Fatherhood just really agrees with some people, and it turns out one of them is former child star Macaulay Culkin.

Culkin rose to fame in his younger years with the success of the “Home Alone” films, “My Girl” and “Richie Rich.” He was so in demand at the time that he starred in 15 films within seven years. After “retiring” from film at 14, he later returned to the silver screen for indie movies while pursuing other passions such as music. He now hosts the Bunny Ears podcast.

However, the behind-the-scenes life of one of Hollywood’s most successful child stars was tumultuous. His parents, who had never married, separated, and his mother filed for full custody. There was a heavily publicized spat between the star and his parents over his earnings that had gone into a trust fund and were worth almost $20 million. He was also roundly criticized publicly for deciding to marry fellow actress Rachel Miner when they were both only 17. After they divorced in 2002, Culkin would go on to have an almost decade-long relationship with “That 70s Show” actress Mila Kunis, which eventually ended in 2010.

Having traversed such a rocky road, it’s no wonder Culkin is more inclined to keep his head down and out of the public eye as best he can. However, this came to a screeching halt when he signed on for a role in the 2019 film “Changeland” directed by his friend, Seth Green. In the movie, Culkin was cast alongside another child star, Brenda Song of “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody,” which was the start of a new beginning for him.

After hitting it off on the set, Culkin and Song embarked on a relationship and welcomed a healthy baby boy in April 2021. With the addition of their son, they expanded their already thriving family that included a few fish, a blue-headed parrot, a Shiba Inu and three cats. They named their child Dakota after Culkin’s sister, who passed away in 2008 at the age of 29 after being struck by a car. Of the birth, the couple released only a brief statement that read: “We’re overjoyed.”

Culkin had expressed hesitation about the relationship in its early days, saying he “was waiting for the other shoe to drop,” before realizing “no – sometimes it’s just good.” Song has gushed about her man on numerous occasions, saying in 2020, “You can’t be around him and not be happy.” She also told Entertainment Tonight that they shared a special bond because of their similar child star upbringing.

“It’s almost like child actors … don’t even have to talk about it. You just look each other in the eye and you nod and we know.”

For Song, the arrival of baby Dakota changed her priorities. She described her new role as a mother as the most challenging of her life.

“I never thought that I could really put my career in the backseat, but, at the end of the day, if I had to stop doing what I’m doing to be a better mom, I would do it without blinking an eye because my son is the most important thing and I just want to be the best mom for him,” she said.

It turns out parenthood has affected Culkin just as much, and the love he has for his family of three has been on show wherever he is seen.

The couple got engaged in early 2022, although there was no official announcement. Song was spotted wearing an engagement ring on her finger.

In October 2021, Culkin and Song were seen shopping at Whole Foods with their son in downtown Los Angeles. Culkin looked like the doting dad, pushing the baby stroller around and folding it like a natural.

In April 2022, the pair were again sighted on a sweet little family day in Los Angeles, taking their baby boy out and about for fresh air. The mom and dad were dressed casually and looked relaxed, pushing Dakota in a buggy. While the trio was beaming during their little sojourn, it was Culkin’s look that stole the show. His hair appeared to have been cut in a mohawk style – as was their son’s! The father-son lookalike game is strong with these two.

On Apr. 8, 2022, Culkin and Song posted a picture on Instagram of the family at Sesame Street in San Diego, celebrating Dakota’s first birthday. Mom and dad were a picture of happiness, and Song captioned the photo with a huge thanks to Sesame Street for “making BOTH my boys’ dreams come true and for hosting the most magical first birthday for our son!”

Culkin took a slightly more humorous angle with his version, thanking Sesame Street as well before saying:

“They made a little boy’s dreams come true. And my son also had a great time.”

It’s clear Culkin and Song are reveling in their new roles as parents, and if the smiles on their faces are a sign of things to come, then Dakota is in for a fun, happy and loving ride.