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Kieran Culkin | Source: YouTube/@charminglyobsolete
Kieran Culkin | Source: YouTube/@charminglyobsolete

This Clumsy Boy Grew up in the Shadow of His Super Famous Brother — He Turned into a Handsome 'Best Actor'

Milly Wanjiku Ndirangu
Apr 22, 2024
04:42 A.M.
  • Born the fourth of seven children, he began his acting career at eight. He shared the stage with his older brother, an actor of considerable recognition.
  • This early exposure to the spotlight, often seen as mere reflected glory, did not deter him. Instead, it fueled his aspirations.
  • Despite the potential intimidation of growing up alongside such success, he carved out a unique path in Hollywood, establishing himself as a respected actor in his own right.
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The young actor as Fuller McCallister in the 1990 film "Home Alone," from a video dated December 8, 2011 | Source: YouTube/@charminglyobsolete

The young actor as Fuller McCallister in the 1990 film "Home Alone," from a video dated December 8, 2011 | Source: YouTube/@charminglyobsolete

Kieran Culkin stepped into Hollywood at eight with a small yet standout role in the "Home Alone" franchise. As the clumsy Fuller McCallister, the mischievous cousin to protagonist Kevin McCallister, Kieran infused the film with his own brand of playful charm.

Kieran Culkin as Fuller McCallister in "Home Alone," from a video dated December 25, 2022 | Source: YouTube/@sxdedxts

Kieran Culkin as Fuller McCallister in "Home Alone," from a video dated December 25, 2022 | Source: YouTube/@sxdedxts

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His portrayal, complete with a cheeky grin and a penchant for Pepsi, added humor and relatability to the family's holiday mishaps. In the series debut, Fuller's antics, notably his notorious bed-wetting, were a comedic highlight, showcasing Kieran's early knack for timing and expression.

Kieran Culkin as Fuller McCallister in "Home Alone," from a video dated December 25, 2022 | Source: YouTube/@sxdedxts

Kieran Culkin as Fuller McCallister in "Home Alone," from a video dated December 25, 2022 | Source: YouTube/@sxdedxts

While he shared the screen with his older brother, Kieran's performance was distinct, hinting at the promising career ahead of him. His portrayal of Fuller left a lasting impression on "Home Alone" fans, laying the groundwork for his future achievements in acting, independent of his brother's shadow.

Kieran Culkin as Fuller McCallister in "Home Alone," from a video dated December 25, 2022 | Source: YouTube/@sxdedxts

Kieran Culkin as Fuller McCallister in "Home Alone," from a video dated December 25, 2022 | Source: YouTube/@sxdedxts

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Kieran Culkin in the 1990s

Before their rise to Hollywood fame, the Culkins were just another family in Yorkville, living in a modest railroad apartment. The fourth of seven siblings, Kieran, grew up in a tight-knit unit. The seven siblings shared two bunk beds and a crib in one cramped room.

Kieran Culkin as Fuller McCallister in the 1990 film "Home Alone," from a video dated December 25, 2022 | Source: YouTube/@sxdedxts

Kieran Culkin as Fuller McCallister in the 1990 film "Home Alone," from a video dated December 25, 2022 | Source: YouTube/@sxdedxts

Encouraged by their father, all the Culkin children dabbled in acting. However, it was Macaulay Culkin, the third child, who shot to fame first with his unforgettable role in "Home Alone" in 1990.

Macaulay and Kieran Culkin, circa 1990 | Source: Getty Images

Macaulay and Kieran Culkin, circa 1990 | Source: Getty Images

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His younger siblings, Kieran and Rory, also pursued acting with dedication. Macaulay's portrayal of Kevin McCallister in "Home Alone" and its sequel in 1992 propelled him to a level of stardom not seen since the days of Shirley Temple.

Macaulay and Kieran Culkin on November 15, 1992 | Source: Getty Images

Macaulay and Kieran Culkin on November 15, 1992 | Source: Getty Images

Kieran, though an actor in his own right and even playing Kevin McCallister's cousin, found fame to be a different experience. He was close enough to witness the impact of fame on his brother yet far enough not to be in its direct glare. The reminders of Macaulay's stardom were inescapable, from the prying eyes of onlookers to his visits to the famed Neverland Ranch.

