When reminiscing about the iconic film franchise Home Alone, actor Daniel Stern, known for his portrayal of Marv Murchins, shares treasured moments from behind the scenes. The 67-year-old actor, who worked alongside Macaulay Culkin during the filming of the beloved sequel Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, recalled how they became friends during the shoot. Stern described how his kids visited the set and spent joy-filled moments playing tag with Culkin, who was just 12 at the time. “He was a wonderful kid and had the pressure of the world on him at such a young age and handled it beautifully,” Stern remarked, stressing the immense challenges faced by child stars.
Stern’s connection to Culkin during filming allowed him to witness up close how the young actor navigated the spotlight and the media scrutiny it brought. It was no small feat for Culkin, who emerged as the face of the franchise soon after the first film’s release, becoming one of the most recognizable child actors of the time. "That's why everybody's watching the movie, that's the kid," Stern added, highlighting Culkin's undeniable charisma and talent.
While Stern cherished the memories of lighthearted moments at the park, he also reflected on the darker side of growing up in Hollywood. His experience on the beloved series The Wonder Years had made him acutely aware of the pressures young actors endure. “It’s a very dangerous route for young actors to enter show business because either you are a success and then you're dealing with [the pressures], or you're a failure,” he said. Stern naturally felt protective of children on movie sets and sought to create nurturing environments for any young actor he worked with.
On the other hand, director Chris Columbus shared his own insights about the film-making process behind Home Alone. During a recent podcast interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he revealed how the now-iconic aftershave scene — one of the most memorable moments from the original movie — came together as more of a happy accident than intentional direction. “He was supposed to put the aftershave on, put his hands to his face, and immediately remove his hands and then scream,” Columbus noted, explaining how Culkin decided to keep his hands on his cheeks, leading to the comedic effect audiences loved. “It made all of us laugh, and the audience loved it.”
This spontaneous creativity was part of the magic of Home Alone, where on-set inspiration often led to the most memorable scenes. Columbus recalled how the crew’s laughter after Culkin's unexpected decision added to the fun atmosphere they sought to create throughout production.
Delving back to the film's origins, Columbus explained the reasoning behind the McCallister family’s relatively affluent lifestyle. Catherine O'Hara's character, Kate McCallister, was depicted as a successful fashion designer, as evidenced by the mannequins seen throughout their Chicago home, which provided insights to her industry background. Columbus speculated on the character of Peter McCallister, portrayed by John Heard, indicating he likely worked in advertising, reflecting the narrative's goal to portray relatable but successful characters for the audience.
Despite the light-hearted and comedic elements surrounding the Home Alone movies, both Stern and Columbus recognize the underlying pressures children face, especially as they step onto such competitive platforms. Stern, having explored this dynamic throughout his career, made the informed decision to take a step back from the Hollywood scene to focus on his family and community. Today, he is busy managing his cattle ranch and citrus farm, reflecting the shift between fame and family commitment.
Stern shared, “I coached all my kids' teams. I taught in their classes. I manned the playground of our community,” showing his deep investment beyond the silver screen, getting involved to make his community stronger. His commitment to volunteerism earned him accolades, such as the President’s Call to Service Award, underscoring the positive impact he aspired to bring to people around him.
Now, as Stern reflects on his role during those formative years, he acknowledges the duality of fame and responsibility. “I loved to give back to the community, and it became a huge part of my life,” he added, which resonates with anyone who has transitioned from the demanding spotlight of Hollywood to the fulfilling life of family and service.
With his memoir, Home and Alone, released recently, all proceeds from the book benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, embodying his dedication to uplifting youth, much like the lessons learned throughout his career. With both Stern’s heartfelt reflections and Columbus’s director insights, the layers of magic behind the Home Alone films come together to tell the real stories of friendship, community, and the extraordinary pressure of childhood stardom.
