Macaulay Culkin, now 44 years old, remains one of the most iconic child stars in Hollywood history. Best known for his unforgettable role as Kevin McCallister in Home Alone, Culkin turned childhood fame into a multi-million-dollar fortune. As of 2025, Macaulay Culkin’s net worth is estimated at $18 million, built through blockbuster salaries, selective film roles, real estate investments, and entrepreneurial ventures.
From Child Actor to Cultural Icon
Born on August 26, 1980, in New York City, Culkin began performing at the age of four, landing roles in theater productions and small-screen projects. His breakout came in 1989 with Uncle Buck, where he starred alongside the legendary John Candy. That performance led directly to his casting in Home Alone (1990), a global phenomenon that grossed nearly $500 million and made Culkin a household name at just 10 years old.
Following Home Alone, Culkin’s rapid rise saw him become the highest-paid child actor of his generation. Between 1990 and 1994, he starred in a series of major films including My Girl, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, The Good Son, Getting Even with Dad, and Richie Rich.
Salary and Career Earnings
Culkin’s film paychecks grew exponentially in just a few years. For Uncle Buck, he earned $40,000. His Home Alone salary was $100,000, but by Home Alone 2, he was commanding $4.5 million. That payday was followed by $1 million for My Girl, $1.5 million for The Good Son, and a massive $8 million each for Getting Even with Dad and Richie Rich in 1994.
Between 1989 and 1994, Culkin earned $23.5 million from just seven films — equivalent to over $40 million today when adjusted for inflation. That figure doesn’t include revenue from commercials, merchandise, or later appearances.
In 2018, he returned to the Home Alone universe in a nostalgic Google Assistant commercial that paid him $1 million for a single shoot, once again proving his lasting commercial appeal.
Step Back and Re-Emergence
After a whirlwind early career, Culkin stepped away from the spotlight in 1994. He took time to attend high school and focus on a more private life. He returned to acting in the early 2000s with riskier, more experimental roles. His performance as Michael Alig in Party Monster (2003) and the indie hit Saved! (2004) earned him critical praise and reestablished him as a serious adult actor.
Culkin also became involved in creative projects outside traditional film. In 2006, he published a semi-autobiographical novel, Junior, exploring themes of childhood stardom and family tension. He lent his voice to Robot Chicken, collaborated with indie filmmakers, and became known for unique side ventures — including forming a pizza-themed comedy rock band, The Pizza Underground, which disbanded in 2016 after a tumultuous tour.
In recent years, Culkin returned to mainstream television with a role in American Horror Story: Double Feature (2021), showing audiences he still had the charisma and presence that once made him the face of a generation.
Business and Media Endeavors
Beyond acting, Culkin has quietly built a media brand. He is the founder and CEO of Bunny Ears, a satirical pop culture site and podcast parodying lifestyle brands like Goop. The site has built a niche following, combining Culkin’s quirky humor with commentary on celebrity culture.
His ability to transition from actor to entrepreneur has helped him maintain a steady income stream, even during years when he wasn’t active in film or television.
Personal Life and Family
Culkin has always been selective about what he shares publicly. He was married to actress Rachel Miner from 1998 to 2002. He later had a long-term relationship with actress Mila Kunis. Since 2017, he has been in a relationship with Changeland co-star Brenda Song.
The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Dakota, in April 2021. The name honors Culkin’s late sister, Dakota, who tragically passed away in 2008. Their second child arrived in December 2022, though they’ve kept details of the baby private, in line with Culkin’s desire to shield his family from public scrutiny.
Real Estate and Investments
Culkin’s net worth is also supported by shrewd real estate investments. In 1999, he purchased a full-floor loft in New York City for $1.73 million. That property was listed for $7.75 million in January 2025, showcasing a substantial appreciation in value over 25 years.
In 2022, he and Brenda Song bought a historic home in the Toluca Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles. The $8 million estate, previously owned by Kiefer Sutherland, features five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a pool, putting green, and expansive outdoor space. The purchase coincided with them selling their former LA residence for $3.25 million.
Legacy and Life Today
Though Culkin never returned to the A-list status he once held as a child, he’s achieved something arguably more valuable — balance. He continues to take on roles that interest him, avoids the tabloids, and spends time raising his family. He has the financial freedom to live on his terms and the rare distinction of having survived child stardom with his sense of humor and privacy intact.
With $18 million in the bank, a growing family, and creative freedom, Macaulay Culkin’s real success is in how he’s rewritten the script for former child stars.
