How 'Home Alone' star Daniel Stern built alternate career for himself far away from Hollywood life

VENTURA, CALIFORNIA: Daniel Stern, best known for his role as the hapless burglar Marv in the 'Home Alone' franchise, has traded the Hollywood spotlight for the serene life of a cattle rancher.

But behind his move to the countryside is a savvy contract decision that earned him millions and set the stage for his unexpected career shift, Ladbible reported.

How 'Home Alone' star Daniel Stern reinvented himself

In the 1990s, Stern’s portrayal of Marv Murchins turned him into a household name. While his on-screen character was comically inept, Stern showed a sharp business acumen when negotiating his contract for 'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York'.

After discovering that co-star Joe Pesci was earning significantly more, Stern took matters into his own hands. For the sequel, he not only secured a higher salary but also negotiated one percent of the movie’s gross profits - a decision that paid off handsomely.

The film grossed $359 million globally, netting Stern an impressive $3.59 million at the time equivalent to over $8 million today when adjusted for inflation.

With his financial future secured, Stern decided to shift gears, stepping away from the chaotic demands of Hollywood. He now resides on a cattle ranch, embracing a quieter life filled with farming, sculpting, and writing.

Daniel Stern shares glimpse of life on his farm and artistic pursuits

Stern, now living a quieter life on his Ventura, California farm, recently gave fans a sneak peek into his new lifestyle through a TikTok video that quickly gained attention. In the clip, Stern revealed that he spends his days raising cattle and growing tangerines on his farm, explaining, "I juice them up and then freeze them and give them away to my friends."

The video showcases not only Stern’s work with his citrus crops but also his commitment to artistry.

Stern, who has transitioned into sculpture, shared a glimpse of a recent piece he’s been working on, a striking sculpture of a woman lying on a chair. His artistic journey appears to be flourishing alongside his farm life, showing a new side to the former celebrity.

Fans have been showing their admiration for Stern's artistic talents, with one commenting, "Incredible work of art! Had no idea you were a sculptor." Another fan quipped, "So Marv is now a sculptor and farmer. Living the dream."

Others praised his craft, with one saying, "Excellent work," and another writing, "Beautiful! You are so talented." One fan expressed their affection, saying, "We LOVE YOU Daniel! Keep it up and please keep sharing. Hearts out to you and your family."

Stern, who has embraced a more low-key lifestyle, still maintains a presence on social media with 88,000 followers on TikTok and nearly 25,000 subscribers on YouTube.

Daniel Stern reflects on his drastic lifestyle change and focus on family

Stern opened up about the reasoning behind his drastic lifestyle change and his decision to step away from the entertainment industry on his website. Reflecting on his early years, Stern wrote, "When I was a kid, I was a terrible student but I excelled in all things artistic - theatre, choir, band, woodshed, metal shop, ceramics, and sculpture."

Stern explained that he dropped out of high school at seventeen and moved to New York to pursue acting. By 23, he was married and a father, which shifted his focus entirely toward his show business career. Despite his success in movies, Stern began to feel the toll of constant travel and being away from his family.

Reflecting on his decision to leave Hollywood behind, Stern explained: “I did a lot of great movies, but there came a point where I missed being with my family. I decided to stop traveling so much and focus on my family and other artistic passions.”

The decision led to a fulfilling family life and a new creative outlet. "The result of that decision is that I have a wonderful family life and this body of work," Stern shared, highlighting how this shift has enriched his personal and professional life.