Macaulay Culkin
Macaulay Culkin was the “it kid” of the 90s. After playing Kevin McAllister on Home Alone, his career really took off. Today, he is a different person, and most people blame things that have happened in his life for his going down a dark path. Here are some things that you may not know about the child actor.
In His Genes
Macaulay was born on August 26, 1980, and many people believed that he was destined to be a star because entertaining was in his genes. His father, Kit, was a star on Broadway. His aunt, Bonnie Bedelia, was an actress. When Macaulay was very young, he learned how to captivate an audience. The entertaining gene was so strong that even his younger brother, Kieran Culkin had a flair for acting. Macaulay was just four-years-old when his career began. At such a young age, he had no way of knowing how tough life in Hollywood can be.
His Early Career
When Macaulay was younger, he played in theater productions. His first role on television was in the 80s drama, The Equalizer. After that, he had an uncredited role in the made-for-TV movie, The Midnight Hour. In this film, he played a trick or treater. He got his big break when he starred in the 1989 film, Uncle Buck.
Dad/Manager
Like most child stars, Macaulay’s parents were involved in his career. His father, Kit, was so involved that he even served as his son’s manager. According to Macaulay, his father was pretty tough on him. He had an extreme method for helping his son learn his lines. He would make him memorize the most complex monologues of a script. This helped him shine during all of his auditions.
The Ultimate Role
In 1990, Macaulay landed the most significant role of his career. He got the role of Kevin McCallister in the Christmas film, Home Alone. The role was written for Macaulay, and the writers used his personality to best showcase his talents. The budget for Home Alone was $18 million. The movie grossed over $476.7 million at the box office. To this day, it remains a huge hit.
Making History
Macaulay got the attention that he deserved after the premiere of Home Alone, and in 1991, he made history. He was cast in the film, My Girl, and was the first child actor ever to receive $1 million for a single film. Shortly after My Girl wrapped, Macaulay reprised his character from Home Alone, when he starred in Home Alone 2: Lost In New York. This film was very successful and grossed over $350 million on a $20 million budget.
Family Problems
As Macaulay’s career took off, his family started to fall apart. His father’s demands were too much for the young boy, and it was taking a toll on his parents’ relationship as well. To get through his family troubles, Macaulay threw himself into his acting. He was playing parts on TV and in movies, which was helping him to grow as an actor.
Michael Jackson
Macaulay Culkin opens up about what happened at Neverland Ranch, and he did so. Many times. Each time, Macaulay stands by the fact that nothing inappropriate ever happened between him and Michael Jackson. During Jackson’s trial, Macaulay stated that he never felt at risk or unsafe when he was alone with Jackson. He stood by his friend and his innocence. He continues to stick by Jackson even after death.
Marriage and a Long-Term Relationship
Macaulay grew up fast, and when he was just 18-years-old, he married actress, Rachel Miner. Sadly, the marriage ended in 2002. Shortly after his divorce, he started a long-term relationship with actress, Mila Kunis. The two spent many years together, and people thought that they would get married. In 2011, they shocked the world by announcing that they called it quits.
Arrests and a Band
In 2004, Macaulay was arrested with Xanax, Klonopin, and marijuana. In the end, he plead guilty, paid a fine, and received a one year suspended prison sentence. After his run-in with the law, Macaulay took a break from acting and focused on his band, The Pizza Underground. He still took small roles in TV and starred in theater productions. When his sister, Dakota, was hit by a car and killed at the age of 29, he struggled, but with the help of Mila and others, he got through it. Macaulay has lived a fascinating life, and it started before he began kindergarten. If you want to know more about Macaulay, you should read his autobiography. The book, Junior, was published in 2006, but it isn’t your typical autobiography. He calls it experimental and says that it offers some genuine glimpses into his career and his life with his family.
