Macaulay Culkin and Brenda Song, two iconic child stars, have recently opened up about their enduring relationship, family life, and plans for the future. After nearly eight years together, the couple, who initially connected at actor Seth Green's house, has created a family filled with love and laughter.
Both stars, now parents to two young boys, have garnered attention for their famously private relationship. Macaulay Culkin, 44, best known for his role as Kevin McCallister in Home Alone, and Brenda Song, 36, recognized for her character London Tipton from The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, met for the first time back in 2014. The unlikely pairing began when they crossed paths at Seth Green's house shortly after Brenda's sitcom was canceled. Their first meeting didn’t go quite as planned; Brenda recalled feeling unimpressed as Culkin attempted to lighten the mood with jokes. "He was trying to be funny about our show being canceled and I was not having it," she said, with Culkin humorously adding, "She was thoroughly unimpressed by me is what I will say."
Three years later, they reconnected on the set of Changeland, directed by Seth Green, and their bond quickly deepened. Culkin remembers feeling intense emotions he had never experienced before, stating, "I believed in her down to my bone marrow." Encouraged by their shared experiences and mutual respect, the couple began dating officially after filming wrapped.
Since then, Culkin and Song have created their own family unit, welcoming their first son, Dakota, born in April 2021, and their second son, Carson, who arrived just 20 months later, in December 2022. The couple has opted for a low-key family dynamic, often forgoing traditional parenting help, instead relying on Brenda's parents for occasional support. The result has been what Culkin describes as the fulfilling role of the "homebody dad," balancing parenting responsibilities with personal commitments without the assistance of nannies.
"That the public is like, 'Wait, they’re together and they have kids?' Good. That means we did our job," Culkin quipped, reflecting on their ability to keep their family life relatively private. They have shared glimpses of their home life, which includes cozy family traditions like watching Home Alone, where Dakota has developed the amusing notion of identifying himself as Kevin McCallister, the role made famous by Culkin. Song remarked, "Dakota thinks he’s Kevin McCallister," mirroring the playful atmosphere the family has nurtured at home.
Their engagement has sparked conversations around marriage plans. The couple has been engaged since about September 2023, yet some amusing hesitations remain around the big day. During their recent joint interview with Cosmopolitan, Macaulay jokingly asked Brenda, "Do you not want to marry me?" with Brenda cheerfully replying, "I’m fine if we don’t, I just want to know." The couple joked about elopement plans, with Brenda humorously noting her concerns over disappointing her mother if they were to do so. "If we eloped, my mom would have a heart attack," she said, highlighting the couple's commitment to familial connections.
Despite occasional questions surrounding their future nuptials, the couple seems perfectly content with their current arrangement. Culkin emphasized this sentiment, asserting, "I want the things you want. I’m in this to the end, to the very end." This mutual support has become key to their flourishing relationship over the years.
Brenda has also shared her personal reflections on how Culkin has enriched her life. Acknowledging the industry challenges she has faced, being of Asian American descent, she mentioned how Culkin's encouragement has been transformative, stating, "He helps me chill out, and I help bring out the fire in him." The balance they provide each other extends beyond emotional support; they actively nurture one another's ambitions as they continue their respective careers and family lives.
Recently, Culkin was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking the 40th anniversary of his career. During the ceremony, the actor was visibly moved as he thanked Brenda, acknowledging her role as his champion. "You’re my champion, the only person happier for me today than I am," he shared, cementing their commitment through public acknowledgment.
At the heart of their relationship lies their dedication to keeping their shared life intertwined with elements of private joy and familial love. They continue to avoid the pressures of traditional celebrity culture, choosing instead to prioritize each other and their children, and possessing mutual excitement for the legacy they are crafting together.
Looking to the future, it seems Culkin and Brenda are well-prepared to navigate whatever adventures lie ahead, fueled by their unwavering love and the delight of family life.