Skip to main content

Actor Macaulay Culkin isn’t exactly a stranger to fame. But when he was a child star, Twitter wasn’t a thing. Now, as an adult, he’s obviously familiar with social media. And yet he had a funny reaction to finding out that he was trending after some big news came out. Here’s what happened.

Macaulay Culkin is a former child star

Macaulay Culkin in 2018
Macaulay Culkin in 2018 | Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images

Culkin is best known for starring in the beloved ’90s holiday classic Home Alone. He got his start years before, appearing in films like Uncle Buck. However, following years on the big screen, he chose to take a break after the flop that was Richie Rich.

Being a child star comes with a lot of baggage. Culkin eventually returned to the big screen as a young adult, portraying teenagers in films such as Party Monster and Saved! Since then, his roles have been sporadic.

He has pursued other venture over the years

Culkin hasn’t felt like he had to stick to one thing. He was in a comedy band, The Pizza Underground. And he has a podcast, as well as website, both of which are named Bunny Ears. He has famous guests (like Lizzo) on the show. But it’s also a parody of celebrity culture.

On that subject, Culkin has taken to making fun of both himself and his past roles from time to time. When a Home Alone remake was announced at Disney+, he didn’t hesitate to chime in with his own interpretation.

Culkin opened up in a recent Esquire interview

Before the most recent announcement, Culkin didn’t appear to have anything to promote. But he chose to do a cover story for Esquire anyway. In the interview, he opened up about his past (including everything from the Michael Jackson trial to his sister’s tragic death) and his present (specifically, his life with Dollface actress Brenda Song.)

Culkin also spoke about auditioning for the Oscar-nominated film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. “It was a disaster. I wouldn’t have hired me. I’m terrible at auditioning anyway, and this was my first audition in like eight years,” he said.

He was cast in ‘American Horror Story’ Season 10

So yes, Culkin is still acting when he chooses to. But he doesn’t often head for the small screen. Aside from an episode of Dollface, the last thing he did on TV was portray a version of himself in the sitcom The Jim Gaffigan Show, appearing in eight episodes. This is why it may have been even more surprising to learn of his new role.

On Feb. 26, 2020, the cast of the upcoming tenth season of American Horror Story was announced. And along with returning actors like Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, and Leslie Grossman, Caulkin’s name is also included in the teaser.

Culkin’s reaction

Naturally, the internet went crazy with the news that Culkin was cast in one of the most popular shows on TV. And the actor, to his credit, was ever humble. Or perhaps he’s just showing off some of his trademark humor.

Hours after the announcement, Culkin tweeted, “I just woke up and saw I was trending. Can someone explain what’s going on? Did I die again??” We’re pretty sure he knows exactly what’s going on, and can’t wait to see him on American Horror Story in the fall.

Best in Entertainment