For many, Daniel Stern will forever be Marv, the bumbling burglar from the iconic Christmas movie Home Alone. But while the world still laughs at the antics of the Wet Bandits every holiday season, Stern has traded the glitz and chaos of Hollywood for the simplicity of farm life in Ventura, California.
The 66-year-old actor, who also starred in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York alongside Joe Pesci and Macaulay Culkin, now spends his days raising cattle, growing tangerines, and creating stunning works of art. His newfound rhythm of life may surprise fans, but it’s a deliberate choice that speaks to a deeper sense of purpose and peace.
In a recent TikTok video that has captivated fans, Stern offers a glimpse into his farm life. “Hello, as you will come to discover, I live on a farm, and we grow tangerines here,” he shares warmly. The video showcases his passion for juicing and freezing tangerines to gift to friends.
But Stern’s talents don’t stop at farming. In another TikTok clip, he unveiled a breathtaking sculpture of a reclining woman, revealing a little-known side of the actor. Fans were quick to express their admiration. “Incredible work of art! Had no idea you were a sculptor,” one user commented. Another wrote, “So Marv is now a sculptor and farmer. Living the dream.”
Stern’s life may seem worlds away from the Hollywood spotlight, but his creative spirit shines just as brightly in his art and farming endeavors.
Despite his current peaceful existence, Stern acknowledges the pivotal moments that shaped his acting career. Earlier this year, he opened up about his memoir, Home and Alone, which recounts his rise in the entertainment industry and the missteps along the way.
“I almost blew it a couple times,” he confessed to The Los Angeles Times, referring to his initial decision to back out of playing Marv due to contract disagreements. After a brief recasting, the producers brought him back—and the rest is history.
Stern remains profoundly grateful for his role in Home Alone, which continues to bring joy to countless families. “How many people in the world are stopped by perfect strangers who tell them, ‘I love you. My family loves you. You bring us joy. You are a part of our family holiday tradition,'” Stern reflected.
Stern’s journey from Hollywood stardom to the serenity of a Ventura farm embodies a countercultural choice—one that values creativity, simplicity, and connection over fame. Whether he’s tending his cattle, growing tangerines, or sculpting art, Stern’s life is a reminder that true fulfillment doesn’t always come from the spotlight.
As the world revisits Home Alone this Christmas, many will laugh at Marv’s hilarious missteps. But for Stern, the greatest joy comes from living a life that nourishes both the land and the soul.