At a Glance
- Macaulay Culkin says he’s technically retired but unretires for gigs he loves.
- He took a nearly decade-long break after 1994’s Richie Rich.
- He returned to acting with a role in The Fallout and shares candid thoughts on family and career.
- Why it matters: Readers see how a child star navigates adult career choices and family life.
Macaulay Culkin, 45-year-old, clarified in a recent podcast that he views retirement as a cycle. In the Dec. 29 episode of SmartLess, he explained why he calls himself “retired” yet keeps taking roles he loves.
Retirement as a Choice
Macaulay Culkin stated:
> “Technically, I’m retired right now,”
> “I retire and then, if I find something I like, I unretire, do that, and I immediately retire afterwards. Every gig is my last.”
- He considers each project a final one.
- Retirement is a personal decision, not a permanent stop.
- He is open to new roles when they resonate with him.
A Decade of Pause
Macaulay Culkin added:
> “I quit for nearly a decade,” he explained. “Just went to high school, fell in love, got drunk for the first time, things like that.”
- He stepped away after Richie Rich (1994) at age 14.
- During the break he focused on education and personal life.
- He returned to acting in the new season of The Fallout.
Family and Future
He said he was “in a position where I could just put my thumb up my butt and play video games all day long, you know?” and that he had sons Dakota, 4, and Carson, 3, with Brenda Song. He also mentioned:
> “I was doneskies,” he added of his mentality at that point in his life. “I was like, ‘I hope you all made your money because there’s no more coming from me.’ I made my name. I made my mark. I made my fortune. The only reason why I even do it now is because I like to do it. Pay, pleasure, prestige – that’s the only reason to do a gig.”
- He seeks projects that genuinely interest him.
- He wants to work alongside peers rather than adults.
- His return is driven by personal choice, not parental direction.
Key Takeaways
- Macaulay Culkin views retirement as a flexible, personal choice.
- He took a nearly ten-year break after 1994’s Richie Rich.
- He now returns to acting on his own terms, balancing family and career.
Macaulay Culkin’s candid comments reveal a child star who has redefined his career path while staying true to his family and personal values.
