Daniel Stern Reflects on "Home Alone 2" Memories and Bond with Macaulay Culkin

Daniel Stern recently reflected on his time filming "Home Alone 2" and shared delightful memories of Macaulay Culkin. Stern played Marv Murchins, one half of the Wet Bandits, in both the original *Home Alone* and its sequel. He disclosed in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE that his bond with Culkin deepened during the second film's production.

"During the second movie, we got to be more friends," recalled the 67-year-old actor and father of three. He noted that when his kids visited the set, they all enjoyed time at a park together playing tag. Stern described Culkin as a remarkable child star, remarking, "He [was] a wonderful kid and faced immense pressure at such a young age." He praised Culkin’s patience and skill, attributing the success of the film to his charm.

Stern emphasized his awareness of the burdens child stars endure, partly shaped by his experience on "The Wonder Years." On that show, he narrated the adult life of Kevin Arnold, which exposed him to the challenges early actors face.

"It’s a precarious journey for young artists," he pointed out. "You either succeed and must cope with it or you don’t." He appreciated the supportive environment on "The Wonder Years," noting that he felt protective over young talent. "I’m always protective of children," Stern added. "The pressures on movie sets are significant."

Stern chose to leave Hollywood after accumulating enough earnings to support himself. His children motivated much of this decision. "I coached my children’s sports teams and taught their classes," he shared, reflecting on his deep community involvement. He even received the President's Call to Service Award for his volunteerism, emphasizing community engagement.

In addition to family commitments, Stern now manages a cattle ranch and a citrus farm in California’s Central Valley. He also nurtures his passion for sculpture, sharing his works on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Looking ahead, in 2024, he plans to release a memoir titled "Home and Alone," with all proceeds benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Earlier, SSP wrote that Aaron Judge and Samantha Bracksieck were expecting their first child.