Macaulay Culkin at 44: A journey from child star to a family man

Macaulay Culkin celebrates his 44th birthday. The actor best known for being Kevin in "Home Alone" is in a relationship with Brenda Song. At the end of 2022, the couple welcomed another son. The actor has turned his life around and is happy.

Macaulay Culkin was born in New York City on August 26, 1980. He debuted at four and quickly became one of the most famous child stars. His roles in movie hits like "Home Alone" and "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" brought him fame and recognition. Unfortunately, he paid a high price for his popularity, falling into bad company and substance abuse.

Culkin's career was derailed due to traumatic childhood experiences, which he spoke about later in life. He had six siblings, and his father was a sacristan. As a child, Macaulay performed on Broadway.

- He was a bad man. He was abusive, physically and mentally — I can show you all my scars if I wanted to - said Culkin about his father.

His father treated him as a way to make money. The actor recounted how he never asked him if he wanted to play in something or what he thought about a script.

Macaulay Culkin decided to quit acting. He cut ties with his parents and fell into bad company, struggling with drug addiction for many years.

Currently, Culkin is in a relationship with Brenda Song. In 2021, Brenda gave birth to a son they named Dakota in honor of Culkin's deceased sister. In December 2022, they welcomed another son, Carson.

Macaulay Culkin and Brenda Song have protected their privacy from the beginning of their relationship.

- You are absolutely everything, you're my champion. You're the only person happier for me today than I am. You're not only the best woman I've ever known, you're the best person I've ever known. You've given me just all my purpose. You've given me family - he said about Brenda at the unveiling of his star on the Walk of Fame in December 2023.

Alongside Macaulay in "Home Alone" was his younger brother, Kieran Culkin. At the time, he was six years old and played the character of Fuller McCallister, Kevin's cousin. Seeing his brother's traumatic experiences, Kieran avoided the spotlight.

He worked on his acting skills and stayed away from the limelight. In early 2024, Kieran Culkin won an Emmy Award for Best Male Lead in a Drama Series for his role in "Succession."