Brenda Song And Macaulay Culkin share more than just a loving relationship and a family; they possess a profound, unspoken understanding rooted in their parallel experiences as child actors. In a recent episode of the Sibling Revelry podcast with Kate and Oliver Hudson, Song, aged 36, delved into the unique connection she shares with Culkin, 44, and how their shared past in the limelight has shaped their bond.
“It wasn’t one of the first things we connected on, but I think there was this unspoken understanding that we’ve had certain trauma that we both share that we didn’t even quite realize stems from us being child actors,” Song revealed. This revelation highlights a layer to their relationship that goes beyond typical Hollywood romances, suggesting a depth forged in the unique pressures and experiences of childhood fame. Song elaborated on the subtle yet significant impacts of early stardom, noting, “Certain anxieties or stressors or even triggers that you don’t realize. You don’t realize as a kid, how much that affects you as an adult.”
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Despite this shared foundation, Brenda Song was quick to point out the disparities in their childhood fame. “Very different” were the words she used to describe their experiences, acknowledging Macaulay Culkin’s unparalleled level of stardom. Culkin became a global phenomenon after starring in the 1990 Christmas classic Home Alone, catapulting him to heights of fame rarely seen for a child actor. His subsequent roles in beloved films like My Girl, Richie Rich, and Home Alone 2 solidified his place as arguably “the most famous child actor in the world.”
Brenda Song’s trajectory, while also starting in childhood, took a different path. She worked consistently as a young actress but didn’t achieve mainstream recognition until her teenage years with Disney Channel hits. Her roles in 2005’s The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and the 2006 Disney Channel Original Movie Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior established her as a prominent figure for a younger generation.
Reflecting on the early days of their relationship, which began in 2017, Brenda Song found it “fascinating” to compare their vastly different journeys through the entertainment industry. This contrast, she explained, profoundly “impacted how we look at our relationship with the industry now, how he looks at it and how I look at it.” Despite the potential pitfalls of a long career in Hollywood, Song expresses enduring passion: “I always say, like, I’ve been in this business for 33 years, and I still love it. Something must be wrong with me.”
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The most significant takeaway from Brenda Song’s candid podcast appearance is the unique comfort and understanding she finds in Macaulay Culkin. “It’s also been really nice, though, to have someone who truly just really understands,” Song shared, emphasizing the rare nature of this connection. “He gets what I do on a different kind of level, and it’s been so nice. I’ve never had that before.” Notably, she also mentioned that Culkin is the first actor she has ever dated, highlighting the special nature of their relationship.
Beyond their shared professional backgrounds, Song offered a glimpse into her personal life, describing herself as “not a cool girl” and “such a little nerd who sat at home.” She attributed this to her demanding childhood work schedule, explaining, “Working so much as a kid, I just loved being home so much.” She also considers herself a “late bloomer,” further humanizing her experience and making her relatable to audiences.
Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin’s relationship has blossomed into a family, as they share two children, Dakota, 3, and Carson, 2. They solidified their commitment to each other by getting engaged in 2022, marking a significant milestone in their journey together. Their relationship, which began on the set of the indie film Changeland, has clearly evolved into a deeply meaningful partnership.
In addition to discussing her personal life, the article also briefly touches on Brenda Song’s recent and upcoming projects. She stars alongside Kate Hudson in the new Netflix series Running Point and has appeared in The Last Showgirl and Blue Eye Samurai. Macaulay Culkin’s recent work includes roles in The Righteous Gemstones and The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy, with a forthcoming appearance in season 2 of Fallout.
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In a heartwarming detail shared in March 2024, Brenda Song revealed how Macaulay Culkin makes her feel beautiful in her most natural state. “I think he’s the one that really made me feel the most beautiful when I’m about to go to bed and I have nothing on my face and I’m so tired,” she confessed. This intimate glimpse into their relationship underscores the deep connection and mutual appreciation that defines Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin’s enduring bond, proving that their shared history as child stars has not only shaped their understanding of the industry but also strengthened their personal relationship.
