Macaulay Culkin, the actor who shot to fame as a child star in the beloved film Home Alone, has confirmed that he has “technically” retired from acting. During a recent appearance on the SmartLess podcast, the 45-year-old actor and musician discussed his career and the reasons behind his decision to step back from the limelight.
Culkin’s Retirement Plans
On the podcast, Culkin revealed that his last feature film was Zootopia 2. He stated, “Technically, I’m retired right now,” adding a humorous twist to his retirement plans by saying, “I retire and then, if I find something I like, I unretire, do that, and I immediately retire afterwards. Every gig is my last.”
Culkin, who has experienced significant breaks from acting throughout his career, reflected on his nearly decade-long hiatus following his role in the 1994 film Richie Rich. He explained, “I quit for nearly a decade,” emphasizing that this time allowed him to focus on his personal growth. “Just went to high school, fell in love, got drunk for the first time, things like that,” he said.
A Unique Perspective on Fame
Throughout his career, Culkin has enjoyed a unique position in Hollywood, often citing that he received the “lion’s share” of earnings from his early roles. He noted, “I was in a position where I could just put my thumb up my butt and play video games all day long.” This financial security allowed him the freedom to explore life beyond acting.
Reflecting on his childhood experiences, Culkin expressed a desire to connect with peers his own age. “When I was younger, I never worked with people my own age. I was always working with adults,” he remarked. “I had a yearning to go to school, to have contemporaries and things like that.” He humorously added that he felt “doneskies” with his early career, indicating a readiness to move on from acting.
As he looks back on his career, Culkin remarked, “I hope you all made your money because there’s no more coming from me.” He emphasized that he has already established his name, mark, and fortune in the industry. “The only reason why I even do it now is because I like to do it,” he explained, highlighting his shift in motivation.
Culkin summarized his approach to acting in three simple terms: “Pay, pleasure, prestige — that’s the only reason to do a gig.” He described his journey as one of exploration, stating, “I was kind of just drifting around, and tried to figure out what I wanted out of life and so forth.”
In his concluding remarks, Culkin reflected on his relationship with acting, saying, “This was a calling that found me. I didn’t find it. I wanted to explore that in a different way, on my terms.” His candid insights into his retirement offer a glimpse into the life of a former child star navigating adulthood and personal fulfillment.
