When most people hear the name Culkin, they immediately think of Macaulay, the cherubic child star who rocketed to fame in the early ’90s with the Home Alone franchise. But in recent years, it’s his younger brother Kieran who has been making waves and collecting accolades for his captivating performances. The 38-year-old actor, once best known for playing the wise-cracking younger sibling, has finally emerged from his famous brother’s shadow to become a bona fide leading man.
From Child Star to Indie Darling
Kieran Culkin made his acting debut at the tender age of six, appearing alongside Macaulay in Home Alone as the mischievous Fuller McCallister. He continued to land supporting roles throughout his childhood and teen years, turning in memorable performances in films like Father of the Bride and The Mighty. But as Macaulay’s star power began to fade, Kieran quietly built a reputation as a talented character actor, especially in the indie film world.
“I did not ever want to be famous or a huge movie star or anything like that. I enjoy making small movies with people that I really have a connection with.”
Kieran Culkin, The Guardian
His breakout role came in 2002 with Igby Goes Down, a coming-of-age black comedy in which he played the disaffected title character. Culkin earned rave reviews and his first Golden Globe nomination for the performance, with critics hailing him as a major talent to watch. But rather than parlay that buzz into mainstream success, he continued to favor quirkier, lesser-known projects that allowed him to stretch as an actor.
Succession Catapults Culkin to Stardom
It wasn’t until 2018, with the premiere of HBO’s Succession, that Kieran Culkin became a household name in his own right. As the foul-mouthed, sexually ambiguous Roman Roy, he’s a standout among the show’s ensemble cast, deploying a mercurial charm and staccato wit that’s a perfect match for the series’ acidic sensibility. Culkin makes Roman, the family black sheep, into a strangely likable antihero—a role that’s earned him two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
The success of Succession has opened new doors for Culkin, but he remains as unpredictable as ever in his creative choices. He’ll next be seen in the indie drama No Sudden Move, directed by Steven Soderbergh, followed by a starring role opposite Tracee Ellis Ross in the social thriller AHH! Culkin also has plans to write and direct his own projects in the near future.
A Most Unlikely Leading Man
Through it all, Kieran Culkin has stayed true to himself and his unique artistic sensibility. He may have grown up in the shadow of his famous brother, but he’s emerged as a formidable talent in his own right—one who prizes creativity over celebrity. With his unpredictable choices and mercurial screen presence, he’s carved out an utterly singular career path. At 38, he’s just now entering his prime as an actor, with an Emmy within reach and a world of possibilities ahead of him. One thing is certain: Kieran Culkin will keep following his own strange, wonderful star, and we’ll keep watching in awe.
“I’ve managed to do this for 30 years without having to be Superman. I don’t have to be Indiana Jones. I don’t have to be in a Marvel movie. I just do this and it seems to pay the bills.”
Kieran Culkin, The Hollywood Reporter
