Macaulay Culkin, now 44 years old, remains one of Hollywood’s most iconic child stars. Best remembered for his legendary role as Kevin McCallister in the Home Alone franchise, Culkin turned childhood stardom into a lasting legacy—and a substantial bank account. As of 2025, Macaulay Culkin’s net worth is estimated at $18 million, a figure driven largely by his early blockbuster earnings, smart financial decisions, and ongoing royalties.
The Breakout Role That Changed Everything
Culkin began acting at the age of four, appearing in stage productions and TV roles. His breakout came in 1990 when he starred in Home Alone, a holiday comedy that became a global phenomenon. Although Culkin earned just $100,000 for the first film, the box office success was unprecedented. Home Alone grossed more than $470 million worldwide, a figure that would exceed $1 billion today when adjusted for inflation.
While his initial paycheck was modest, the film’s success transformed Culkin into an overnight sensation and significantly boosted his negotiating power for future roles.
Culkin’s Massive Payday From Home Alone 2
By the time Home Alone 2: Lost in New York hit theaters in 1992, Culkin was one of the most in-demand young actors in Hollywood. He negotiated a base salary of $4.5 million, a 45-fold increase from the first film. But the real surprise was the bonus clause in his contract—a 5% share of the film’s box office gross.
The sequel earned $359 million globally, which translated into an additional $18 million payout for Culkin. In total, he earned approximately $23 million from Home Alone 2, making it one of the most lucrative deals ever signed by a child actor at the time.
Total Career Earnings From Childhood Roles
Between 1989 and 1994, Culkin starred in a string of box office hits. Some of his other notable film salaries include:
- Uncle Buck (1989): $40,000
- My Girl (1991): $1 million
- The Good Son (1993): $1.5 million
- Getting Even with Dad (1994): $8 million
- Richie Rich (1994): $8 million
In just five years, Culkin earned an estimated $23.5 million in base salaries alone. Adjusted for inflation, that’s equivalent to around $40 million today.
He was, without question, one of the highest-paid child actors in film history.
Royalties That Keep Coming
While most actors’ earnings stop once the film finishes its theatrical run, Culkin’s fortune continues to grow thanks to ongoing royalty payments from Home Alone. The film has become a global holiday classic, airing annually across networks and streaming platforms.
As part of his deal, Culkin continues to receive millions in residuals and licensing royalties, particularly during the Christmas season when the film sees a massive spike in viewership. These recurring earnings help sustain his net worth even as he’s taken fewer acting jobs in adulthood.
Life Beyond the Spotlight
After peaking at the top of the Hollywood food chain, Culkin stepped away from acting in the late ’90s, citing a desire for normalcy. He enrolled in high school in New York and spent several years living a low-key life out of the public eye.
In the early 2000s, he returned to the screen in smaller projects like Party Monster and Saved!, both of which earned critical praise. He also did voice work on “Robot Chicken”, and experimented with creative projects including The Pizza Underground, a parody band that reimagined Velvet Underground songs with pizza-themed lyrics.
Despite his lower profile in recent years, Culkin has stayed active in entertainment and online media. He’s the founder of Bunny Ears, a satirical lifestyle blog and podcast, and continues to appear in ad campaigns—most notably the 2018 Google Assistant commercial, where he reprised his role as Kevin McCallister. That ad alone earned him $1 million for a single day’s work.
Personal Life and Family
Culkin was briefly married to actress Rachel Miner from 1998 to 2002. He later had a long-term relationship with Mila Kunis, before settling down with actress Brenda Song, his co-star in the 2019 film Changeland.
The couple welcomed their first child, Dakota Song Culkin, in April 2021, naming him after Culkin’s late sister. Their second child was born in December 2022, although they have kept details of their private life closely guarded.
The family splits their time between Los Angeles and New York, where they maintain a relatively quiet lifestyle.
Real Estate Holdings
Culkin has made smart moves in the real estate market as well. In 1999, he purchased a loft in New York City for $1.73 million, which he sold in January 2025 for $7.75 million—a solid profit that contributed to his current net worth.
In 2022, he and Brenda Song purchased Kiefer Sutherland’s home in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles, for $8 million. The 4,879-square-foot home includes a pool, putting green, and spacious outdoor entertaining area. The couple simultaneously sold their previous LA property for $3.25 million.
Final Thoughts
Though he no longer dominates the box office, Macaulay Culkin’s legacy and financial success are set in stone. His savvy contracts from the Home Alone franchise—especially the rare back-end percentage deal on the sequel—ensured that he would remain wealthy well into adulthood.
With a net worth of $18 million in 2025, recurring royalties, and investments in real estate, Culkin stands as one of the most successful former child actors of all time—not just for what he earned, but for how he managed to grow and preserve it.