Former child star Macaulay Culkin opens up about his complex relationship with his father, Christopher "Kit" Culkin, during a candid conversation on Kate Hudson's podcast.

According to Daily Wire, the "Home Alone" actor revealed a 30-year estrangement from his father, describing him as "the worst person" he has ever known and detailing allegations of abuse during his early acting career.

The 44-year-old actor's revelations came during an episode of the "Sibling Revelry" podcast, where he shared insights about his childhood stardom and the deteriorating relationship with his father. Culkin discussed how his attempts to take a break from acting at age 11 or 12 were dismissed, leading to continued work despite his exhaustion.

Early career burnout leads to family split

The mounting pressure of continuous acting roles took its toll on young Culkin, who expressed his desire for a break to his father. His pleas fell on deaf ears as his father continued booking him for more projects. The situation reached a breaking point when Culkin was 14, coinciding with his parents' separation.

At that pivotal moment, Culkin made the decisive choice to quit acting altogether. He viewed his father's departure as an opportunity to reclaim control over his life and career decisions. The actor emphasized how this period marked his first step toward personal autonomy.

The decision to distance himself from his father wasn't merely professional but deeply personal. Culkin revealed that during custody proceedings, he refused court-mandated visitations with his father, even challenging the judge's authority to enforce such meetings.

Father's lasting impact on family relationships

Christopher "Kit" Culkin's influence extended beyond his relationship with Macaulay. The actor disclosed that none of his six siblings maintain contact with their father, nor do any of the four grandchildren. This complete family estrangement spans three decades.

Culkin shared his father's perspective on the family divide:

During the whole custody thing, I wanted nothing to do with my f***ing father. He was just the worst, and the judge was like: 'Well, you have to do visitations with him.' I didn't say this to the judge — I was a smartass, but I wasn't that much of a smartass — but I told my lawyer: 'I'm not doing that.' He's like: 'Well, you'll be in contempt of court,' I go: 'OK, how about I dare this judge to put me in jail for not wanting to visit [my] abusive father. Actually, I'm going to double down on that; I double dare him to arrest the most famous kid in the world…'

The actor described his father as narcissistic, noting that Kit Culkin maintains his actions were justified while blaming his children for the fractured relationships. Despite the difficult experiences, Macaulay Culkin acknowledged how these challenges shaped his character.

Turning trauma into personal growth

Culkin's journey from child star to present day reflects a story of resilience and self-discovery. He attributed his current parenting style and personal development to the lessons learned from his troubled past. The actor expressed determination to break negative patterns.

The experience has influenced his approach to fatherhood and relationships. Despite the traumatic childhood experiences, Culkin has managed to find purpose in his personal growth. His story represents a testament to overcoming adversity and creating positive change.

This transformation showcases how Culkin channeled his difficult experiences into constructive personal development. His openness about these struggles provides insight into the challenges faced by child actors and the importance of protective family dynamics.

Breaking generational cycles of abuse

Macaulay Culkin, the former child star known for "Home Alone" and "Richie Rich," has maintained a three-decade estrangement from his father Christopher "Kit" Culkin, citing allegations of physical and verbal abuse. The actor's decision to distance himself came at age 14, coinciding with his parents' separation and his choice to quit acting. Despite the challenging relationship with his father, Culkin has channeled these experiences into personal growth, becoming a different kind of parent himself while maintaining no contact with his father alongside his six siblings and four nieces and nephews.