Home Alone Star Daniel Stern Cited by Police ‘for Soliciting Prostitute’ in California
Home Alone star Daniel Stern has been cited for allegedly soliciting a prostitute at a hotel.
The actor who is best known for playing Sticky Bandit (formerly Wet Bandit) Marv in the iconic Christmas films alongside Macaulay Culkin and Joe Pesci was allegedly cited by police in Camarillo, California last month.
The Incident
Stern, 68, was ticketed on December 10th, a law enforcement source from Ventura County told TMZ.
He was not arrested but soliciting a prostitute in California is a misdemeanor.
Those who are convicted of such an offense in the Golden State can face up to six months behind bars or a $1,000 fine.
Neither Stern nor his representatives have issued comment about the citation.
Personal Life and Current Endeavors
The father-of-three has been married to his wife Laure Mattos since 1980 and has stepped away from Hollywood to focus on his art.
He lives on a ranch in Ventura where he sculpts and raises cattle.
On Christmas Eve he told People that he has been asked by the owners of the Home Alone house to create a sculpture of one of his iconic scenes.
“I got a call from the people who own the Home Alone house,” he said.
“And I’m a sculptor [and] they asked if I would do a sculpture for the house. So I’m creating a sculpture of me and the spider.”
Recent Health Concerns
Back in October it was revealed by TMZ that he had been hospitalized after suffering an unknown medical emergency, but was quickly released and said to be “doing well.”
Home Alone Legacy
Stern’s portrayal of the bumbling burglar Marv Merchants in the original Home Alone (1990) and its sequel Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) remains one of his most memorable roles. The films have become beloved holiday classics, with Stern’s physical comedy and chemistry with co-star Joe Pesci creating some of the franchise’s most iconic moments.
His character’s transformation from the “Wet Bandits” to the “Sticky Bandits” in the sequel, along with countless slapstick injuries inflicted by Culkin’s resourceful Kevin McCallister, cemented Stern’s place in Christmas movie history.
A Quiet Life After Hollywood
Since stepping back from the spotlight, Stern has embraced a quieter existence on his California ranch, dedicating himself to sculpture and ranching. His artistic pursuits represent a significant departure from his acting career, though his connection to his most famous role continues through projects like the upcoming sculpture commission.
The citation comes at a time when Stern has largely maintained a low profile, avoiding the typical celebrity lifestyle in favor of his rural creative endeavors. His long marriage to Mattos, spanning over four decades, has been a constant throughout his transition from Hollywood actor to ranching artist.
Legal Implications
As the case moves forward, Stern faces potential legal consequences depending on how authorities proceed. Misdemeanor solicitation charges in California, while not resulting in felony records, can still carry significant penalties and social stigma.
The lack of public comment from Stern or his representatives suggests a strategy of maintaining privacy while the legal matter is resolved. Whether this citation will result in formal charges or a plea agreement remains to be seen.
Home Alone’s Continued Popularity
In other Home Alone news, before Christmas The U.S. Sun looked at how Kevin McCallister’s extravagant trip to New York City in the sequel would look today, including how much it would cost.
Plus, Macaulay Culkin has revealed what his children think of his starring role in the iconic films.
The enduring popularity of the Home Alone franchise continues to generate interest in its stars, even as they’ve moved on to different chapters in their lives. For Stern, this recent citation represents an unwelcome intrusion into the private life he’s carefully cultivated away from the cameras.