Macaulay Culkin, the renowned star of the iconic film *Home Alone*, has shared that his children are completely unaware of their parents’ fame. In a recent appearance on the YouTube show *Hot Ones*, the 44-year-old actor discussed his desire for his sons, whom he shares with actress Brenda Song, to grow up without the pressures associated with celebrity status.
During the interview, Culkin explained that his boys have “no idea” that he and Song are well-known figures in the entertainment industry. He revealed, “They see momma on TV because when she’s not around I put on her TV show, *The Suite Life of Zack and Cody*.” He recounted a charming moment with his son, Dak, who expressed a desire to marry someone as pretty as Song’s character, London Tipton. Culkin noted, “They are thoroughly unimpressed that we’re on TV and stuff like that. I don’t want them to get mired by all that kind of stuff.”
Culkin emphasized that he is “not intending to raise a nepo baby,” referring to the colloquial term for children of celebrities who inherit advantages in the industry. His approach reflects a commitment to ensure that his children maintain a grounded perspective on fame.
Reflecting on a Hollywood Career
In the same interview, Culkin opened up about his early retirement from Hollywood in the late 1990s. He acknowledged that although he took a break from acting, he continued to read scripts during this time. However, he admitted that some opportunities “slipped through,” resulting in missed chances for a comeback.
He explained, “You have to understand, at least then, I was retired. For at least a big chunk of that. For at least like six or seven years of that.” During this hiatus, he attended high school and even married early, which contributed to his departure from the spotlight.
One particular regret that Culkin shared involved missing out on the lead role in Wes Anderson’s 1998 comedy *Rushmore*. The part ultimately went to Jason Schwartzman, and Culkin reflected on this lost opportunity with a sense of nostalgia. “I remember about two years later clearing out the house, throwing out the old scripts, and I saw the one that I didn’t read was *Rushmore*,” he recounted. “I was like ah dang. I probably could have done that one.”
Despite this, Culkin expressed admiration for Schwartzman’s performance and acknowledged that he could not envision anyone else in the role. His candid reflections provide insight into the complexities of navigating fame, personal choices, and the entertainment industry.
Culkin’s journey serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by child stars and their attempts to redefine their identities outside the confines of Hollywood. As he raises his children, the former child actor remains committed to ensuring they grow up with a sense of normalcy, free from the overwhelming expectations that often accompany fame.
