‘Cash Cows No More?’: Brothers Macaulay and Kieran Culkin Criticized for Not Financially Supporting Their Ailing Mother, Despite Her Helping to Launch Their Successful Careers

The former manager Patricia Brentrup allegedly lives in poverty according to reports, even as her well-known sons amass substantial fortunes from careers that she initially supported. Her stepchildren now claim that these same successful sons aren’t looking after their mother. This situation has left some people astonished at the apparent neglect shown toward her by her wealthy offspring, while others think it isn’t necessarily their duty to provide for her and suggest there could be underlying reasons behind this separation.

For many years, people have been aware of the troubled relationship between the Culkin brothers and their father, Kit. Even so, wrote a book Regarding the struggling parent — however, it has lately come to light that relationships are tense not only with them but also with their mother and stepfather.

Even though she raised them as a single mother after separating from their reportedly abusive father, Patricia apparently faces financial difficulties living in a humble abode in Montana, according to recent tabloid reports. Meanwhile, her sons Macaulay and Kieran have amassed fortunes through their successful acting careers.

The 70-year-old mom of these two actors resides in what seems like a cozy ranch house on the edge of Billings, Montana, yet she reportedly faces financial difficulties even as her sons amass multimillion-dollar riches from their thriving acting professions.

“A confidential insider reports that they are both 70 years old and have retired,” told According to Daily Mail, Patricia and her spouse Mart Cox are facing financial difficulties. "The paychecks have stopped arriving. They're really struggling at the moment. It's challenging."

Patricia and Cox embrace what the source calls "a basic lifestyle" free from cell phones and internet, residing on their 11-acre land alongside two dogs and four horses.

This seemingly modest lifestyle forms a sharp contrast with Macaulay’s reported $18 million net worth and his $8 million home in Toluca Lake, California, as well as Kieran’s approximate $5 million wealth and their Manhattan apartment.

As per Cox, Macaulay offers some monetary aid, dispatching $1,000 each month to support his mother.

Nevertheless, Kieran, who received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2025, apparently provides no assistance.

He never gives me a call," Cox shared with Daily Mail. "I don't anticipate receiving any assistance from him at all. Furthermore, I am not one to make requests.

Patricia's condition has worsened considerably over the past few years.

Cox revealed she suffered a stroke and was subsequently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

“Boom, it just hit and it’s getting worse,” he explained. “Her mind isn’t there anymore. She has a memory of about five minutes.”

The family’s financial situation has worsened, with records showing the couple took out two loans from different mortgage companies in 2020 totaling over $1.2 million.

In spite of these challenges, Cox keeps an image of Kieran’s Oscar win on their fridge to assist Patricia in remembering her son’s accomplishment.

The stepfather has made multiple statements To inform the public that the sons are failing to support their ill mother adequately. The sons remain silent regarding both their mother and her health situation.

The Culkin family's past is characterized by upheaval.

Patricia and Kit, the fathers of the brothers, were never married but maintained a 21-year relationship that resulted in seven offspring. according to People.

Kit propelled his offspring into the world of acting and oversaw Macaulay’s initial forays into cinema until their bond disintegrated. At age 15, Macaulay pursued legal action against his parents to sever their access to his trust fund, from which they had been withdrawing 15 percent of his income derived from each movie.

After leveling accusations of physical abuse, alcoholism, and cheating against him, Patricia terminated her partnership with Kit during the latter part of the 1990s. Legal papers showed that Kit would vanish from his family for several weeks at a time as he struggled to manage Macaulay’s wealth, leaving Patricia and their kids behind.

Upon reading the article, numerous Daily Mail spectators raised doubts about the family relationships involved.

One reader pointed the finger at the stepfather.

“It seems her spouse is a gaslighter,” the comment stated.

Others challenged the assumptions, asking, "Do these sources expect Kieran and Macaulay to cover their parents' expenses and buy them a large home in a desirable neighborhood simply because they are affluent? That’s not typically how things work."

A third reader chimed, writing, “Their parents treated their children like a pair of cash cows. What are they expecting from them?”

While another commenter made a pun referencing Macaulay’s famous film, “So, she’s home alone?!”

Another empathetic reader penned, "Family ties can be complex, particularly when celebrity status and wealth come into play. Only those experiencing it firsthand know the entire narrative."

In spite of the complex past, Kieran has openly recognized his mother’s sacrifices.

During his 2024 Emmy acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude towards Brentrup for "providing me with life and a wonderful childhood."

Behind the scenes, he characterized her as "an amazing woman who single-handedly raised seven children in a studio apartment," while downplaying his father's involvement by saying, "There was this guy around – but he didn't contribute much."

The connection between Patricia and her well-known offspring continues to be complex, as both Macaulay and Kieran have not addressed the underlying issues causing their estrangement in public forums. Doubts persist regarding Cox’s involvement in the tense familial atmosphere; however, the reality stays concealed within private spaces.

'"Cash Cows No More?": Macaulay and Kieran Culkin Face Criticism for Failing to Support Their Struggling Mother, Though She Jumpstarted Their Thriving Careers"