The former child star discussed these personal struggles during an episode of Kate Hudson's Sibling Revelry podcast. Culkin told his father at around the age of 11 or 12 that he was exhausted from acting, but his father dismissed his concerns.

"I was tired, man. I was so tired," Culkin recounted. He had approached his father about needing a break from acting, only to be pushed further into it. "And the next thing I know, I was in the next thing, and the next thing, and the next thing. I was like: 'Oh, I’m stuck. Now, I’m stuck."

Critical Turning Point at Age Fourteen

The turning point came when Culkin was 14, amidst his parents' tumultuous split. He seized the moment of his father's departure to assert control over his life by quitting acting. "Great, I quit, now he’s out of the picture, I quit," he declared at that time.

This decision marked a significant change in Culkin's life trajectory, allowing him to step away from the limelight and regain some semblance of normalcy and control over his future.

Family Dynamics and Legal Struggles

During the custody battle that ensued, Culkin expressed a strong desire to distance himself from his father, whom he describes as abusive. "During the whole custody thing, I wanted nothing to do with my f***ing father," he stated emphatically on the podcast.

He even recounted a bold moment in court: "I go: 'OK, how about I dare this judge to put me in jail for not wanting to visit [my] abusive father. I’m going to double down on that; I double dare him to arrest the most famous kid in the world..." Culkin shared, reflecting on his drastic stance during those tumultuous times.

Long-Term Impact of Family Struggles

Culkin has not spoken to his father, Kit Culkin, for over three decades now. He justified his decision by explaining the severe nature of his father's behavior, which alienated all his children and even his grandchildren.

"He’s a man who had seven kids, and he has four grandkids, and none of them want anything to do with him," Culkin revealed, highlighting the depth of the rift within the family. He described his father as a "bad man," indicative of toxic and narcissistic traits that deeply affected his family dynamic.

The actor also gave insight into the emotional and psychological toll the relationship with his father took on him, shaping him into the man and father he is today. "He was bad to his kids, he was bad to his wife, he was the worst person I’ve ever known in my entire life," Culkin said, emphasizing the negative influence his father had on his life. "It super sucks, but I wouldn’t be the man, I wouldn’t be the father I am today if it wasn’t for my experience."

This revelation not only sheds light on Culkin's past struggles but also underscores his resilience and capacity to overcome personal adversities, shaping a life distinctly different from his traumatic origins. Culkin's story is a profound reminder of the impact parental relationships can have on an individual's life path and personal growth.