Kieran Culkin, famous for his sharp wit and iconic role as Roman Roy in Succession, recently shared a hilarious story from his teenage years that went hilariously wrong. Back in 2000, during an off-Broadway play titled The Moment When, Culkin decided to play a prank by swapping a fake joint with a real one. His well-meaning joke quickly spiraled out of control, unintentionally getting Mark Ruffalo and the rest of the cast high in the middle of a performance.
At the time, Culkin was only 17, and the play was directed by James Lapine. In a recent interview with The Guardian on December 28, he admitted to the prank, which he thought would be harmless fun. However, when the unmistakable smell of marijuana filled the theater, it was clear that things had taken an unexpected turn. Ruffalo, unaware of the switch, happily smoked the joint on stage, later commenting, “I haven’t smoked pot in 10 years; the second half’s going to be so much fun.” Another cast member, who was new to marijuana, found the experience to be “lovely,” and veteran actress Phyllis Newman even joked, “I haven’t smoked pot since the 1960s. Thank you, darling.”
The stage manager, however, was not as amused. After confiscating the joint, the manager sternly warned Culkin, “Ruin your life on your own time.” Despite the lighthearted reactions from the cast, Culkin later apologized, admitting that he hadn’t fully considered the consequences of his prank.
Years later, while performing This Is Our Youth in London with Colin Hanks, Culkin had a chance to repeat his mischievous act. This time, he handed Hanks a real joint on stage, leading to a mix of nerves and excitement. Fortunately, the performance was saved by a fake joint, preventing any further chaos.
Culkin’s recounting of this youthful prank adds another layer to his playful and boundary-pushing persona, much like his character Roman Roy. However, Culkin’s career has evolved far beyond pranks. From early roles in Igby Goes Down to his award-winning portrayal of Roman in Succession, he has proven himself as a versatile and skilled actor, capable of blending humor with depth in his performances.
This amusing anecdote from Culkin’s early years highlights not just his sense of humor but also his ability to push boundaries. Today, he’s known not only for his quirky wit but also for his nuanced, critically acclaimed work in television and film. With new projects like A Real Pain gaining attention, Kieran Culkin continues to capture the spotlight both on and off the screen.
