SmartLess "Macaulay Culkin"
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Dec 29, 2025 Macaulay Culkin, the iconic child star from Home Alone, shares his fascinating journey from early theater roles to navigating fame's complexities. He discusses taking a hiatus at 14 to reclaim his life and later returning to acting on his own terms. Family life takes center stage as he talks about parenting without traditional role models and cherishing active time with his partner and kids. Culkin also reveals his love for building Legos as a calming hobby and reflects on becoming a father, prioritizing pleasure in acting over necessity.
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How He Got Started
- Macaulay Culkin says he started acting because his father took headshots and his mom added him to the shoot for a break.
- He jumped quickly from Black Box Theater to film work and began booking major roles as a child.
Retirement As A Choice
- Culkin says he retired and un-retired repeatedly, treating each job as his last unless it appealed to him personally.
- He frames work as pleasure and agency rather than a financial necessity after early success.
Why He Quit At 14
- Culkin describes quitting at 14 because he felt burned out and trapped on a 'hamster wheel' despite earning well.
- He left to get autonomy, go to school, and reclaim his life away from constant work demands.
