The beloved 'Wet Bandit' actor, Daniel Stern, has revealed his reasons for staying away from the 'Home Alone' anniversary celebrations, and it's a story that will tug at your heartstrings.
In an exclusive chat with PEOPLE, Stern, who brought the character Marv to life alongside Joe Pesci, shared his current life away from the spotlight. These days, he's a farmer and an artist, tending to his cattle and citrus trees on a farm in Ventura County, California.
But here's where it gets controversial: despite the film's enduring popularity, Stern has chosen to remain absent from the 35th anniversary events. Why? Well, it seems he's become a bit of a homebody.
"I don't leave my farm," Stern laughed. "It's not a slight to the movie; I'm just more comfortable here. A phone call, a Zoom call, and I'm in, but... I prefer my home."
Marv, Stern's character, is a bumbling criminal who, along with Harry (Pesci), attempts to rob homes in the Chicago area, leading to a hilarious and heartwarming encounter with Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin).
The 68-year-old actor made a conscious decision to leave Hollywood behind many years ago, opting for a quieter life on the farm with his wife. While he acknowledges the film's continued success and global appeal, he's content to watch from afar.
"I love knowing that people love it, but it's a bit overwhelming when actual fans approach me and say, 'We love it.' It's a special feeling," he admitted.
And this is the part most people miss: Stern had a feeling the movie was something special. He knew John Hughes had written a gem of a script, one that had him rolling on the floor with laughter.
"It was so funny, so heartfelt. The kid, the neighbor, the reunion with his mother... it was emotional. I knew we were making something great, but I had no idea it would become an iconic holiday film," he said.
While some of the film's other stars, like Culkin, have made appearances at fan events, Stern has chosen a different path. He's content with his life on the farm, sculpting and tending to his land.
So, what do you think? Is Stern's decision to stay away from the spotlight a wise one, or does it miss an opportunity to reconnect with fans? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
