For millions of people around the world, Macaulay Culkin is synonymous with Christmas. His portrayal of the mischievous Kevin McCallister in the 1990 classic Home Alone is legendary. However, inside his own home, the narrative is completely different. To his two young sons, he is simply “Dad.” In a humorous twist of irony, Culkin recently revealed that despite watching the movie often, his children have no idea that the little boy setting booby traps on the screen is actually their father.
A Secret Identity at Home
During a recent stop on his A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin tour at the Long Beach Terrace Theater, the 45-year-old actor shared delightful anecdotes about his life as a father. He and his fiancée, actress Brenda Song, share two sons: Dakota, 4, and Carson, 3.
Culkin explained that while the boys “really love” Home Alone, they view it with the innocence of typical children. They cheer for Kevin, but they don’t connect the dots. “They have no idea that I’m Kevin,” Culkin told the audience. “They’re only three and four years old. I want to keep up that illusion as long as possible.“
For Culkin, who achieved financial freedom early in life—ensuring his children will likely never have to worry about student loans or building credit from scratch—the goal now is to give them a normal childhood. He cherishes the fact that, for now, he is just a parent to them, not a global icon.
The “Liar” Moment and Close Calls
The illusion, however, is becoming harder to maintain as the boys grow older. Culkin shared a funny story about his eldest son, Dakota. During a bedtime conversation, Dakota asked about his dad’s siblings. When Culkin showed him an old family photo, Dakota pointed to young Macaulay and said, “That kid looks like Kevin.“
Culkin quickly moved the conversation along, but there have been other close calls. In one instance, Dakota asked, “Do you remember when you kicked burglars out?” When Culkin playfully admitted he did, Dakota replied, “You liar! That was me.” The boy had projected himself into the role of the hero, unaware that his father was the original prankster.
Protecting Their Privacy Like a Vault
While Culkin jokes about the movie, he and Brenda Song are incredibly serious about their children’s privacy. They treat their family’s anonymity with the same rigor one might apply to a high-stakes insurance policy, shielding the boys from the paparazzi and the public eye.
In a candid interview with Bustle in January 2025, Brenda Song explained their stance. She recounted an incident at a soccer game where her son noticed a stranger taking photos. “Why is that man taking pictures of you, mama?” he asked. Song noted that while she accepts the attention as part of her job, her kids didn’t sign up for it. “They didn’t ask for this life,” she stated firmly.
A Different Kind of Education
Culkin may not have a teaching degree, but he is schooling the world on how to handle child stardom as an adult. By separating his past fame from his present life as a dad, he is allowing his sons to develop their own identities. He recently reprised his role for a Home Instead commercial, proving he still has the comedic chops, but his favorite role is clearly being a father who watches movies with his oblivious kids.
This heartwarming dynamic reminds us that no matter how famous someone becomes, the most important title they can hold is “Dad.“
