Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin Share Understanding of Child Acting ‘Trauma’
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Actress Brenda Song recently spoke about her unique bond with partner Macaulay Culkin and how their shared experiences as child actors have shaped their relationship. In an interview on the podcast Sibling Revelry with Kate and Oliver Hudson, Song reflected on the unspoken connection she shares with Culkin, attributing it to the “trauma” they both experienced in their early years in the entertainment industry.
Song mentioned that despite having different paths in their acting careers, she and Culkin both carry anxieties, stressors, and triggers from their time as child actors that continue to impact them as adults. Culkin, who rose to fame as a child star in films like “Home Alone,” experienced a level of stardom that Song did not achieve until later in her career.

Having started their relationship in 2017, Song and Culkin have had the opportunity to explore how their respective journeys in the industry have influenced their views on acting. Song expressed that seeing the stark differences in their experiences has allowed them to gain new perspectives on the entertainment world and its effects on their lives.
Despite their individual challenges, Song emphasised the importance of having a partner who truly understands the complexities of their profession. She described Culkin as someone who comprehends her work on a different level, providing a level of support and understanding that she had not experienced before in previous relationships.
Song, known for her roles in “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody” and “Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior,” highlighted the comfort she feels in her relationship with Culkin, noting that he was the first boyfriend she introduced to her family. The couple shares two children and announced their engagement in 2022 while working on the film “Changeland.”
Both Song and Culkin continue to pursue their acting careers, with Song starring in the Netflix series “Running Point” alongside Kate Hudson and Culkin appearing in projects like “The Righteous Gemstones” and “The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy.” Song expressed gratitude for Culkin’s influence on her sense of confidence and beauty, particularly his ability to make her feel beautiful in her most vulnerable moments.
As Song and Culkin navigate their shared past as child actors and continue to support each other in their current endeavours, their relationship serves as a testament to the resilience and understanding that can stem from shared experiences in the entertainment industry. Their journey together reflects a deep connection built on mutual respect, empathy, and a shared passion for their craft.
