Kieran Culkin has become well-known for his Emmy-nominated performance in Succession, yet he recently reflected on his challenging beginnings in Hollywood. During an appearance on the Smartless podcast, he recounted a peculiar memory from his very first acting role, which was a commercial he filmed at just six years old. This project entailed him acting as a troubled student at a chalkboard, being teased by peers. However, the situation turned bizarre when the director opted to yell the insults himself.
Culkin, even at such a tender age, found this approach unsettling, recalling his thoughts, wondering about the director's behavior. Despite the awkward encounter, it didn't dissuade him from pursuing acting, although it did set a bizarre mood for the beginning of his career.
In time, Culkin became recognized for more cheerful roles, such as his parts in Home Alone alongside his older sibling, Macaulay Culkin, as well as the cherished Father of the Bride films. However, his youthful view of Hollywood continued to be adorably innocent. He recently admitted that he didn’t completely understand the storyline of Home Alone until he viewed it for the first time at the premiere, mistakenly thinking it revolved around another character.
These amusing stories illustrate how Culkin's distinctive path has contributed to his development into the celebrated actor he is today. How do early encounters like these influence an actor's trajectory? Are they challenges to be navigated, or simply components of the Hollywood experience?