today when adjusted for inflation.
Not bad for a kid who once booby-trapped his house with paint cans and toy cars.
Why Did Macaulay Culkin Step Away from Hollywood?
After dominating the early ’90s box office, Culkin made a surprising move—he walked away from acting. By the mid-90s, he took a break from Hollywood to enjoy a more normal teenage life. He attended high school in New York and focused on his own interests.
In interviews and podcast appearances, Culkin has been clear: he was never forced out of acting—he simply chose to step away from the intense spotlight and expectations. And frankly, it’s a move that may have saved him from the struggles many former child stars face.
What Did Macaulay Culkin Do After His Acting Hiatus?
After nearly a decade out of the spotlight, Culkin returned in the early 2000s with indie and experimental projects that showed a different side of him:
- Party Monster (2003): A dark biopic where he played convicted club promoter Michael Alig.
- Saved! (2004): A satirical dramedy that earned Culkin critical praise.
- Sex and Breakfast (2007): An edgy, indie drama.
- Kings (2009): A short-lived NBC series.
He also voiced characters in Robot Chicken, launched a satirical website called Bunny Ears, and became part of the pizza-themed comedy band The Pizza Underground (yes, really).
In 2018, Culkin starred in a viral Google Assistant ad, reprising his Home Alone role as a grown-up Kevin. That commercial reportedly earned him $1 million.
What Is Culkin Doing in 2025?
After his successful return to acting in the 2010s, Culkin continues to stay active in the entertainment industry—but on his own terms. In 2021, he joined the cast of American Horror Story: Double Feature, earning positive reviews and reintroducing himself to a new generation of viewers.
He also appeared in Seth Green’s film Changeland, and he’s been involved in creating online content through Bunny Ears, where he serves as both CEO and podcast host.
Unlike many stars from his era, Culkin isn’t chasing mainstream fame—he’s choosing roles and projects that align with his quirky, independent spirit.
What’s Macaulay Culkin’s Personal Life Like?
Culkin has long kept his personal life relatively private, but we do know a few details. He was previously married to actress Rachel Miner in the late ‘90s, and later dated Mila Kunis for nearly a decade.
Since 2017, he’s been in a relationship with actress Brenda Song, his Changeland co-star. The couple welcomed their first son, Dakota, in April 2021—named in honor of Macaulay’s late sister. Their second child was born in December 2022, further cementing Culkin’s transition from child star to proud dad.
Does Macaulay Culkin Own Real Estate?
Absolutely—and he’s made some smart moves. In 1999, Culkin bought a New York City loft for $1.73 million. In January 2025, he listed it for $7.75 million, suggesting a solid return on investment.
In August 2022, Culkin and Song bought a new home in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles, previously owned by Kiefer Sutherland, for $8 million. The 4,800-square-foot estate includes five bedrooms, a pool, putting green, and a beautiful terrace. That purchase followed the sale of their previous LA home, which they listed for $3.25 million.
How Has Macaulay Culkin Maintained His $18 Million Net Worth?
Culkin’s net worth today reflects a combination of past blockbuster earnings, smart real estate deals, and carefully chosen recent projects. While he hasn’t been a full-time actor for decades, his early success left him with the financial freedom to live life on his own terms.
He also avoids overspending, lives relatively low-key, and hasn’t fallen into the trappings of fame—despite being one of the most famous faces of the ’90s.
From child megastar to fiercely independent adult, Macaulay Culkin’s $18 million net worth is the product of early success, wise decisions, and a refreshingly grounded outlook on life. He may have left the spotlight behind, but his legacy—and those Home Alone booby traps—are as iconic as ever.