Macaulay Culkin and Kieran Culkin attend the Fifth Annual American Comedy Awards on March 9, 1991 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Macaulay Culkin and Kieran Culkin attend the Fifth Annual American Comedy Awards on March 9, 1991 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

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He reminisced, "For me, I got to sort of experience it secondhand as a child." The fame took a toll on the entire family. The paparazzi became a constant presence, and the media eagerly reported any signs of family discord, especially during their parents' bitter split.

Kieran Culkin attends the premiere of "Nowhere To Run" on January 12, 1993 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

Kieran Culkin attends the premiere of "Nowhere To Run" on January 12, 1993 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

At the age of thirteen, Kieran even penned a heartfelt plea to the court, asking to spare his family further embarrassment by barring the press from their custody battle. He penned, "It has already been hard on us, and I see no point to it." Unfortunately, his plea was denied.

Kieran Culkin attends the screening of "Getting Even With Dad" on May 15, 1994 | Source: Getty Images

Kieran Culkin attends the screening of "Getting Even With Dad" on May 15, 1994 | Source: Getty Images

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Despite the upheaval in his life, Kieran never thought about abandoning acting. His early education was at a Catholic school until third grade. He then moved to the aptly named Professional Children's School, designed to accommodate the hectic schedules of children in the performing arts.

Kieran Culkin with his co-actors in a scene from the film "It Runs In The Family" in 1994 | Source: Getty Images

Kieran Culkin with his co-actors in a scene from the film "It Runs In The Family" in 1994 | Source: Getty Images

Kieran's childhood acting career was marked by diverse roles. His filmography included notable films such as the Freddie Prinze Jr. film "She's All That," "The Cider House Rules," and "Father of the Bride." Despite his success, Kieran confesses to having mixed feelings about his career. He began acting as a child without fully grasping the long-term consequences.

Kieran Culkin attends the premiere of "Cider House Rules" on December 7, 1999 in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

Kieran Culkin attends the premiere of "Cider House Rules" on December 7, 1999 in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

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Kieran in the 2000s

As he transitioned into adulthood, around the ages of 18 to 20, he came to a realization. He had an acting career that he never deliberately chose. This epiphany was somewhat disconcerting for him, and he decided to retreat from the spotlight for a while, using this time to introspect and figure out his life.

Kieran and Macaulay Culkin attend the premiere of "Serendipity" in New York City on October 3, 2001 | Source: Getty Images

Kieran and Macaulay Culkin attend the premiere of "Serendipity" in New York City on October 3, 2001 | Source: Getty Images

He decided only to continue acting if he found joy in it, and the projects appealed to him. He remarked during an interview, "I didn't necessarily pursue the acting career or success or anything like that. I just enjoy doing work from time to time."

Kieran Culkin during the "Dangerous Lives Of Altar Boys" premiere in Park City, Utah in 2002 | Source: Getty Images

Kieran Culkin during the "Dangerous Lives Of Altar Boys" premiere in Park City, Utah in 2002 | Source: Getty Images

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Kieran also shared his insights on the challenges of child stardom, having witnessed it through his brother Macaulay Culkin. He points out that people often overlook the fact that child stars are just kids who are suddenly thrust into the spotlight without the necessary tools to handle it. He recalled feeling bad for his brother when they were young and thinking, "That sucks for him."

Kieran and Macaulay Culkin attend the "After Ashley" premiere after-party in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Kieran and Macaulay Culkin attend the "After Ashley" premiere after-party in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Kieran's Awards and Achievements

While Kieran may have a different level of recognition than his older brother Macaulay, he has carved out a successful acting career. Macaulay has five awards and eight nominations, while Kieran has amassed 12 awards and 35 nominations.

Kieran Culkin attends the Season 4 premiere of "Succession" on March 20, 2023 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Kieran Culkin attends the Season 4 premiere of "Succession" on March 20, 2023 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

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In March 2023, Kieran wrapped up filming the last season of "Succession," a show that ran from 2018 to 2023. During his six-year stint on the show, he experienced significant personal changes. He married, became a father, purchased his first home in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and relocated from the island where he had spent his entire life.

Kieran Culkin during an interview on August 14, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

Kieran Culkin during an interview on August 14, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

As a teenager, he moved to the East Village, where Macaulay lived, not to be closer to him but because he found an affordable place that fulfilled his dream of having a sunken living room. Kieran spent nearly two decades in that apartment, transitioning from adolescence to adulthood.

