Daniel Stern, the actor famous for making generations of viewers laugh through his role as Marv, the clumsy burglar from Home Alone, surprised his fans by reflecting on how he managed to secure millions from the franchise through smart negotiations. After the original film's release in 1990, which turned out to be an international phenomenon, Stern attracted attention again as 20th Century Studios approached him to reprise his role for Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
Despite his initial excitement, Stern soon realized his co-stars would rake in considerably more money. Joe Pesci was reportedly set to earn about $3 million, with Macaulay Culkin, the film's main star, being offered about $5 million plus five percent of the movie's gross profits. Believing he deserved more, Stern made the bold decision to fire his agent and negotiate his own deal. “I knew they couldn’t make the movie without me,” he said. “I didn’t want to be too greedy when I loved the movie and the part so much.”
With his newfound determination, Stern asked for $1.5 million plus insisted on including a clause entitling him to two percent of the gross profits from the film. While negotiations stretched on, Stern refused to begin filming before reaching a new agreement. Eventually, they settled on one percent of the movie's earnings along with his increased salary. Although Stern hasn’t disclosed the exact earnings from these royalties, estimates suggest they could amount to millions over time, making his decision appear quite astute.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York hit the box office hard, grossing more than $350 million globally, broken down to approximately $173.6 million domestically and $185.3 million internationally. Though Stern never officially confirmed details, fans speculate he might have earned around $3.5 million through his contract clause alone. Despite its financial success, the film received substantial backlash from critics, holding only a 35 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, criticized for being overly similar to its predecessor and for its perceived increases in cartoonish violence.
Nevertheless, Stern’s royalties eventually afforded him the luxury to explore other interests without financial constraints. The actor has since shared videos of his life on social media, showcasing his talents as a sculptor after moving to the countryside. Focused on creating bronze statues, he now enjoys life on his ranch, where he grows tangerines and raises cattle.
Recently, his passion for sculpture was brought to light through engaging TikTok videos, including one where he introduced his piece, Dancer On A Chair, which depicts a woman dressed elegantly. He joked about his process, attributing his attention to detail to “OCD behavior.” On his official website, you can see various artworks, combining clay models and bronze efforts, all conveying his life's new direction.
Stern can charge custom prices for his sculptures, reaching up to $35,000, and even includes consultations over FaceTime to personalize each piece. Reconnecting with fans on social media, he expressed gratitude for their support through the years, with many echoing sentiments of appreciation, remarking how much joy he brought to their holidays through his iconic character.
Comments reading “Mr. Stern, let me just say you have provided such good holiday memories and I continue it with my children,” highlight the nostalgic connection audiences feel toward Stern. Reflecting on his time as Marv, Stern recognized the importance of moving away from mere acting gigs and turning toward creating art. He explained his lifestyle change stating simply, “I made enough money so I didn’t have to work.”
Residing on his ranch just beyond the Hollywood scene, he views his current pursuits as rewarding and fulfilling, reinforcing how living outside the entertainment industry has enriched his work. “It’s the same in my sculpture world,” he said, discussing the collaborative nature of both realms. “I make these fun sculptures, but I’m dealing with people from the city; it makes my showbiz work feel richer.”
Through his evolution from the familiar face of Marv to the vibrant artist he is today, Stern demonstrates resilience and creativity, showing how he’s paved out his niche beyond the spotlight. His authentic connection with people, whether through his beloved films or his art, persists to this day, presenting Stern as more than just nostalgia but as a man living life fully.