Celebrity Extra: Macaulay Culkin
By Dana Jackson
Q: Is Macaulay Culkin going to do any more movies or television in the near future? He started making a comeback a few years ago, but I haven't seen him in anything. Also, does he still speak to his dad? -- M.W.
A: The little "Home Alone" cutie will turn 45 at the end of this month, and while his career isn't as celebrated as his younger brother's, Oscar winner Kieran Culkin, Macaulay certainly seems happier than ever. He has overcome allegations of drug abuse, is now a doting father to two boys with wife/actress Brenda Song ("Running Point"), and hasn't given up on acting.
Macaulay Culkin (Upcoming in "Fallout"). Photo Credit: Depositphotos
He's been steadily growing his resume since 2016 with recurring roles on "The Jim Gaffigan Show," "American Horror Story," and "The Righteous Gemstones." He's also set to appear in the upcoming season of "Fallout," but it's uncertain for how many episodes.
As for his relationship with his parents, according to People magazine, Macaulay has been estranged from his dad since he was a teen, but he denies that he ever emancipated from his parents (as rumors had it).
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Q: When are they going to announce the contestants for the new season of "Dancing with the Stars"? Doesn't the show start soon? -- M.C.
A: Season 34 of "Dancing with the Stars" will premiere on ABC on Tuesday, Sept. 16. They typically announce all the contestants about two weeks before the premiere date, typically first on "Good Morning America" before it gets spread all over the internet. A few names have already trickled out, though.
Australian Zookeeper Robert Irwin will follow in the footsteps of his big sister, Bindi, who won the mirrorball trophy in season 21. Joining him will be two cast members from Hulu's "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt, as well as TikTok star Alix Earle.
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Q: When is the spin-off of "The Office" coming out? I know it's called "The Paper." Is it also set in the same industry as "The Office"? -- K.S.
A: "The Paper," a spin-off of "The Office," is about a struggling Midwestern newspaper called the Toledo Truth-Teller. Although many are skeptical that it could ever be as good as the British or American versions of "The Office," it has the same mockumentary style and the name Greg Daniels behind it.
When Daniels recreated Ricky Gervais' highly touted British original in 2005 for NBC, it was practically universally panned. Once it found its footing, it became a modest hit and eventually a huge pop-culture sensation on Netflix.
The only returning character from "The Office" so far is Oscar Nunez as accountant Oscar Martinez. Like the American "Office," the cast of "The Paper" aren't well-known -- yet. The biggest star besides Martinez is Domhnall Gleeson, who is best known as General Hux in Episodes VII, VIII and IX of the "Star Wars" franchise.
Look for Peacock to drop four episodes of "The Paper" on Sept. 4, followed by two new episodes every Thursday through Sept. 25.
Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com.