The Ultimate Guide to the Culkin Siblings: Macaulay, Kieran, and Beyond
Discover the remarkable Culkin siblings who have left an indelible mark in Hollywood From Macaulay and Kieran to Rory and Dakota, delve into the talented family's captivating journey Uncover their achievements, legacy, and the lesser-known members who have contributed to their success
Macaulay Culkin was the first in his family to become famous, but he won't be the last. Before landing his role as Kevin McCallister in Home Alone, Macaulay was surrounded by actors in his family. His father, Kit Culkin, was a Broadway actor who appeared in several theater productions. Kit’s brother Terry and sisters Bonnie and Candace were also involved in the entertainment industry as their mother managed their careers.
Macaulay started his acting career with small roles as a child, but his big break came with the 1990 film Home Alone. He continued to gain fame with roles in My Girl, The Good Son, and Richie Rich. After a hiatus from acting in 1995, he returned with a guest appearance on Will & Grace and later starred in the tenth season of American Horror Story.
Following his brother's lead, Kieran Culkin also appeared in projects alongside Macaulay before finding success on his own. He is known for his roles in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and as Roman Roy in HBO's Succession.
Rory Culkin has appeared alongside Macaulay and Kieran in various projects, but has focused more on horror genres including Scream 4, Lords of Chaos, and Signs. He has also taken on roles in television shows such as Waco, Under the Banner of Heaven, Swarm, and Black Mirror. For more information on Macaulay and his siblings, continue scrolling.
Macaulay Culkin
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After entering the world of child stardom, Macaulay's notable achievements included hosting Saturday Night Live and starring in Michael Jackson's "Black or White" music video. However, off-screen, at the age of 15, he took legal action against his parents, Patricia Brentrup and his father, to remove them as his legal guardians. Instead, he opted to appoint his family's accountant as an executor for his finances until he turned 18.
Macaulay's hiatus from acting allowed him to focus on publishing a semi-autobiographical book, Junior, in 2006. He also made a transition to music, forming the comedy rock band The Pizza Underground, which eventually disbanded in 2018.
Kieran Culkin
In his personal life, Macaulay had a brief marriage to Rachel Miner and a long-term relationship with Mila Kunis, which ended in 2011 after eight years together. He began dating Brenda Song in 2017 after they worked on Changeland together, and the couple now has two sons.
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Following his Golden Globe nomination for Igby Goes Down, the actor has delved into various genres. Kieran has appeared in Margaret and No Sudden Move, and also portrayed Wallace Wells in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. He will reprise the role in the 2023 anime titled Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, which reunites most of the original cast members.
Kieran's portrayal of Roman on Succession solidified his success, earning three Emmy Award nominations during the show's duration. He also clinched the 2024 Golden Globe for best performance in a drama series. In addition to his on-screen work, Kieran has delved into voice acting, taking on projects such as Solar Opposites and Agent Elvis. Kieran tied the knot with Jazz Charton in 2013, and the couple welcomed a daughter in 2019 followed by a son in 2021.
Rory Culkin
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Rory began his acting career as a child, playing younger versions of Macaulay and Kieran's characters. He later had a breakthrough role in You Can Count on Me and transitioned to more independent films as he got older, including The Chumscrubber, Hick, and Down in the Valley. Some of Rory's most memorable performances, however, were in projects such as Scream 4, Gabriel, and Under the Banner of Heaven.
In 2018, Rory married cinematographer Sarah Scrivener, but they have since divorced. In November 2023, Kate Arizmendi made her relationship with Rory Instagram official.
Dakota Culkin
The eldest daughter in the Culkin family also displayed an interest in the film industry. Dakota had worked as an art production assistant on Lost Soul shortly before tragically passing away. In 2008, at the age of 29, Dakota was fatally struck by a car while crossing the street.
Macaulay honored his sister by naming his first son after Dakota.
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Quinn Culkin
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Like her brothers, Quinn appeared in Wish Kid and The Good Son with Macaulay during her childhood. However, she chose not to pursue acting and has kept a low profile. Quinn made a rare public appearance at Macaulay’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in December 2023.
Shane Culkin
Following a short theater stint in the ’80s, Shane has also preferred to keep a low public profile.
Christian Culkin
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Before removing himself from the public eye, Christian appeared in the 1994 film My Summer Story alongside Kieran.
Jennifer Adamson
The Culkin siblings had a stepsister from their father Kit's side. Kit welcomed Jennifer with Adeena VanWagoner in 1970 before he started a new relationship with Patricia. Jennifer worked as a supervisor at a group home for adults with disabilities before passing away at the age of 29 in 2000 due to a drug overdose.
