How much does Macaulay Culkin make in ‘Home Alone’ royalties?

Macaulay Culkin’s recent acknowledgment with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star alongside Catherine O’Hara from “Home Alone” was undoubtedly a heartwarming moment. Culkin, known for his childhood fame and enduring success, has faced considerable challenges, not only within Hollywood but also due to his tumultuous family life. Despite these struggles, his indelible mark on popular culture through various acclaimed films like “Richie Rich” and “My Girl,” and, notably, the iconic Christmas classic “Home Alone,” remains undeniable.

The legacy of the 1990 film, directed by Chris Columbus, and its sequel, “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” holds an enduring presence in holiday traditions. Culkin’s performance as Kevin McCallister in these films continues to captivate audiences, contributing significantly to their success. Yet, surprisingly, Culkin doesn’t receive any royalties from these movies, unlike some of his co-stars like Joe Pesci, who earned millions for his role.

Although Culkin reportedly earned $110,000 for his role in the first “Home Alone” (equivalent to about a quarter of a million dollars today), he didn’t negotiate a percentage of box office or video profits. Despite the film’s immense success, Culkin didn’t benefit from subsequent royalties due to the contractual terms at the time. Nevertheless, his later projects, including a significant paycheck for “Home Alone 2,” brought him considerable wealth and opportunity, contributing to his current estimated worth of nearly $20 million.

Currently, Culkin has returned to acting, making appearances in popular TV shows like “American Horror Story” and “The Righteous Gemstones.” However, beyond his professional pursuits, Culkin appears to be enjoying life and personal freedom. His ability to select roles at his discretion reflects his contentment and suggests that he’s found fulfillment beyond the demanding spotlight of his childhood fame. For someone who brought joy to countless audiences, this seems like a deserving and gratifying phase in his life journey.