Kieran Culkin, known for his role in “Succession,” has emerged as a prominent figure in Hollywood, potentially surpassing his brother Macaulay Culkin’s fame from “Home Alone.” As the middle child in a family of seven, his upbringing under parents Kit Culkin and Patricia Brentrup—who never married—was heavily influenced by their father’s Broadway background. Kit, who shifted from his career to managing his children’s, initially helped launch Macaulay’s success, but Kieran’s rise came after significant family turmoil.

Now a father of two and happily married to Jazz Charton, Kieran’s life has been marked by challenges rooted in his father’s complex relationship with the family. A report from the Irish Times details how Kit lost custody of the children in a bitter battle, concerned more about being their manager than their father. Despite achieving fame partly through controversial behavior, Kieran’s journey has been riddled with both losses and victories.

Growing up in a cramped four-room apartment in New York City with seven siblings and two parents was like a real-life sitcom for Kieran Culkin. He recalls being meticulous about counting his siblings whenever they entered the home, ensuring everyone was accounted for. Macaulay once described their childhood residence as a long hallway without proper doors, hinting at their financial struggles.

They faced significant financial hardship, with casting director Billy Hopkins recounting how he often had to finance Macaulay’s travels to auditions. Macaulay would scavenge for change at theater performances, a stark contrast to the fame later enjoyed by the family. Their mother, Patricia Brentrup, reflected on their difficult years, noting how success didn’t bring the happiness they anticipated but rather strained their family bonds.

Macaulay Culkin opened up about their father’s abusive behavior in his memoir, “Junior,” revealing the longtime impact it had on their family. This led to Macaulay distancing himself from his parents, but Kieran offered a different perspective, stating that his experiences were not as severe as his brother’s. However, he did mention that the atmosphere was much more relaxed when their father was absent, suggesting a complex dynamic within the family.

With each sibling’s account differing, it’s clear that the Culkin family’s history is marked by both shared struggles and different personal experiences, adding layers to Kieran’s own story of overcoming adversity in the entertainment industry.