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Since its release in 1990, Home Alone has become a fixture in pop culture. Between the memorable lines and the hilarious booby traps set by Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), the film has stood the test of time as a family favorite. Fans often rewatch the movie around the holidays, and it’s a perfect rainy day movie, as it’s pretty much guaranteed to leave you smiling. The film spawned a five-movie franchise, with the final film premiering on ABC Family in 2012.
Many of the Home Alone stars have gone on to great success. However, some fans have wondered what happened to Daniel Stern, who garnered big laughs as the bumbling burglar Marv. Once his Home Alone days came to an end, Stern continued acting in comedy shows and movies, and even tried his hand at directing. He also started giving back to the community by volunteering and opening a Boys & Girls Club in Malibu, CA. The actor even took up sculpting as a hobby, and has shown pieces throughout the Southern California area. All in all, Stern has definitely stayed busy, even if he never managed to make off with a trove of riches from Duncan's Toy Chest.Â
Some fans may be surprised to learn the familiar voice narrating The Wonder Years is actually Stern. Not only did Stern voice the role of an adult Kevin Arnold, but he also directed 10 episodes. However, he almost lost out on the part, as he was initially fired from the series.
After winning the role, Stern warned producers he might be auditioning for a film set in Africa. Concerned about his lack of availability, they decided to give the role to actor Arye Gross. After the pilot aired with Gross as narrator, Stern was asked to return to the cast permanently.
In 1993, Stern directed the sports comedy Rookie of the Year. He also took a role in the film as Phil Brickma, pitching coach for the fictional version of the Chicago Cubs. Although it received generally negative reviews, the movie became an important piece of pop culture, especially for Cubs fans. When the real-life Cubs were in the MLB Playoffs in 2016, Stern revisited his character to support the ball club and encourage the team.
The Cubs won the World Series that year, marking the first championship win for the team since 1908.
While he had a successful film career prior to Home Alone, Stern became well known for his role as Marv, the film's goofy bad guy. As with many character actors, he capitalized on the film's success by appearing in several similar parts back to back.
After Rookie of the Year, Stern reprised the role of Phil Berquist in City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly's Gold. His next film, Bushwhacked, was originally intended as a Home Alone spinoff but pivoted to focus on an original character named “Mad" Max Grabelski. In Judd Apatow’s Celtic Pride, Stern plays Mike O'Hara, an overzealous Boston Celtics fan who will do anything to help them win the NBA Finals.
Beyond his uncredited voiceover work on The Wonder Years, Stern has appeared in voice roles on several other TV shows. After his small part as Mr. Packenham on the Nickelodeon series Hey Arnold!, Stern joined the cast of the animated series Dilbert, voicing the title character for two seasons.
His other voice credits include work on The Simpsons and Family Guy, where Stern stepped back into a narrator role. He also lent his voice talents to the 2010 short film Branches.
In the wake of the Columbine High School shooting in 1999, Stern and his wife, Laure Mattos, felt motivated to provide a safe haven for children in their community. Along with other parents in the area, the couple started the Boys & Girls Club in Malibu later that same year. Since its opening, the organization has expanded to include four clubhouses at several nearby public schools. Other celebrities in the area have supported the organization, including Julia Roberts, Pierce Brosnan, and Cindy Crawford.
Stern’s former Home Alone costar, actor Joe Pesci, has also contributed to the cause. He participated in the 2008 BMW Charity Pro-Am golf tournament to raise money for the organization.
He Received The President's Volunteer Service Award
Stern’s involvement in his community has brought him back into the spotlight on several occasions, and he recognizes that his past Hollywood success has given him opportunities unavailable to most. He stated, “My success as an actor has afforded me the unique opportunity to give back to my community, putting my vision of creating a strong and sensitive society into practice.”
In 2010, Stern received the President's Volunteer Service Award from President Obama. The award, which is based on self-nominations, requires nominees to volunteer at least 500 hours in a single calendar year, all for the greater good.
