Kieran Culkin may have started as the bed-wetting cousin in Home Alone, but his evolution from child actor to Emmy-winning star of Succession is nothing short of remarkable. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $5 million, earned through a combination of indie films, acclaimed TV roles, and delivering some of the sharpest insults in the Roy family.
With a career spanning more than three decades, Kieran has stepped out of the shadow of his older brother, Macaulay Culkin, to forge his own path in Hollywood. From stealing scenes as Roman Roy to winning Golden Globes and Emmy Awards, his journey proves that success isn’t always instant—sometimes, the slow and steady rise pays off. Let’s take a closer look at how this Culkin brother built his fortune and why his best years may still be ahead.
Early Life: From Home Alone to Hollywood Hopeful
Kieran Kyle Culkin was born on September 30, 1982, in New York City, making him 43 years old in 2025. Raised in a large and complex family—one of seven siblings—acting was almost second nature. With his father, Kit Culkin, a former stage actor, the family’s Manhattan apartment often felt more like a training ground for young performers than a traditional home.
From an early age, Kieran was surrounded by the entertainment industry, setting the stage for his own journey in Hollywood. While his older brother, Macaulay Culkin, skyrocketed to fame, Kieran quietly began carving his own path—one that would eventually lead to critical acclaim and an Emmy-winning career.
Kieran landed his first role at just eight years old, portraying Fuller McCallister—the Pepsi-guzzling, bed-wetting cousin—in Home Alone (1990). While his paycheck was modest compared to Macaulay’s $100,000, it was enough to kickstart his acting career. With Home Alone grossing nearly $476 million worldwide, those early residuals provided a nice financial boost.
Kieran Culkin’s Net Worth
As of 2025, Kieran Culkin’s net worth is estimated at $5 million. Here’s a closer look at how he built his fortune:
1. Succession: The Roman Roy Payday
Kieran Culkin’s career-defining role came in 2018 when he joined HBO’s Succession as Roman Roy—the sharp-tongued, unpredictable son of media titan Logan Roy. His performance quickly became a fan favorite, earning him critical acclaim and multiple award nominations.
Financially, Succession was a major turning point. In the first two seasons, Kieran earned $100,000 per episode, totaling $2 million across 20 episodes. By season three, his salary jumped to $350,000 per episode, bringing in an additional $3.5 million. This role not only elevated his career but also became the biggest contributor to his growing net worth.
Kieran’s portrayal of Roman Roy earned him an Emmy in 2023 and a Golden Globe in 2024, cementing his reputation as one of television’s most compelling actors. Beyond critical acclaim, the role significantly boosted both his industry status and financial standing.
2. Film Roles: From Indie Gems to Oscar Buzz
Kieran’s film career has been a mix of indie darlings and mainstream hits. His breakout performance in Igby Goes Down (2002) earned him a Golden Globe nomination, showcasing his ability to carry a leading role. Later, he stole scenes as Wallace Wells in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010), further solidifying his reputation for playing offbeat, memorable characters.
Throughout his career, Kieran has carefully balanced quirky, character-driven roles with more serious performances, proving his versatility and keeping his career on an upward trajectory.
In 2024, Kieran took on one of his most critically acclaimed roles yet in A Real Pain, directed by Jesse Eisenberg. Playing Benji Kaplan, a free-spirited American navigating grief and identity, his performance has already earned him a 2025 Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor and an Oscar nomination. While his exact salary for the film remains undisclosed, the $10 million Searchlight Pictures paid for distribution suggests a solid payday, further adding to his growing financial success.
3. Home Alone Residuals: The Gift That Keeps on Giving
While Kieran’s initial Home Alone paycheck was modest, the film’s annual holiday broadcasts and syndication deals continue to generate residuals. With Home Alone grossing nearly $476 million worldwide and remaining a seasonal favorite, those royalty checks—though not enormous—still contribute to his income over time.
4. Broadway and Beyond: The Stage Is Set
In spring 2025, Kieran is set to make his Broadway return, starring alongside Bob Odenkirk in a revival of Glengarry Glen Ross. Broadway salaries for top-tier actors typically range from $2,000 to $3,000 per week, with additional earnings from a cut of box office profits. While it may not be his biggest financial venture, this theater stint adds another dimension to his already diverse career.
Living Modestly: Family First in Brooklyn
Despite his rising star power, Kieran maintains a low-key lifestyle in Brooklyn with his wife, Jazz Charton, and their two children. The couple married in 2013, welcoming their first child, Kinsey Sioux, in 2019, followed by a son in 2021.
“I want to be the parent-teacher guy,” Kieran told The New York Times, highlighting his commitment to keeping his family life separate from Hollywood’s constant spotlight. His Brooklyn home reflects this down-to-earth approach—charming but understated, where school runs and playground visits take priority over red carpet events.
A Real Pain: A Role with Oscar Buzz
In 2024, Kieran took on what could be his most defining film role yet in A Real Pain, a dramedy following two cousins reconnecting with their Jewish roots in Poland. His Golden Globe-winning and Oscar-nominated performance has not only earned him prestige but has further cemented his place among Hollywood’s most respected actors.
With Searchlight Pictures paying $10 million for the film’s distribution rights, Kieran’s earnings are rumored to be in the high six figures, making this both a financial and career milestone.
Kieran Culkin’s $5 Million Success Story
From sipping Pepsi in Home Alone to delivering razor-sharp insults as Roman Roy, Kieran Culkin’s journey has been anything but predictable. His $5 million net worth is a reflection of a career built on smart choices, standout performances, and a determination to carve his own path—one that continues to defy Hollywood’s expectations.
