Joe Rogan’s podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, is renowned for its wide-ranging conversations with fascinating guests. In August 2018, one such guest was Macaulay Culkin, the former child star of Home Alone. During their chat, Culkin revealed a surprising tidbit: he was once pursued to star in the mega-hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory. Not only did he turn it down, but Rogan went on to suggest that Culkin dodged a bullet by doing so, even though he walked away from a fortune.
A Role Rejected Three Times
During the interview, Culkin shared that he was approached multiple times to join The Big Bang Theory. Initially pitched as the sitcom’s lead, Culkin turned it down after reading the script for the pilot. The premise—two nerdy astrophysicists befriending a beautiful neighbor—didn’t resonate with him. Mocking the concept, Culkin recalled thinking, “Yoinks.”
Despite his disinterest, the show’s creators were persistent. They approached him twice more, with Culkin’s manager even attempting to convince him to reconsider. Still, he declined. Reflecting on the decision, Culkin told Rogan, “Listen, I’d have hundreds of millions of dollars right now if I did that gig. At the same time, I’d be bashing my head against the wall.”
Joe Rogan’s Perspective
Surprisingly, Rogan applauded Culkin’s decision, remarking that he was “lucky” to have avoided the long-term grind of sitcom life. Drawing from his own experience as an actor on NewsRadio in the late ’90s, Rogan explained why he eventually left acting altogether.
“It takes too long,” Rogan said. “I’m more interested in podcasts and stand-up, and I don’t have enough time to do anything else other than UFC commentary.” He also spoke about the emotional toll that some actors endure when tied to long-term projects they don’t enjoy, comparing it to his time hosting Fear Factor.
“When you’re doing something you don’t really enjoy, you’re like, ‘Okay, time to go to work.’ I was very thankful to have the job, but the reality is, it was not enjoyed,” he said.
Rogan speculated that some sitcom actors might feel similarly, with money being their only consolation. “They spend all their money, they go crazy. Because the only thing they look forward to is, ‘What am I gonna do with this money?’”
How Much Did Culkin Really Lose?
The Big Bang Theory went on to become a juggernaut, with its cast earning millions. During its 12-season run, lead actors Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, and Johnny Galecki eventually earned $1 million per episode. Screen Rant reported that over the course of the series, the stars made tens of millions of dollars each.
For Culkin, who was once the highest-paid child actor in Hollywood, starring in The Big Bang Theory might have put him on a similar trajectory as sitcom heavyweights like Charlie Sheen. Sheen famously earned $100 million for two seasons of Two and a Half Men, another Chuck Lorre production.
However, Culkin’s early fame and fortune afforded him the luxury of choice. While he acknowledged the financial opportunity he passed up, he stood by his decision, valuing his peace of mind over monetary gain.
Did Culkin Make the Right Call?
Had Culkin starred in The Big Bang Theory, the show’s trajectory might have changed entirely. Unlike the relatively unknown cast members who eventually brought the series to life, Culkin’s involvement could have shifted the show’s dynamic and focus, potentially making him the centerpiece akin to Sheen in Two and a Half Men.
On the flip side, Culkin’s disinterest in the project likely saved him from years of unhappiness tied to a role he didn’t enjoy. For Rogan, that alone was worth more than the millions Culkin could have earned.
Ultimately, Culkin’s decision reflects his priorities: staying true to himself and avoiding the pitfalls of fame at any cost. And given his sustained popularity and legacy from Home Alone, it’s clear that walking away from The Big Bang Theory hasn’t dimmed his star.
