Picture this: Daniel Stern, the actor who became a household name as one half of the Wet Bandits in the iconic ‘Home Alone’ movies, is now grappling with an unexpected twist of fate – his grandchildren have yet to realize that their beloved grandpa was the comedic criminal getting walloped with bricks on screen.
At 67, Daniel Stern sat down with PEOPLE to talk about his journey from Hollywood’s limelight to a more grounded life, surrounded by family and his creative pursuits. Reflecting on how his grandchildren perceive him, Stern mused, ‘I’ve got six grandkids now and another one coming, and I’m like, ‘Okay, well, who are these people going to think I am?’’ he laughed, noting their lack of awareness about his acting days.
While the world knows him as the bumbling burglar from the 1990 holiday classic, at home, Stern is simply ‘grandpa.’ He anticipates the day his grandkids will stumble upon his films, marveling at the notion of them watching him get pummeled by bricks in the beloved movies. ‘That’s a mindblower,’ he said, chuckling at the thought.
Stern’s choice to step away from the glitz of Hollywood was deliberate. He explained that he craved a more ‘real’ life, one where he could fully immerse himself in family and community. Living on a ranch in California’s Central Valley, he embraced roles such as coaching his kids’ teams and teaching in classrooms, earning accolades like the President’s Call to Service Award for his volunteerism.
These days, Stern is fully invested in managing his citrus farm and cattle ranch. But his passion for creativity hasn’t waned. ‘I’m an artist, and I need to be creative,’ he shared, describing how he channels his energy into writing, sculpting, and even menial tasks like cleaning horse stalls or making tangerine juice. It’s all part of his artistic journey, he explained, finding satisfaction in creating something tangible.
Stern also keeps a connection with his fans through social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where he gives glimpses into his ranch life and sculpture projects. ‘You can tell your story, and it feels good to tell it, he remarked, appreciating the interaction that these platforms offer.
Despite his many achievements and the legacy of ‘Home Alone,’ Stern hasn’t watched the film since it was released in 1990. ‘But I know the script inside and out,’ he admitted. It’s a testament to his lasting impact that even without revisiting the movie, his role remains etched in fans’ memories.
Daniel Stern’s journey from a beloved on-screen character to a reflective artist and devoted grandpa reveals a life rich with purpose beyond the silver screen. As his grandchildren grow older, the chance encounter with his film legacy will undoubtedly be a delightful surprise, adding yet another layer to their grandpa’s already fascinating life story.
Source: Yahoo
