Macaulay Culkin Net Worth, Age, Career, Relationship & More!

Macaulay Culkin, now 44 years old, has an estimated net worth of $18 million in 2025. Best known as Kevin McCallister from Home Alone, Culkin was once the highest-paid child actor in Hollywood. But unlike many childhood stars, Mac didn’t spiral into financial ruin or fade completely from the public eye. Instead, he walked away from the limelight on his own terms and built a quiet but steady life — with money in the bank and creative freedom in hand.

How Much Did Macaulay Culkin Earn From His Biggest Movies?

Culkin’s early acting career was a financial whirlwind. After earning just $40,000 for his role in Uncle Buck in 1989, he became a household name with Home Alone in 1990, earning $100,000 for the holiday classic. That number skyrocketed as his fame grew:

• 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

Total earnings between 1989 and 1994: $23.5 million, which is worth more than $40 million today, adjusted for inflation. Not bad for a kid under 15.

Why Did Macaulay Culkin Take a Break from Acting?

At the peak of his success in the early ‘90s, Culkin was one of the most powerful young actors in Hollywood. But after a string of less successful movies in 1994, he decided to take a break. He left Hollywood, enrolled in a private high school in New York City, and took some much-needed time away from the spotlight.

The pressure of early fame, paired with a rocky relationship with his father and former manager, played a major role in his decision to walk away. Instead of chasing more roles, he focused on personal growth and creative independence — a decision that may have saved him from the fate of many former child stars.

What’s Macaulay Culkin Doing Now?

While Culkin never returned to full-time mainstream acting, he’s stayed creatively active. He’s appeared in indie films like Party Monster (2003), Saved! (2004), and Changeland (2019). He also lent his voice to the animated show Robot Chicken and appeared in season 10 of American Horror Story in 2021.

He’s also the founder and CEO of “Bunny Ears”, a satirical pop culture site and podcast — think of it as a parody of Gwyneth Paltrow’s “Goop,” but funnier and weirder.

In 2018, Culkin made headlines again when he starred in a Google Assistant commercial, recreating classic Home Alone scenes as an adult. He was reportedly paid $1 million for the ad — proof that Kevin McCallister is still cashing in.

Is Macaulay Culkin Still Making Money from “Home Alone”?

Yes — and no. While Culkin made a flat salary for Home Alone, he likely does not receive major royalties from the original films. However, he still benefits from his association with the franchise, which has helped land him deals like the Google ad and ongoing merchandise and licensing opportunities.

In short, Home Alone isn’t making him millions every Christmas, but it still helps keep the checks coming in.

What Is Macaulay Culkin’s Real Estate Portfolio Like?

Culkin has made some smart moves in real estate. In 1999, he bought a $1.73 million loft in New York City, which he listed for $7.75 million in January 2025 — a serious profit.

In August 2022, he and partner Brenda Song purchased Kiefer Sutherland’s former Toluca Lake estate in Los Angeles for $8 million. The 4,800-square-foot home comes with five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a putting green, a swimming pool, and plenty of privacy.

They also sold their smaller LA home for $3.25 million, showing they’re not just buying for comfort — they’re buying with smart investments in mind.

What’s His Relationship Status?

Culkin has been in a relationship with actress Brenda Song since 2017. The couple met while filming Changeland and have since welcomed two children: son Dakota (born in 2021, named after Mac’s late sister), and a second child in December 2022. The family keeps a low profile but occasionally shares glimpses of their life together — and they’re beloved by fans for their sweet, down-to-earth vibe.

Before Brenda, Culkin was married to actress Rachel Miner from 1998 to 2002 and later dated Mila Kunis for nearly a decade before they split amicably in 2011.

How Does Macaulay Culkin Spend His Money?

Unlike many celebs, Culkin lives relatively modestly — especially considering his early fame. He’s not into flashy cars, extravagant trips, or over-the-top fashion. His biggest expenses seem to be real estate and his creative projects.

He’s also known for being generous with friends and collaborators. He’s produced videos, podcasts, and even launched The Pizza Underground — a pizza-themed comedy rock band — just because it made him laugh. The band dissolved in 2016, but it was another quirky and charming chapter in his post-fame life.

What’s Next for Macaulay Culkin?

After years of stepping away from the industry, Mac is slowly making more public appearances — and people are loving it. In 2023, he was honored with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, and his speech, featuring Brenda Song and friend Catherine O’Hara (his Home Alone mom), was a viral moment.

With his newfound comfort in the spotlight, there’s buzz around more acting roles, more Bunny Ears content, and potentially more voice acting and creative production work.