How Much Did Macaulay Culkin Earn from Home Alone?
How Much Did Macaulay Culkin Earn from Home Alone?
Christmas has arrived, and just like that, memories of Home Alone and Macaulay Culkin’s unforgettable role as Kevin McCallister come rushing back. Culkin’s performance in the Chris Columbus comedy series turned him into a pop culture legend and made him the highest-paid child actor of his time.
Back then, Culkin was such a big deal that when his family chose to push back the filming of The Good Son by nine months, 20th Century Fox didn’t even bat an eye. Joe Roth, who was the chairman of the studio at the time, mentioned to The New York Times in 1991.
“There are no 11-year-old kids that sell tickets like Macaulay. To get the kid in a lead part, that’s a great asset.”
Culkin kicked off his career when he was just four, showing up in theater shows and TV movies. His big break happened with John Hughes' Uncle Buck, where he shared the screen with the late John Candy. The following year, he became a household name as Kevin McCallister in Home Alone, a role that solidified his place in Hollywood.
After that, he took on a bunch of notable projects, like the emotional My Girl, the fun live-action flick Richie Rich, and the intense psychological thriller The Good Son.
Macaulay Culkin formed a tight bond with Michael Jackson, even featuring in the "Black or White" music video and taking on the role of godfather to Jackson's kids, Paris, Prince, and Michael Jr. By the time he hit his teenage years, Culkin had already amassed a fortune that was impressive for someone his age.
He earned $110,000 for the original Home Alone movie, and when it came to the sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, he successfully negotiated his salary up to $4.5 million.
He reportedly requested a five percent cut of the box office earnings for the sequel. The film made $359 million globally, which brought Culkin an additional $17.95 million—around $39 million today when you factor in inflation.
Back in 1991, he made $1 million for My Girl, and by 1994, he was pulling in $8 million each for Getting Even with Dad and Richie Rich.
Culkin stepped away from acting at the age of 14, but he made a comeback in shows like American Horror Story and The Righteous Gemstones, along with movies like Saved! and Party Monster. By the time he retired, he had racked up around $23.5 million from his film career, which would be about $40 million today. Although the former child star prefers a more low-key lifestyle now, his Hollywood legacy still lingers. Nowadays, Macaulay Culkin boasts a net worth of $18 million, largely thanks to his iconic role fending off the Wet Bandits.
Macaulay Culkin's journey from a child star to a Hollywood icon is truly remarkable. His role as Kevin McCallister in Home Alone remains unforgettable, and his financial success during his early years is a testament to his immense talent. Culkin's ability to negotiate lucrative contracts, such as his salary for Home Alone 2, showcases his business savvy.
Despite stepping away from acting at a young age, his lasting impact on pop culture and impressive net worth of $18 million proves his enduring legacy. Culkin's story serves as an inspiration, showing that even early success can lead to a fulfilling, prosperous future.
LATEST: Christmas Getaway Tips: How to Avoid Holiday Travel Disruptions.
