How Home Alone's Macaulay Culkin built a king-size empire. Here's what he earned from the blockbuster film

Every year during Christmas, we watch the cheeky blonde kid who outsmarted two burglars with homemade traps in our all-time favourite film, Home Alone. Do you remember that kid? He is none other than Macaulay Culkin, who went on to become one of Hollywood’s most successful former child stars, not just on screen, but financially as well. Today, Culkin has a king-size fortune and he built most of that before he even turned 15.

So how did he do it? Let’s break it down.

Macaulay Culkin started acting before most kids could even read. He was performing in local theatre and doing TV roles by the time he was five. His first big paycheck came in 1989 for Uncle Buck, where he reportedly earned a huge sum of amount and stole scenes from comedy legend John Candy.

Then came 1990. Culkin landed the lead role in Home Alone, which became a global box office sensation. But that was just the beginning.

When Home Alone 2: Lost in New York was released in 1992, Culkin’s salary jumped to a staggering $4.5 million (Rs 394,774,875). The sequel was another blockbuster, and Culkin was now one of the highest-paid child actors in the world.

Recently, when Hot Ones host Sean Evans asked him that what makes Home Alon 2 better than the first one. Dismissing all the rumours, Macaulay Culkin replied with a smile, "I got paid more." He added, "I think I own 5 percent of the net, and also 15 percent of the merchandising. So if you buy a Talkboy, I’m like, ‘Yeah, I’ll take 15 percent of that, thank you very much!’"

Between 1989 and 1994, he starred in a string of successful movies like Richie Rich, The Good Son, and Getting Even with Dad.

Despite all that money, Culkin didn’t have full access to his fortune until he turned 18. His parents managed his career, and his bank account, during his early years. But when he became an adult, Culkin took legal steps to remove his parents as financial guardians and appointed a professional to manage his trust.

Stepping away from spotlight


At just 14, Culkin decided to step back from Hollywood. Burned out from fame, he took a break from acting to focus on living a normal life. That decision may have saved his mental health, and his money.

In recent years, Culkin has quietly grown his fortune through smart business moves. He founded Bunny Ears, a satirical lifestyle brand that pokes fun at celebrity wellness culture. He’s also made savvy real estate investments, including a home in Toluca Lake, California, with partner Brenda Song.

The renowned actor's self-aware humour and low-key lifestyle have kept him relatable. In fact, he once changed his legal name to Macaulay Macaulay Culkin Culkin as a joke voted on by fans, proving he doesn’t take himself too seriously.