Brenda Song Reveals How Fiancé Macaulay Culkin ‘Ruined’ Her Love for Home Alone
Brenda Song, the beloved actress known for her role in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, recently shared a humorous yet relatable story about how her fiancé, Macaulay Culkin, unintentionally “ruined” her enjoyment of the holiday classic Home Alone. During her appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Song opened up about their relationship and the challenges of watching the iconic film with its star.
A Christmas Tradition Gone Awry
For Brenda Song, watching Home Alone has always been an annual Christmas tradition. The 1990 comedy, starring Culkin as Kevin McCallister, holds a special place in her heart—as it does for millions of fans worldwide. However, when she convinced Culkin to watch the film with her early in their relationship, things didn’t go as planned.
Song explained that Culkin hadn’t seen the movie in nearly a decade and was reluctant to revisit it. “He didn’t want to watch it,” she admitted during the interview. “But I forced him—I was like, ‘We have to.’”
As they sat down to enjoy the film, Culkin began sharing behind-the-scenes stories from the set. While fascinating to some, these anecdotes disrupted Song’s nostalgic experience. “He started telling me all the behind-the-scenes stories,” she recalled. “And I was like, ‘Stop! Stop! You’re ruining it for me!’”
Despite her frustration, Song acknowledged the cultural significance of Home Alone. “The movie holds such a special place in so many people’s hearts,” she said. “It’s just hard for me now.”
The Legacy of Home Alone
Released in 1990 and directed by Chris Columbus, Home Alone became an instant holiday classic. The film follows Kevin McCallister, an eight-year-old boy accidentally left behind when his family travels to Paris for Christmas. Kevin must defend his home from two bumbling burglars, Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern), using clever booby traps and resourcefulness.
The movie was a massive box office hit, grossing $476.7 million worldwide and earning Culkin critical acclaim as one of Hollywood’s most successful child actors. It spawned several sequels, including Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), which also starred Culkin. While subsequent installments introduced new casts and plots, none matched the charm of the original two films.
Culkin’s Unique Life Experiences
During her interview, Song also shared insights into Culkin’s unconventional upbringing as one of Hollywood’s most famous child stars. Growing up in hotels while filming movies meant he missed out on learning basic life skills like driving or doing laundry.
“I always say Mac is a very unique human,” Song said with a laugh. “He still doesn’t know how to drive! I took him out to drive in our neighborhood—I was terrified.” She joked that teaching a 44-year-old man to drive was no easy task: “I gotta hire someone to do that.”
Song also revealed that she had to teach Culkin how to do laundry after they started dating. “He lived and grew up in hotels; he had just never really done laundry,” she explained. “I’ve been doing laundry since I was 10 helping my mom—it’s funny teaching him.”
Their Love Story
Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin first met through mutual friends around 2014 but reconnected three years later while filming Seth Green’s directorial debut, Changeland, in Thailand. Their bond grew stronger over time, leading to an engagement in January 2022.
The couple shares two children: Dakota Song Culkin, born in April 2021 and named after Culkin’s late sister Dakota; and Carson Song Culkin, born in December 2023. As proud parents of two boys, they’ve embraced family life while balancing their careers.
Looking Back at Home Alone
While Brenda Song may have mixed feelings about watching Home Alone now, she still appreciates its impact on audiences worldwide—and on Culkin’s career. The film not only launched him into superstardom but also became a cherished part of holiday traditions for generations.
For fans wondering if Culkin ever considered buying the iconic McCallister house featured in the movie—he once joked about purchasing it “just for giggles.” Though he ultimately didn’t follow through, his connection to the film remains undeniable.
What’s Next for Brenda Song?
During her appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Song promoted her latest project: Netflix’s action-packed series Running Point. The show marks another milestone in her versatile acting career and showcases her ability to tackle diverse roles.
As for her personal life, Song continues to enjoy parenting alongside Culkin while navigating their unique journey together. Despite occasional hiccups—like revisiting Home Alone—their love story remains one filled with humor, growth, and mutual support.
Conclusion
Brenda Song’s candid revelations about watching Home Alone with Macaulay Culkin offer a glimpse into their playful dynamic as a couple. While behind-the-scenes stories may have altered her perception of the beloved film, they also highlight the human side of Hollywood icons like Culkin.
For fans of both actors—and of Home Alone—this story serves as a reminder that even cherished traditions can evolve when shared with loved ones. Whether you’re revisiting Kevin McCallister’s adventures or enjoying new projects from Song and Culkin, their journey together continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
