‘Home Alone’ Star Macaulay Culkin’s Lookalike Brother Experienced Fame ‘Secondhand’ as a Child

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“Home Alone” star Macaulay Culkin isn’t the only one in his family to taste fame.
His lookalike brother, who became an actor in his own right, experienced fame “secondhand” at first.
Growing up in the shadow of his famous sibling, he navigated Hollywood differently.
Macaulay Culkin and Kieran Culkin attend the Fifth Annual American Comedy Awards on March 9, 1991 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Before their rise to Hollywood fame, the Culkins were just another family in Yorkville, living in a modest railroad apartment. The fourth of seven siblings, Kieran Culkin, grew up in a tight-knit unit. The seven siblings shared two bunk beds and a crib in one cramped room.

Kieran Culkin during the “Dangerous Lives Of Altar Boys” premiere in Park City, Utah in 2002 | Source: Getty Images

Encouraged by their father, all the Culkin children dabbled in acting. However, it was Macaulay, the third child, who shot to fame first with his unforgettable role in “Home Alone” in 1990. His younger siblings, Kieran and Rory, also pursued acting with dedication. Macaulay’s portrayal of Kevin McCallister in “Home Alone” and its sequel in 1992 propelled him to a level of stardom not seen since the days of Shirley Temple.

Kieran and Macaulay Culkin attend the premiere of “Serendipity” in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Kieran, though an actor in his own right and even playing Kevin McCallister’s cousin, found fame to be a different experience. He was close enough to witness the impact of fame on his brother yet far enough not to be in its direct glare. The reminders of Macaulay’s stardom were inescapable, from the prying eyes of onlookers to his visits to the famed Neverland Ranch.

Laura Bundy and Kieran Culkin pose for a portrait in March 1992 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

He reminisced, “For me, I got to sort of experience it secondhand as a child.” The fame took a toll on the entire family. The paparazzi became a constant presence, and the media eagerly reported any signs of family discord, especially during their parents’ bitter split.

At the age of thirteen, Kieran even penned a heartfelt plea to the court, asking to spare his family further embarrassment by barring the press from their custody battle. He penned, “It has already been hard on us, and I see no point to it.” Unfortunately, his plea was denied.

Kieran Culkin with his co-actors in a scene from the film “It Runs In The Family” in 1994 | Source: Getty Images

Despite the upheaval in his life, Kieran never thought about abandoning acting. His early education was at a Catholic school until third grade. He then moved to the aptly named Professional Children’s School, designed to accommodate the hectic schedules of children in the performing arts.

Kieran’s childhood acting career was marked by diverse roles. His filmography included notable films such as the Freddie Prinze Jr. film “She’s All That,” “The Cider House Rules,” and “Father of the Bride.” Despite his success, Kieran confesses to having mixed feelings about his career. He began acting as a child without fully grasping the long-term consequences.

Kieran and Macaulay Culkin attend the “After Ashley” premiere after-party in New York City | Source: Getty Images

As he transitioned into adulthood, around the ages of 18 to 20, he came to a realization. He had an acting career that he never deliberately chose. This epiphany was somewhat disconcerting for him, and he decided to retreat from the spotlight for a while, using this time to introspect and figure out his life.