Five intriguing facts about Macaulay Culkin

Macaulay Culkin, a former child star known for his role as Kevin McCallister in the beloved 1990 Christmas comedy Home Alone, won our hearts at a young age.

Despite his fame and early success, Culkin's life took unexpected turns as he navigated the perils of a stellar career. Here are five little-known facts about his life and career:

Doubts about Home Alone role

Home Alone has become a cult movie of the 20th century, and it's hard to imagine anyone else but Culkin in the role of Kevin McCallister. Surprisingly, director Chris Columbus was initially hesitant to cast him in the role.

He auditioned more than 200 young actors before finally recognizing that Culkin was the perfect fit for the role. Writer John Hughes wrote the role with Culkin in mind. Luckily for fans, he won.

Early marriage

Many child stars face the challenges of growing up in the spotlight, but Culkin took a different path. At the age of 18, he tied the knot with actress Rachel Miner, whom he met at a professional children's school.

Their union, however, ran into difficulties as Miner wanted to settle down and start a family, while Culkin was more focused on his acting career. The marriage ended after just two years.

A break in his acting career

The pressure of fame took its toll on Culkin when he was only 14 years old. Seeking a "normal life," away from the glare of stardom, he enrolled in a private school in Manhattan. However, his break from the entertainment industry was relatively short-lived.

In 2000, he returned to the stage, starring in a West End show that later transferred to Broadway. He has also explored other creative avenues, including a role in the music video for Sonic Youth's "Sunday" in 1998.

Relationship with Mila Kunis

Culkin's romantic relationship with actress Mila Kunis began in 2002 when she was only 18 years old. Although they did not publicize their relationship, they stayed together for over eight years.

Kunis spoke openly about the problems they faced due to Culkin's fame, when fans often behaved in unusual ways around him. The couple eventually divorced in 2011, but they remained close friends.

Godfather of Michael Jackson's children

Culkin's friendship with the legendary Michael Jackson began when they were introduced by none other than Donald Trump backstage at a Broadway show. Their bond grew, leading to Culkin's appearance in Jackson's video for "Black or White" in 1991.

Culkin considered Jackson his "best friend growing up throughout his life." When Jackson's first child, Prince, was born in 1997, he asked Culkin to be his godfather. Culkin then also became godfather to Jackson's daughter, Paris, and they shared a close friendship.