Macaulay Culkin Opens Up About Life Beyond Fame and Everyday Skills He Lacks

Renowned for his role in the beloved holiday classic “Home Alone,” Macaulay Culkin continues to capture public interest decades after his rise to fame. His unique life experiences as a child star led to some unusual gaps in everyday skills, including driving and doing laundry.

A Lesson in Laundry

Culkin’s fiancée, Brenda Song, recalls a significant moment from their relationship that highlighted this gap. Eight years ago, when they first started dating, she taught him how to do laundry. This revelation surprised many, acknowledging that he lived much of his early life in hotels.

“Mac is a very unique human,” Song shared during an appearance on “The Jennifer Hudson Show.” She described her initial shock at learning he had never done laundry due to his unconventional upbringing. Song explained that the experience of teaching him how to handle such a simple task was amusing and memorable.

Driving Lessons Gone Awry

Although Culkin has successfully navigated Hollywood, he still struggles with daily life skills. He reportedly still does not know how to drive, a situation that concerned Song when she took him for a spin in their neighborhood. “I was terrified,” she admitted. “This 44-year-old man driving for the first time? I was like, ‘Nope!’”

A Different Perspective on a Classic Film

During her talk show appearance, Song also shared insights into their movie nights, particularly around the holiday season. Culkin recounted behind-the-scenes stories from “Home Alone,” stories that significantly changed her view of the film she had cherished since childhood. “Christmastime came around, and it’s a tradition. I have always watched ‘Home Alone’ every Christmas,” Song confessed, relating how she once forced him to watch the movie again after nearly a decade.

As they watched together, Culkin entertained her with anecdotes from the set. However, Song’s excitement quickly turned to dismay when Culkin’s revelations began to spoil her nostalgia for the classic film. “I was like, ‘Stop. Stop. You’re ruining it for me,’” she exclaimed.

Love Blooms Amid Unique Challenges

Song and Culkin first crossed paths in 2014 at a friend’s house and began dating romantically in 2017. Their bond has grown over the years, resulting in two children: Dakota, age 3, and Carson, age 2. Reflecting on their relationship, Song humorously mentioned her initial impression of Culkin as a potential best friend, only to realize she had developed a crush on him, which has blossomed into a long-lasting partnership.

On “The Drew Barrymore Show” earlier this month, she expressed, “I thought I was gonna have my first fling, and that fling has turned into almost eight years and two kids.” This sentiment underscores the depth of their relationship, showcasing the joy and challenges they navigate together.

An Unfiltered Life

Song has openly praised Culkin for his true self, stating, “Mac is unapologetically Mac. And it’s one of the things I love very much about him.” This sentiment reflects a broader understanding of their partnership, where individuality and authenticity are celebrated.

The Challenges of Child Stardom

Culkin’s life as a child actor in the 1980s shaped his unique experiences and perspectives. At just 14 years old, he emancipated himself from his parents, citing issues related to money management and personal abuse as driving factors for his decision. This pivotal moment resulted in his steps back from the spotlight for several years.

In a 2018 discussion on Marc Maron’s podcast, Culkin described the impact of his childhood struggles and the 1994 divorce of his parents as one of the best things to have ever happened to him. Reflecting on his early career, he said, “I wanted to take a break for a while, and, eventually, I was like, ‘I’m done guys. Hope you all made your money because there is no more coming from me.’”

Living Authentically

Culkin’s journey illustrates the complexities of growing up in the public eye. While his fame introduced him to wealth and opportunities at a young age, it also robbed him of ordinary experiences that many take for granted. His recent comments reveal a yearning for normalcy and personal growth beyond the glitz and glamor of Hollywood.

Ultimately, Macaulay Culkin’s candid revelations not only entertain but also invite audiences to reflect on the often unseen challenges faced by child stars. Through his experiences, he bridges the gap between fame and the simple pleasures of everyday life.