Kieran Culkin on July 12, 2023 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Kieran Culkin on July 12, 2023 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

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There, he learned to care for others and be cared for, especially after getting married and having children. However, as his family grew, he felt the apartment wasn't well-suited for them, so they moved out. Kieran and his London-born wife, Jazz Charton, met in 2012 at a New York bar when Charton was working in the music department of an ad agency.

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Kieran humorously recalled their first interaction, where he teased her about her name, Jazz, likening it to the music genre. This sparked laughter and marked the beginning of their love story. They tied the knot in 2013.

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"Succession" elevated Kieran's profile and reputation in the industry. He received two Emmy and three Golden Globe nominations, and in 2022, he won a Critics Choice Award.

Kieran Culkin and his wife Jazz Charton attend the Season 4 premiere of "Succession" on March 20, 2023 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Kieran Culkin and his wife Jazz Charton attend the Season 4 premiere of "Succession" on March 20, 2023 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Despite the opportunities that the show has opened up for him, he finds the most joy in spending time at home with his wife and children.

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In an interview, Kieran candidly shared his struggle with being away from his family, particularly his young children - his elder child, a daughter, and his younger one, a son.

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He opened up about the difficulties of juggling his professional commitments with his family life and the additional stress it places on his wife.

Kieran Culkin and his wife Jazz Charton seen with their daughter on May 24, 2020 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Kieran Culkin and his wife Jazz Charton seen with their daughter on May 24, 2020 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

He revealed, "I've started to second-guess what it is I do for a living. It's the first time I've started to go, 'Maybe I've chosen the wrong thing.'" Kieran acknowledges the sacrifices she makes and appreciates her efforts.

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In January 2024, Kieran and his wife attended the 75th Emmy Awards, where he won the award for Lead Actor in a Drama Series for "Succession."

Kieran Culkin and his wife Jazz Charton attend HBO's 2024 Post-Emmy Reception on January 15, 2024 in West Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

Kieran Culkin and his wife Jazz Charton attend HBO's 2024 Post-Emmy Reception on January 15, 2024 in West Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

The couple shared a heartfelt kiss before he went on stage to accept his award. In his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude to his wife and their two amazing kids.

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He playfully mentioned wanting more kids, adding that he had asked her before, and she had responded with a "maybe" if he won the award.

Kieran Culkin attends the 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards on January 14, 2024 in Santa Monica, California | Source: Getty Images

Kieran Culkin attends the 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards on January 14, 2024 in Santa Monica, California | Source: Getty Images

Navigating the complexities of Hollywood and growing up in a high-profile showbiz family, including his brother Macaulay, whom he affectionately calls Mack, has been challenging. That may be why Kieran has chosen to keep a low profile for nearly three decades despite being recognized by his peers as an extraordinarily talented actor.

Kieran Culkin and his wife Jazz Charton attend HBO's 2024 Post-Emmy Reception on January 15, 2024 in West Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

Kieran Culkin and his wife Jazz Charton attend HBO's 2024 Post-Emmy Reception on January 15, 2024 in West Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

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J. Smith-Cameron, Kieran's co-star on "Succession," believes Kieran has a "healthy suspicion for the seedy sides of show business." This perspective has helped him navigate his career while maintaining his unique identity in the shadow of his famous family.

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Interestingly, despite their close bond growing up, Kieran and his brother Macaulay haven't yet introduced their youngest children to each other. Claire Danes, Kieran's co-star in "Igby Goes Down," once shared fond memories of their time together. She spoke highly of Kieran and his brother Macaulay, describing them as genuinely good-hearted individuals who looked out for each other.

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The siblings, who share a striking resemblance, are often mistaken for each other. Kieran even recounts a few incidents where people confused him for his younger brother, Rory. As the years passed, the once close-knit Culkin family drifted apart. This wasn't intentional but seemed to be an inevitable part of growing up.

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In 2008, they faced a devastating loss when their older sister, Cody, was tragically killed in a car accident. Kieran makes it a point to visit her grave every year on her birthday. Last year, he brought his daughter along for the first time, creating a beautiful memory with Aunt Cody.

Kieran Culkin after receiving the award for Best Actor in a Drama Series for "Succession," during the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards on January 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Kieran Culkin after receiving the award for Best Actor in a Drama Series for "Succession," during the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards on January 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Kieran Culkin, once the clumsy boy in "Home Alone," has carved out his successful acting career. Despite the early days in his brother's shadow, he worked hard and developed a distinct presence on screen. Today, he's recognized for his talent and has earned accolades that speak to his achievements.

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