Atta Boy, Mac
by Paul Petersen

The airing of the “20/20” interview with Macaulay Culkin, and his subsequent appearance on “Good Morning America” brings a smile to nearly everyone in A Minor Consideration…especially this writer. The reconstruction process has begun.

Congratulations, Macaulay. You handled yourself beautifully. Takes one to know one. You’re on your way.

Forgive me, Mac, if I seem to be coming off so paternalistically. This is fraternal, in the full sense of the word…recognizing that both my boys are older than you. The old Open Letter that was meant to get your attention has not been “up” on this site for two years. This time I will not be so “predictive.” I know you didn’t like it. The Open Letter was meant to break through that impenetrable barrier your family and representatives had erected around you. It’s plain you are in the clear now.

We are here, anytime you need us. Just to talk…to share…or discuss what only a few hundred living souls on all the earth understand.

That special spark that brought you to the world’s attention is still in there, Mac. It never goes away. Trust your talent. There are, however, no shortcuts if you want to compete in the entertainment business (or any business for that matter). Go see our great friend, Kathleen Freeman in “The Full Monty” and wrangle a back stage visit with Kathleen. Ask Ms. Freeman what you will have to do prove to yourself that you belong in the business that raised and trained you. You can trust her.

I’m really writing through you, Macaulay, to enlist the support and understanding of our culture. You belong to them…and they to you. If they mistreat you, or expect the worst, it’s a reflection on them, not you. If old envies create obstacles in whatever career you choose for yourself, it is they who must change, not you. The societal tendency to demand a bleeding carcass is their problem. You have it in your power to get better every day, my young friend, but do they?

Can they look past what they think they know of you, their certainty that they could have handled things oh, so much better? That’s an open question. If you have a free evening pick up Joal Ryan’s new book, “Child Stars, The Story of America’s Least Wanted.” She figured it out, Mac.

It’s not just us, say Joal. It’s all those people…”out there in the dark” who must look inside themselves and ask; how long will they hold our childhoods against us. We grow up. Why don’t they?

Don’t let the fishbowl stunt your growth, young friend. It’s a different world out there now thanks to eighty years of former kid stars who have come before you. The perception has changed. Your next few years will make it easier for the next generation of young performers if you stick to the path of honesty and forthrightness you’re on.

You’re not alone, Mac. I’m sorry you and Rachel couldn’t make it work. Your heart will heal. You’re over the tough part…the coming out of a ‘voluntary’ retirement and into the glare of the press for the first time. It gets easier. Two things will help you. Learn to love that little boy you were and find his sense of humor. Laugh at the absurdity of a bunch of grown-ups expecting so much out of a kid, and an audience so quick to find another amusement.

We’re proud of you, Macaulay Culkin, for turning a corner in this business of living a public life. A lot of us wish we had done it so well.

Wherever you head, Mac, and whatever road you travel, you can be sure that we will watch your back.

Choose something wonderful.