AceShowbiz - In his memoir "Home and Alone," Daniel Stern recounts his time working on the iconic holiday film "Home Alone". While portraying one of the bumbling criminals attempting to rob Macaulay Culkin's home, Stern felt an unexpected sense of protectiveness towards the young actor.

Off-set, the two spent time together away from the set. Stern noticed that Culkin, despite being a charming and sweet child, had led a vastly different life than his own children. The child actor lacked the typical childhood experiences, revealing a heavy burden of adult pressure from show business and his parents.

Stern and his family witnessed firsthand the extent of Culkin's fame when they visited his hotel room. It was stocked from floor to ceiling with toys, a generous gift from Michael Jackson. The sight left a lasting impression on Stern and made him appreciate the challenges that Culkin faced as a child star.

Despite their time as on-screen adversaries, Stern's memoir highlights the bond formed between him and Culkin. The "Home Alone" family has remained friendly over the years, with Culkin's former on-screen mother, Catherine O'Hara, supporting him at his Hollywood Walk of Fame induction.

Beyond "Home Alone," Stern's memoir delves into his struggles with dyslexia, his early acting career, and his experiences on films such as "City Slickers" and "Diner." It also includes anecdotes about his interactions with co-stars like Mickey Rourke and Patrick Dempsey.

In a particularly captivating chapter, Stern recounts a harrowing cocaine incident on the set of "Honky Tonk Freeway". While attempting to portray a drug dealer, he was given real cocaine by the abusive director, resulting in a terrifying experience where his heart raced uncontrollably.

Stern's memoir offers a candid and often humorous look at his life and career. His insights into "Home Alone" and his relationship with Macaulay Culkin provide a unique perspective on the film's enduring legacy and the challenges of growing up in the spotlight.