Overview

Macaulay Carson Culkin, born on August 26, 1980, is an American actor and musician. He rose to prominence as a child actor, achieving international fame for his role as Kevin McCallister in the ‘Home Alone’ films during the early 1990s. His performance in ‘Home Alone’ earned him a Golden Globe nomination and solidified his status as one of the most successful child actors of his generation. Besides the ‘Home Alone’ franchise, Culkin starred in other notable films such as ‘My Girl,’ ‘The Good Son,’ and ‘Richie Rich.’ After taking a break from acting, Culkin returned to the screen in the early 2000s with roles in ‘Party Monster’ and ‘Saved!’ He has since appeared in independent films, television shows like ‘American Horror Story,’ and has lent his voice to animated series. Beyond acting, Culkin has explored music as a member of the comedy rock band The Pizza Underground and has created a satirical website and podcast called Bunny Ears. He was one of the highest paid child actors during the early 1990s.

What Is Macaulay Culkin’s Net Worth

Macaulay Culkin, the celebrated American actor, boasts a net worth of $18 million as of March 2025. His wealth primarily stems from his successful acting career, particularly his iconic roles in several blockbuster films during the 1990s. These roles not only cemented his status as a household name but also positioned him as one of the highest-paid child actors in the entertainment industry.

Macaulay Culkin’s Salary Highlights from Film Roles

Culkin’s journey to financial success began with smaller roles that gradually increased in value as his popularity soared. His early film appearances laid the groundwork for the substantial earnings he would later command.

Early Roles and Breakthrough: In 1989, Macaulay Culkin received $40,000 for his role in “Uncle Buck.” A year later, his career skyrocketed with “Home Alone,” earning him $100,000. This role catapulted him into stardom and set the stage for significant financial gains over the next four years.

Peak Earnings in the Early 1990s: Following the success of “Home Alone,” Culkin’s salary increased substantially. In 1991, he earned $1 million for his role in “My Girl.” By 1992, his salary reached $4.5 million for “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.” Although he took a pay cut for “The Good Son” in 1993, earning $1.5 million, his earning power continued to grow.

Earning Power at Its Peak: 1994 marked the peak of Culkin’s earning power. He earned $8 million each for “Getting Even with Dad” and “Ri¢hie Ri¢h.”

Total Earnings from 1989 to 1994: From 1989 to 1994, Culkin earned a total of $23.5 million from these seven films. Adjusted for inflation, this amount is equivalent to approximately $40 million today.

Specific Movie Salaries:

  • “Uncle Buck” (1989): $40,000
  • “Home Alone” (1990): $100,000
  • “My Girl” (1991): $1 million
  • “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” (1992): $4.5 million
  • “The Good Son” (1993): $1.5 million
  • “Getting Even with Dad” (1994): $8 million
  • “Ri¢hie Ri¢h” (1994): $8 million

Later Career Ventures:

Culkin’s career experienced a shift after his initial period of high-profile roles. While he took a break from acting, he has returned to the screen in various film and television projects, including independent films.

  • 1998: Appeared in Sonic Youth’s “Sunday” music video.
  • 2000: Acted in the play “Madame Melville” in London’s West End.
  • 2003: Took a role in “Party Monster”.
  • 2004: Supporting role in “Saved!”.
  • 2006: Published “Junior,” a semi-autobiographical novel.
  • 2007: Starred in “Sex and Breakfast.”
  • 2011: Appeared in Adam Green’s experimental film “The Wrong Ferarri.”
  • 2013: Co-produced and directed a viral cheese pizza video.
  • 2016: The Pizza Underground disbanded.
  • 2019: Appeared in Seth Green’s “Changeland.”
  • 2020: Cast in “American Horror Story” Season 10.

Macaulay Culkin’s Real Estate Holdings

Culkin’s real estate portfolio includes properties in New York City and Paris. These investments reflect his financial acumen and provide insight into his lifestyle and preferences.

New York City Loft: In 1999, Culkin purchased a three-bedroom, two-bathroom loft in New York City for $1.73 million. He sold this property in January 2025 for $7.75 million, realizing a significant profit on the investment. This sale demonstrates his ability to capitalize on real estate opportunities and generate substantial returns.

Toluca Lake Home Purchase: In August 2022, Macaulay Culkin and Brenda Song acquired Kiefer Sutherland’s home in the Toluca Lake area of Los Angeles for $8 million. This 4,879-square-foot home, built in 1935, features five bedrooms and six bathrooms. The 0.6-acre property includes a swimming pool, a putting green, and a terrace with a fireplace and pergola. This purchase coincided with the sale of their single-story home in Los Angeles, which was listed for $3.25 million.

Additional Ventures and Earnings

Beyond acting, Culkin has diversified his income streams through various ventures. These activities include web content creation, podcasting, and television commercials, adding to his overall net worth.

Google Assistant Commercial: In 2018, Culkin reprised his role as Kevin from “Home Alone” in a Google Assistant commercial. He was paid $1 million for this appearance. This commercial was a notable part of Macaulay Culkin’s Net Worth, as it allowed him to reconnect with his iconic role while earning a substantial fee.

Bunny Ears: Culkin is the publisher and CEO of “Bunny Ears,” a satirical pop culture website and podcast. While specific revenue figures for this venture are not publicly available, it contributes to his overall income.

Other Ventures: His involvements in web content creation and podcasting shows his ability to adapt to the digital age and explore new forms of media.

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