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Kieran Culkin: 5 Things You Didn’t Know About the “A Real Pain” Star

Kieran Culkin, Oscar-nominated for A Real Pain, rose to fame after Succession.

Mary Kosiarz

2 February 2025

42-year-old Kieran Culkin, whose career skyrocketed after starring in Succession, is competing for Best Supporting Actor at this year’s Oscars for A Real Pain. Here are some fascinating facts about the acclaimed actor.

  1. Early Career Challenges
    Kieran Culkin began acting at age six in TV commercials. His first experiences on set were tough—he recently revealed that a commercial director called him an “idiot” and harshly criticized him despite his young age. However, these early struggles didn’t deter him from pursuing acting further.
  2. Famous Family Connection
    Kieran’s older brother is Macaulay Culkin, best known as mischievous Kevin McCallister in Home Alone. Kieran also appeared in the iconic film as Fuller, Kevin’s cousin. Interestingly, he only realized Macaulay was the lead actor at the Home Alone premiere—before that, he thought the main character was Buzz McCallister, played by Devin Ratray.
  3. Almost Dropped Out of A Real Pain
    Just two weeks before filming A Real Pain, Culkin considered quitting the project. The biggest influence in his decision to stay was Emma Stone, the film’s producer and his former partner (they dated from 2010 to 2011). Stone convinced him to take on the role and even accompanied him to Poland for the shoot.
  4. Stage Acting Roots
    Long before Succession and A Real Pain, Culkin was active in theater. He performed on London’s West End in This Is Our Youth alongside Michael Cera and Tavi Gevinson. His other theater credits include subUrbia (2006) and After Ashley (2005). In 2025, he is set to star in Glengarry Glen Ross on Broadway.
  5. Unique Acting Method
    Culkin has an unusual way of preparing for roles. According to his A Real Pain co-star and director Jesse Eisenberg, he memorizes lines extremely quickly—often learning them on the same day they are filmed. Culkin prefers improvisation and avoided discussing character details with Eisenberg, choosing instead to develop his role organically on set.

kieran culkin

Culkin is nominated for Best Supporting Actor alongside Edward Norton, Guy Pearce, Jeremy Strong, and Yury Borisov.

Mary Kosiarz

Mary Kosiarz

Far from keeping her feet firmly on the ground, she has sold her artistic soul to books and cinematography. Fascinated by Meryl Streep and an avid fan of unconventional film endings. In her free time, she educates about mental health and recommends her favorite books and screens.

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