After Home Alone became a massive hit, my life changed dramatically. Suddenly, I wasn't just another kid in school; I was Justin, the kid from the movie that everyone was talking about. It was surreal. The moment I stepped into the school, I felt like I was walking into a spotlight. Everywhere I turned, kids were asking for autographs or wanting to take photos. My friends, especially Mark and Jaden, were still the same, but a lot of my other classmates started acting differently. Some looked at me with envy, while others wanted to be my best friend, hoping to ride the coattails of my newfound fame.
I even started a little hustle of my own on the playground. I would sell snack packs to my classmates—little bags filled with chips, candy, and drinks—just like I had seen older kids do. It was a small way to make some extra cash and feel normal. But as I gained fame, those snack packs almost became a joke. Kids would ask, "Hey, aren't you famous now? Why are you selling snacks?" It was a weird mix of excitement and confusion, and I realized my playground sales were almost overshadowed by my celebrity status.
It felt like I had become a living target for attention. Reporters began showing up at school, lurking around, trying to catch me off guard. I was bombarded with fan mail, and gifts were piling up in my locker. Even my teachers treated me differently; instead of just grading my homework, they wanted to know what it was like to work with Hollywood stars. It was overwhelming, and all the attention made it hard to focus on schoolwork.
Realizing that this was no longer a normal environment for a kid, my mom, Pattie, sat me down one evening. "Justin, this isn't working. I want you to have a proper education, but I can't let this fame interfere with your learning." It was tough to hear, but deep down, I knew she was right. She decided to hire a private tutor for me, allowing me to learn from home away from the chaos. At first, I was unsure about homeschooling. It felt strange not to be in a classroom with my friends, but I trusted my mom. I knew she was looking out for me.
Pattie had taken on a more active role in managing my career. With the help of Scooter, we started navigating the flood of offers that came our way after Home Alone broke records. The film company predicted a box office total exceeding $500 million, and I would receive a bonus that could be more than $2 million, thanks to the contract I had signed. Initially, I received $75,000 before filming began, and I was set to get the remaining $75,000 once the movie was complete. But now, with the success of the film, that bonus felt like it would be a game-changer for us.
Pattie was already thinking ahead. With all this money, she realized it was time to find a new home—somewhere we could have privacy and comfort away from the prying eyes of fans and paparazzi. Our current house wasn't going to cut it anymore. People were showing up at our door, and it was becoming impossible to have a normal life.
After researching areas around Hollywood, Pattie focused on neighborhoods known for their celebrity residents. Calabas as was high on her list, famous for its gated communities and privacy. It felt perfect. She wanted a home that offered security but also enough space for me to feel like a kid. Pattie took me along for some house tours, and while some places were luxurious, we agreed that we didn't need anything too extravagant.
One house, in particular, caught Pattie's eye. Nestled in a quiet, gated community, it was surrounded by tall trees and high fences, creating a natural barrier against the outside world. The house had a spacious backyard where I could run around, and a room that could easily be transformed into a recording studio for my growing interest in music. The kitchen was large enough for Pattie to cook and entertain friends, which was important to her. And the studio was nearby the house.
When she decided to make an offer on the house, it felt like a new chapter in our lives. With the money from Home Alone, we could finally afford a place that offered the privacy we desperately needed. I could focus on being a kid and pursue my interests without the constant distraction of fame. Pattie was determined to give me a sense of stability, even if the world around us was rapidly changing.
One day, while packing up my things to move, I received a call from Leland, a producer for Late Night with Conan O'Brien. They wanted me to appear on that week's show! At first, Pattie was hesitant. "Are you sure you want to do this, Justin? It's a big step." But I was determined. "Mom, this is an amazing opportunity! Plus, it's Conan O'Brien! He's hilarious and connects with kids my age. I think it could be really fun."
After some convincing, she agreed, but with the condition that I prepare myself. "You'll need to know how these late-night shows work," she reminded me. I learned that the show typically sends guests a list of potential questions and topics beforehand. While they want to keep some spontaneity, it's essential for guests to be somewhat prepared to ensure a smooth interview. I spent time studying past episodes and getting to know Conan's style.
When I arrived at the studio, my nerves kicked in. The environment was buzzing with energy, and the crew was bustling about. As I waited backstage, I could hear Conan's laughter and the audience cheering. I had watched him for years, but seeing him in person was different. He was even funnier than I had imagined, making jokes and keeping the atmosphere light.
Before my segment, I got to meet Conan briefly. He was warm and welcoming, immediately putting me at ease. "Hey, Justin! Congrats on the movie! You know, I've got a pretty sweet idea for your entrance. How about you do a little 'Kevin' dance when you come out?" He chuckled, and I couldn't help but laugh with him. His genuine nature made me realize why he had such a huge following among young audiences.
As I took my place on the stage, I could feel the audience's energy, but in a moment of pure panic, I slipped on the floor and almost fell flat on my face. The crowd burst into laughter, and Conan leaned into the moment with his signature wit. "Is that a new dance move we're witnessing, Justin? If so, I think you just invented the 'Home Alone Shuffle!'" The laughter from the audience continued as I tried to regain my composure.
Once I finally settled down, Conan congratulated me on the success of my movie and my new album, which had been flying off the shelves. He asked, "So, Justin, what do you like more—movies or music?"
I grinned and replied, "Honestly, I like music more than movies. The only reason I wanted to be in the movie first was to get rich!" The audience roared with laughter at my candidness. "And second, I just wanted to be able to tell my friends, 'Hey, I was in that movie!'"
Conan chuckled, leaning closer. "And now you're the kid who plays Kevin. How does that feel?" The laughter continued as I realized how funny it was to think of my character.
Before wrapping up, Conan asked me one last question, "So, Justin, is there anything you do besides music?"
I smiled, ready to share a fun fact about myself. "Well, I love collecting basketball and baseball cards and shoes. I also do some 'hustling' in school."
Conan raised an eyebrow, playing up the moment. "Hustling? You mean selling drugs?"
"No, no! I mean selling snacks to my friends!" I corrected him, but the audience almost died laughing at the misunderstanding. Conan jumped in with a grin, "Ah, yes, the classic kid hustle. Forget about the stock market; you're going to be the next big thing in snack sales!"
The laughter rang out, and I realized that while fame brought chaos, it also opened doors to incredible experiences and laughter. That night on Conan's show, I felt like I truly belonged in the entertainment world.