Macaulay Culkin was worth an estimated $15M to $20M as a child star. But the Home Alone actor says he didn't even have his own BED. He slept on a couch with his brother while his father had a large bed and television. By 15, his parents were fighting in court, his mother was struggling to pay rent, and Culkin had to remove BOTH parents from control of his trust fund. He later revealed he was willing to go to jail rather than be forced to visit his father. Culkin became one of the most famous children in Hollywood after Home Alone in 1990. His father, Kit Culkin, managed his career as Macaulay starred in Home Alone 2, My Girl, The Good Son and Richie Rich. But the boy was exhausted. MACAULAY CULKIN: "I haven't done a full year of school since first grade." He wanted to return to school. According to Culkin, his father kept controlling his decisions, even as the family earned millions from his acting career. In a 2004 interview with Larry King, Culkin recalled sleeping on the couch with his brother while his father enjoyed a much larger bed and television. He believed his father did it to remind him who was in control. When his parents separated in 1995, a bitter custody dispute followed. Legal expenses mounted, and Culkin said his mother was close to losing their home. He didn't even know how much money was in his own bank accounts. Around 80% of his earnings were protected in a trust until he turned 18. His parents had legal control over the remaining portion. Culkin legally removed both parents from the trust and appointed an independent financial manager. He later clarified that he hadn't actually emancipated himself. He had removed his parents' names from the money. The conflict with his father went much deeper. In a 2025 interview, Culkin recalled refusing court-ordered visits with the father he accused of abuse. He told his lawyer he was prepared to challenge the judge. "I double dare him to arrest the most famous kid in the world." Culkin stopped speaking to his father and stayed away for more than 30 years. In 2016, his father told the Daily Mail that he no longer considered Macaulay his son. And in 2025, Culkin revealed that his father had 7 children and 4 grandchildren, none of whom wanted a relationship with him. The boy who made millions for his family grew up, protected his money and walked away from the father who had managed his career.