Daniel Stern, the actor who became a household name thanks to his memorable turn as Marv in the beloved "Home Alone" movies, is facing new scrutiny after being cited by police in Ventura County, California, for allegedly soliciting prostitution. The incident reportedly took place on December 10, 2025, at a hotel in Camarillo, thrusting the 68-year-old actor back into the public eye during a season when his most famous film is a holiday staple in homes across the country.
According to TMZ and other outlets, law enforcement sources confirmed that Stern was cited as part of an alleged sting operation. He was not arrested, booked, or taken into custody—he was simply issued a citation at the scene and released. The citation could require Stern to appear in court at a later date, though as of January 10, 2026, no court date has been scheduled and it remains unclear whether formal charges will be filed or if the case will proceed at all. Soliciting prostitution in California is a misdemeanor, carrying potential penalties of up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine if convicted.
Authorities have not provided further details about the alleged incident, and Stern himself has not publicly commented on the citation. The lack of information has left fans and the media speculating, but law enforcement officials have made it clear that Stern was not detained or processed at a police station. The case, at least for now, remains in a legal gray area.
The timing of the alleged incident is particularly notable. It occurred just days before Stern was commissioned to create a sculpture for the iconic "Home Alone" house in Winnetka, Illinois—the very location where his character Marv, alongside Joe Pesci's Harry, attempted (and famously failed) to outwit Macaulay Culkin's resourceful Kevin McCallister. Stern, who has shifted his focus from acting to art in recent years, was asked by the current owners of the house to craft a piece that would immortalize a legendary moment from the film: the scene in which a large tarantula is placed on Marv's face, prompting a scream that fans still remember decades later.
Speaking to People magazine in an interview published on Christmas Eve, Stern shared, "I got a call from the people who own the ‘Home Alone’ house. And I’m a sculptor, they asked if I would do a sculpture for the house. So I’m creating a sculpture of me and the spider." He added, "Which is gonna be kind of crazy. So it’ll be at the ‘Home Alone’ house so that spider, whatever his name was, Charlie, is being immortalized in bronze." The actor, who described the sculpture as his first self-portrait, joked, "I’ve been looking at myself in my studio, and I’ve made myself a lot handsomer than I actually am in real life. Just why not?"
Stern’s connection to the "Home Alone" franchise remains strong, even as he’s stepped away from Hollywood. After reprising his role as Marv in "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York," he eventually left the entertainment industry for a quieter life on a ranch in Ventura, California, where he now focuses on his art. He’s kept a relatively low public profile in recent years, rarely attending industry events. In fact, he skipped the 35th anniversary celebrations for "Home Alone" last month, telling People on December 2, "I don’t leave my farm. It’s no offense to the movie. I’m just … a phone call, Zoom call, I’m in, but… I’m a bit of a homebody."
The alleged solicitation incident comes on the heels of another challenging moment for Stern. In October 2025, he was hospitalized following a medical emergency at his residence in Somis, California. Firefighters from the Ventura County Fire Department responded to the scene, and Stern was taken to a local hospital. According to a representative quoted by TMZ, he was later released and "now doing well." No further details about his condition were shared, and Stern has not addressed the incident publicly.
Throughout his decades-long career, Daniel Stern has worn many hats: actor, director, producer, and, more recently, sculptor. His performances in films such as "City Slickers," "Rookie of the Year," and "Very Bad Things"—as well as his voice work in animated projects like "Dilbert"—have earned him a place in movie history. But it is his portrayal of the hapless burglar Marv that has truly cemented his legacy, especially during the winter months when "Home Alone" enjoys renewed popularity with each passing holiday season.
Despite the recent legal troubles and his medical scare, Stern’s creative spirit appears undiminished. The commission for the "Home Alone" house sculpture is a testament to his enduring impact on pop culture. Fans eagerly await the unveiling of the bronze tribute, which will serve as a permanent reminder of the comedic chaos that made the original film a classic.
As for the citation, the story is far from over. The legal process in California for misdemeanor solicitation cases can be unpredictable. In some instances, citations are dismissed or resolved without the need for a court appearance, while in others, prosecutors may pursue charges. For now, the public and Stern’s supporters are left to wonder what comes next.
Meanwhile, Stern’s silence on both the citation and his recent hospitalization has only fueled curiosity. In an era when celebrities often take to social media to address controversies head-on, Stern’s decision to stay quiet is a reminder of his preference for privacy—a trait that has defined his post-Hollywood years as much as any of his on-screen performances.
It’s a strange twist for a man whose most famous character was often at the center of slapstick chaos, yet who now seems to seek a quieter, more contemplative life. Whether Stern will eventually break his silence remains to be seen. For now, the actor-turned-artist continues to live and work on his ranch, shaping both bronze and, perhaps unwittingly, the next chapter of his public story.
Whatever the outcome of the legal proceedings, Daniel Stern’s journey from Hollywood star to reclusive sculptor—and now, headline-making figure once again—underscores the unpredictable nature of fame and the enduring fascination with those who once made us laugh on the big screen.
