Daniel Stern looks back on his days in the spotlight — and shares some sweet behind-the-scenes memories Alone in the house 2 set.
Stern — who played Marv Murchins of the Wet Bandits duo in the 1990s Alone in the house and in 1992 Alone in the house 2 — told PEOPLE exclusively that while he didn’t work much with Macaulay Culkin, now 44, on the first film, he got to know the more pubescent actor better during the sequel.
“The second time we became more friends,” recalls the 67-year-old father of three. “And then my kids came to visit, and then we all went to the park together, Mac and my kids, and we played and ran around.”
The City slickers the actor went on to praise Culkin, who was 12 when he made the second film.
Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern in a scene from ‘Home Alone 2’.
Century Fox Film Corp
Daniel Stern Says Joe Pesci Is ‘Terrible Guy’ As He Reflects On ‘Dear Friend’ Biting Macaulay Culkin Alone in the house
“He [was] a wonderful child and he was under the pressure of the world at such a young age and [he] he handled it so brilliantly and was amazing in the film. That’s why everybody’s watching the movie, that kid,” says Stern. “Can you imagine being a 12-year-old kid and having people invest that in you? And then live your life? … I mean, he managed his life brilliantly.”
Stern also said he was sensitive to the pressures child stars face after working with young actors on the classic coming-of-age show Wonderful yearsin which he narrated the adult version of Kevin Arnold.
The PEOPLE Puzzler has arrived! How fast can you solve it? Play now!
“It’s a very dangerous path for young actors to enter show business because either you’re successful and then deal with it, or you’re a failure. So we had a very careful set Wonderful yearsand in fact I was just being protective,” he says.
“I’m protective of kids anyway,” Stern adds. “So I didn’t try too hard. I’m just very protective of children in general, but especially on film sets because the pressure can be immense.”
Alone in the houseDaniel Stern Says ‘Getting Away’ From Hollywood Led Him To ‘Live My Real Life’ Making Art On His Ranch (Exclusive)
Stern, who ultimately made the decision to leave Hollywood after earning enough to live off the interest from his films, says his children were a big motivating factor in the decision.
“I coached all my children’s teams. I taught in their classes,” he says. “I managed the playground in our community. I received a presidential award for — it’s called an award for volunteer work. So I loved giving back to the community and it became a big part of my life.”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
These days, Stern spends most of his time managing his cattle ranch and citrus farm in California’s Central Valley, as well as pursuing his passion for sculpture, which he regularly posts on Instagram and TikTok.
In 2024, Stern published a memoir, Home and Alone. All proceeds from the book go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education