If you still think of Macaulay Culkin as the kid screaming in a bathroom mirror and Brenda Song as the airheaded heiress on a cruise ship, you’re about a decade behind. Honestly, it’s one of the most fascinating transformations in Hollywood. They aren't just "dating" or "together." They’ve built this incredibly grounded, almost aggressively normal life in Los Angeles that defies every child-star cliché in the book.
Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin are currently engaged, parents to two boys, and—as of very recently—back in the professional spotlight in a big way. But they didn't get here by following the usual celebrity blueprint.
The "Child Star Trauma" Bond
People always ask how a Disney Channel icon and the Home Alone kid ended up together. It sounds like fan fiction. They actually met back in 2017 while filming Changeland in Thailand, a movie directed by their mutual friend Seth Green.
Song has been vocal about why they clicked so fast. It wasn't just "celebrity meets celebrity." It was the shared baggage. They both grew up as the primary breadwinners for their families. They both know what it’s like to have your childhood commodified before you can even drive. Song recently told Cosmopolitan that there’s an "unspoken understanding" between them regarding the specific anxieties and triggers that come from that life.
It’s a trauma bond, sure, but a healthy one.
Wait, Are They Married?
This is the big one. If you Google "Brenda Song Macaulay Culkin wedding," you’ll find a mountain of conflicting info. Here’s the reality: they are engaged, but they haven't officially walked down the aisle yet. Or if they have, they aren't telling us.
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- The Engagement: It happened in early 2022.
- The Marriage Rumors: Brenda was spotted wearing a wedding-style band at Kat Dennings' wedding and again at Mack's Walk of Fame ceremony.
- The "Elopement" Talk: In her 2025 Bustle cover story, Brenda admitted they’ve discussed eloping just to get it over with. The only thing stopping them? Brenda’s mom. She’d "have a heart attack" if she wasn't there.
They seem to be in that "we're basically married anyway" phase of life. With two toddlers, a wedding often feels like just another expensive chore to plan.
Meet Dakota and Carson
The couple has two sons. Their first, Dakota Song Culkin, was born April 5, 2021. His name is a heavy one; he’s named after Macaulay’s late sister, Dakota, who died in a tragic car accident in 2008.
Their second son, Carson, arrived quietly around Christmas 2022.
They are fiercely protective of these kids. You won't see their faces on a reality show or plastered across Instagram. In fact, Brenda has mentioned that Dakota is actually pretty scared of cameras. When they went to the park recently and a photographer started snapping, the three-year-old asked, "Why is that man taking pictures of you, mama?"
That’s a heavy question to answer when you’re just trying to push a swing.
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The 2026 Career Resurgence
For a long time, both of them were semi-retired. Mack was doing his Bunny Ears podcast and the occasional indie project. Brenda was doing voice work and the (excellent) show Dollface.
But 2025 and 2026 have changed things.
Macaulay recently joined the cast of Fallout Season 2 on Amazon Prime. He plays a "crazy genius," which honestly feels like the role he was born for. He also made a massive appearance at the 2026 Golden Globes, his first time at the ceremony in 35 years. Seeing him on that stage with Brenda by his side felt like a "we’re back" moment for the couple.
Meanwhile, Brenda has been crushing it in the sports comedy Running Point and recently voiced a role in Zootopia 2. They are no longer just "former child stars." They are working actors who just happen to have very famous pasts.
How They Make It Work
One of the most relatable things about them is their "no nanny" (or limited nanny) policy. Brenda has talked about how they are incredibly hands-on.
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"My parenting secret is communication," Song told InStyle. "We don't have a nanny, so when I'm working, he's at home with the kids, and vice versa."
They even have a "Rock, Paper, Scissors" system for who has to get up when a baby starts crying at 3:00 AM. It’s a very un-Hollywood way to live. They also have a weirdly sweet tradition where Mack and the boys pick flowers for Brenda every time they go for a walk or to the grocery store.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following their journey, here's what you should actually pay attention to:
- Watch the credits: Both are moving into character-actor territory. Don't expect them to lead every blockbuster; look for the "prestige" TV roles like Fallout.
- Respect the boundaries: They have made it clear they won't stop for photos if they are with their kids. If you see them at a Lakers game (a frequent date night spot for them), keep the camera down.
- Check the "Love" issues: If they’re going to talk, it’s usually to Cosmopolitan or Bustle. They skip the tabloid circuit for high-end editorial features.
Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin have managed to do the impossible: they’ve outrun their "child star" shadows to become one of the most stable, likable couples in the industry. They aren't chasing clout. They’re just living.
To stay updated on their latest projects, keep an eye on the official casting announcements for Fallout and Brenda's ongoing partnerships with brands like Citi/AAdvantage, where she occasionally shares snippets of their family travels.