Kieran Culkin’s recent confession has left many amused and others in disbelief. Back in 2000, while performing in a stage production with Mark Ruffalo, Culkin decided to play a prank that turned out to be surprisingly well-received.
Kieran Culkin, known for his eclectic roles in ‘A Real Pain’ and ‘Succession,’ recently opened up about a prank he pulled when he was just 17 years old. During a performance at Playwright Horizons’ production of James Lapine’s play ‘The Moment When,’ he swapped a prop joint for a real one, unbeknownst to his co-star Mark Ruffalo. Culkin admitted in an interview with The Guardian, “I thought this was a good prank. I’m stupid. Oh my God, I’m so sorry.”
Interestingly, instead of causing chaos, the prank was met with unexpected enjoyment. Ruffalo, who hadn’t smoked marijuana in a decade, remarked, ‘The second half’s going to be so much fun.’ Another actor, experiencing the effects of cannabis for the first time, expressed her delight, saying, ‘Is this what being high is? This is lovely.’ Even Phyllis Newman, a seasoned performer, cheerfully thanked Culkin, reminiscing about her past experiences with marijuana back in the ’60s.
Despite the positive reactions from his peers, the stage manager was less than thrilled. Confronting Culkin, she demanded the joint back, warning him to ruin his life on his own time. Reflecting back, Culkin acknowledged his youthful indiscretion, recognizing that at 42, he would not replicate such antics.
Mark Ruffalo had previously hinted at the incident, though he chose to protect Culkin’s identity. On ‘The Graham Norton Show,’ Ruffalo described performing under the influence on opening night, where critics were present. Ironically, this unscripted twist led to some of the best reviews of his career, although he vowed never to repeat it.
As for Culkin, he is currently promoting Jesse Eisenberg’s road comedy ‘A Real Pain’ and has been nominated for a Golden Globe for his role. It seems his mischievous days are behind him as he continues to focus on his thriving career.
Kieran Culkin’s playful prank serves as a humorous reminder of the impulsive choices we often make in our youth. While the incident is now a lighthearted memory, it’s clear that both Culkin and Ruffalo have moved on to achieve greater heights in their respective careers.
