Patricia Brentrup, 70, is currently living in tough circumstances, far from the glamorous lives of her famous sons. The mother of seven, including well-known actors Macaulay and Kieran Culkin, resides in a modest one-story ranch-style home in Billings, Montana. This home, located near a junkyard, paints a stark contrast to the luxurious lifestyles of her children.
Patricia, along with her husband Mart Cox, both 70 years old, is reportedly in financial distress. After retiring, the couple finds it challenging to make ends meet. Patricia’s health has also been deteriorating in recent years, with a stroke and a subsequent Alzheimer’s diagnosis making daily life even harder. As Mart Cox explains, the couple is struggling financially, with limited income after retirement.
Their situation is in sharp contrast to the fortunes of their famous children. Macaulay, with a net worth of $18 million, lives in a lavish mansion in California. Kieran, the recent Oscar winner, has a reported $5 million net worth and resides in New York.
While Patricia’s children have amassed great wealth, her relationship with them, particularly in recent years, has been strained. The brothers Macaulay and Kieran, who rose to stardom at young ages, are living in different worlds. Macaulay, despite his wealth, sends $1,000 a month to help his mother, but Kieran has not offered financial support. According to Mart Cox, Kieran rarely visits and has not been in touch with Patricia for years, despite publicly praising her in interviews.
Patricia’s health issues have further contributed to this distance. She cannot travel easily, and her stepfather, Mart Cox, says their financial limitations have made it difficult for Patricia to visit her children, especially since traveling is not an option for her.
The family’s history is marked by tumult, particularly with Kit Culkin, Patricia’s former partner. Patricia separated from Kit in the 1990s, accusing him of abusive behavior, alcohol addiction, and infidelity. Their children were affected by Kit’s actions, with Macaulay famously going to court to sever ties with his father at a young age.
Both Macaulay and Kieran have publicly distanced themselves from their father. Kieran’s 2024 Emmy acceptance speech notably snubbed Kit, mentioning how he did nothing to help raise them. Macaulay has also criticized his father in interviews, describing him as an example of how not to raise children.
While Macaulay is reportedly the only one offering financial help, other members of the Culkin family have not been as involved. The couple’s children from Patricia’s previous relationships, including Quinn, Rory, and Christian, seem to have their own financial and personal struggles.
Quinn, for example, has faced financial troubles, with tax liens and debts, while Christian has been struggling with income and still relies on others for support. Rory, who continues acting, has worked on smaller projects and even runs a YouTube channel.
Patricia’s situation paints a picture of a family divided by wealth, distance, and strained relationships. While her sons have achieved considerable success, Patricia is facing financial hardship and health challenges, with limited support from her famous children. The Culkin family’s complex past, including their troubled relationship with their father Kit, has had a lasting impact on their connections.
Patricia’s difficult circumstances contrast sharply with the public success of her sons, underlining how fame and wealth do not always translate into familial closeness or support.