Mila Kunis Unveils Candid Details of Past Romance with Macaulay Culkin and Her Evolving Views on Marriage Before Ashton Kutcher
Hollywood icon Mila Kunis, a familiar face from hit shows and blockbuster movies, recently offered an unusually candid glimpse into her personal history during an appearance on SiriusXM’s acclaimed The Howard Stern Show. While many fans know her today as one half of a beloved power couple with husband Ashton Kutcher, Kunis, 32 at the time of the interview, openly discussed a significant, yet often overlooked, relationship from her past: her long-term romance with former child star Macaulay Culkin, 35. Their relationship, which spanned nearly a decade, was a defining period in their young adult lives, unfolding long before Ashton Kutcher, 38, entered the picture to capture her heart. This revelation shed new light on the challenges of navigating fame at an early age and how personal perspectives on love and commitment can transform over time.
Mila Kunis embarked on her relationship with Macaulay Culkin when she was a mere 18 years old. She clarified that their romance began “way way after Home Alone,” indicating that by the time they started dating, Culkin’s initial burst of child stardom had somewhat settled, but his legendary status remained firmly intact. Despite this passage of time, Kunis admitted that Culkin’s extraordinary level of fame played a pivotal and often challenging role in their dynamic. She described an almost unprecedented public reaction to him, far beyond what most celebrities experience. “He was huge. You couldn’t walk down the street with him,” she recounted, painting a vivid picture of the relentless scrutiny they faced. “He always had this weird attraction, like fans just screamed when they saw him! They didn’t know how to react. It wasn’t like a normal response to a celebrity. Fans responded in a very abnormal way to him,” she explained, highlighting the immense pressure that came with being associated with one of the most famous child actors of all time.
The unique nature of Macaulay Culkin’s fame stemmed from his iconic role as Kevin McCallister in the “Home Alone” franchise. This particular brand of celebrity, achieved at such a young age, created an indelible mark on the public consciousness. Unlike actors who gradually build their careers and fan bases, Culkin’s ascent was meteoric and global, making him instantly recognizable to millions across different generations. This level of recognition, while seemingly enviable, often came with significant drawbacks, particularly for personal relationships. The “abnormal” fan reactions Mila described—screaming, confusion, an almost frenzied excitement—suggested a boundary-less adoration that made even simple public outings a logistical and emotional challenge. For a young couple attempting to build a life together, this constant, intense public gaze could be suffocating, leaving little room for privacy or normalcy. Their relationship existed under a microscope, scrutinized by a world fascinated by the child star and the emerging actress. This constant exposure undoubtedly forged a unique bond between them, but also presented hurdles that few couples ever face.
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During the revealing interview, the Bad Moms star also delved into her personal philosophy regarding marriage, admitting that despite her long-term relationship with the Home Alone actor, she had “zero intentions of tying the knot.” This revelation, in hindsight, is perhaps less surprising given her current happily married status to Ashton Kutcher, which clearly signifies a significant shift in her perspective. Stern probed her on this point, questioning whether her lack of marital intent with Culkin was a “red flag” indicating she was never truly in love. Kunis’s response was thoughtful and nuanced: “Honestly, who knows?” She elaborated on a long-held belief that predated her relationship with Culkin, stating, “But I know since before we started dating, since I was like, 16, I told my dad, ‘Just so you know, I don’t believe in marriage.’ And my dad’s like, ‘What did I just create?’” This deeply rooted skepticism continued to evolve, eventually leading her to a principled stand: “And then at one point I was like, ‘I’ll get married when gay people are allowed to marry.’ I was like, ‘This is not for me!’” Her earlier stance wasn’t simply a rejection of marriage itself, but rather a reflection of broader societal issues and her personal sense of justice regarding equal rights. It highlighted a principled position against an institution that, for many years, excluded certain groups.
Kunis’s journey from a self-proclaimed non-believer in marriage to a happily married woman with children illustrates a profound evolution in her life and priorities. Her initial stance against marriage, rooted in a desire for broader social equality, spoke volumes about her character. The condition she set for herself—marrying only when gay people were allowed to—was a powerful statement, indicative of a progressive mindset even at a young age. Yet, as with many aspects of life, some things did indeed change quite a bit for the actress. The advent of marriage equality in many parts of the world, coupled with her deepening relationship with Ashton Kutcher, undoubtedly played a role in softening her resolve against the institution. It suggests that her previous reservations were not about a lack of commitment or love, but rather a principled objection to an imperfect system. Her ability to openly share this personal evolution demonstrates a maturity and self-awareness, allowing her audience to connect with her on a deeper level.
Today, Mila Kunis is happily married to her former That ’70s Show co-star, Ashton Kutcher. Their romance, which blossomed years after their on-screen chemistry, has captivated fans worldwide. Together, they share a daughter, Wyatt, who was one year old at the time of the interview, and have since welcomed another bundle of joy into their family. Their relationship is often lauded for its grounded nature, a stark contrast to the often tumultuous celebrity pairings. Kunis and Kutcher represent a Hollywood love story that found its foundation in a long-standing friendship, eventually evolving into a committed partnership built on shared values and mutual respect. This stable and loving environment is precisely what Kunis seems to have found, allowing her to fully embrace marriage and family life, a path she once thought was not for her. Their journey from sitcom co-stars to a happily married couple with children serves as a testament to evolving priorities and finding the right partner.
Meanwhile, Macaulay Culkin’s path after his relationship with Kunis diverged significantly from hers. The former child star faced well-documented struggles in the public eye. He was arrested for drug possession in 2004, charged with marijuana, Xanax, and clonazepam. While he later informed the public there was no reason to be overly concerned, the incident underscored the immense pressures he continued to face in adulthood. More recently, rumors regarding his health and alleged addiction to heroin and oxycodone gained traction due to his appearance, though he swiftly and emphatically put those speculations to rest. Culkin has since retreated largely from mainstream Hollywood, carving out a more private existence and pursuing various artistic endeavors, including music with his band, The Pizza Underground, and a satirical lifestyle website, Bunny Ears. His journey highlights the complex aftermath of child stardom and the challenges of carving out an authentic identity away from the glare of intense public scrutiny. Despite the difficulties, Culkin has demonstrated resilience, navigating the unique landscape of his fame on his own terms.
The candid revelations from Mila Kunis about her past with Macaulay Culkin offer a fascinating look into the lives of young stars navigating love and fame. Their story underscores the profound impact that celebrity, particularly child stardom, can have on personal relationships. It reminds us that behind the dazzling façade of Hollywood, individuals grapple with universal human experiences, albeit under extraordinary circumstances. Kunis’s honest reflection on her evolving views on marriage, from skepticism to heartfelt commitment, also provides a relatable narrative of growth and self-discovery. Her journey ultimately led her to a fulfilling family life with Ashton Kutcher, a testament to finding happiness when one is truly ready. Both Kunis and Culkin, in their separate ways, have emerged as resilient figures, having confronted the unique challenges of their early fame and charting individual courses toward contentment. Their story serves as a compelling reminder that celebrity status does not exempt individuals from life’s complexities, but rather often amplifies them.
HollywoodLifers, did these candid insights from Mila Kunis about her long-term relationship with Macaulay Culkin come as a surprise to you? What are your thoughts on how early fame might impact young relationships in Hollywood? Share your opinions and reflections in the comments section below – we’d love to hear what you think!