Actor Macaulay Culkin made a surprise appearance in the penultimate episode of Running Point, the new sports comedy series co-created by Mindy Kaling and led by Kate Hudson. The cameo, which features Culkin as an irate basketball fan yelling “Where’s Billie Eilish?!” during a Los Angeles Waves game, was not initially scripted — and was self-pitched by the actor, according to his fiancée, Brenda Song, who stars in the show.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Song revealed that Culkin’s role began as an offhand suggestion while he was visiting her on set. “He pitched himself,” said Song, who portrays the Waves’ chief of staff, Ali Lee. “It was meant to just be him in the back of a scene as an Easter egg for us. He was on set and joking about how he wanted to be thrown into the audience — not say anything, just be in the background, and we just never address it. And then, of course, it slowly snowballed.”
Culkin’s brief appearance occurs during a pivotal moment in the episode when a planned performance by pop star Billie Eilish — who does not appear in the series — is disrupted by character Sandy, played by Drew Tarver. Culkin’s single line in response, “Where’s Billie Eilish?!”, delivers a comic punch that fans quickly noticed.
“Knowing Mac, he could never just be in the background,” Song added. “It was fun.”
The cameo marks another collaborative moment for the couple, who met in 2014 through mutual friend Seth Green and reconnected three years later while working on Green’s film Changeland. The pair began dating soon after and got engaged in 2022. They now share two children.
This is not the first time Culkin has appeared in one of Song’s projects. In 2019, the Home Alone star guest-starred in an episode of Hulu’s Dollface, in which Song played a recurring character. Culkin portrayed a love interest to Shay Mitchell’s character, Stella.
Speaking about their relationship dynamic, Song noted that sharing the same profession has allowed the couple to support each other on and off set. “I had never dated an actor before him, and it’s one of the advantages about having someone who understands your job,” she said. “He is my sounding board. Any casting directors know, if I’m on tape, he’s usually the person that’s reading with me. It’s so silly. It’s another layer to a relationship that I didn’t even know that I had, and it’s been really beautiful.”
Both Song and Culkin share the unique experience of growing up in Hollywood. Culkin began his acting career at the age of 4 and became an international sensation with his role as Kevin McCallister in Home Alone and its sequels. Song started acting at age 5 and rose to fame on Disney Channel’s The Suite Life of Zack & Cody as the eccentric heiress, London Tipton.
With their shared backgrounds, the couple often discusses the pressures of child stardom — a factor that informs how they are raising their children. When asked whether she would support her kids entering the entertainment industry, Song said she is open to it under certain conditions.
“They can do whatever they want,” she stated. “They just have to finish school first. Enjoy being a kid. Being in this business, there are so many highs but also so many lows. I just want them to enjoy being kids and not having to worry about that.”
Running Point, which blends sports culture with workplace comedy in a tone reminiscent of Ted Lasso, has earned praise for its fresh take on the genre. The series follows a fictional women-led basketball organization and stars Kate Hudson, with Song playing a key role as the team’s operations executive. The show features a mix of original characters, sharp writing, and unexpected cameos — Culkin’s now among them.
The decision to include Culkin in the episode was ultimately embraced by the creative team. His comedic background and legacy as one of Hollywood’s most recognized former child stars brought a layer of nostalgia and unpredictability to the scene.
The cameo quickly gained attention on social media following the episode’s release, with fans amused and intrigued by Culkin’s spontaneous role. While his involvement may have started as a joke, the final result added a memorable twist to the episode and highlighted the natural chemistry and humor he shares with Song.
For Culkin, who has taken a more selective approach to acting in recent years, the cameo reflects his preference for meaningful or playful appearances rather than full-time roles. Most recently, he was seen in American Horror Story: Double Feature in 2021, which earned him critical praise.
As for Running Point, the series continues to build momentum with audiences, thanks in part to its unconventional blend of sports, satire, and heartfelt storytelling. With Song’s leading performance and the occasional surprise guest like Culkin, the show delivers more than just laughs — it also offers a glimpse into the real-life dynamics of a creative Hollywood couple.
Culkin’s unexpected moment in the spotlight is just another example of how their partnership blends life and art. Whether as a sounding board during auditions or as a scene-stealing fan in a fictional basketball arena, the actor continues to support Song’s career in his own unique and humorous way.
The final episodes of Running Point are now streaming, with fans eagerly awaiting whether any more surprise appearances lie ahead.
