‘Succession’ Star Kieran Culkin Admits He Gave Mark Ruffalo Real Marijuana Instead of a Fake Prop Joint: “I Was 17 and Made a Dumb Mistake.”

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As a film enthusiast with a keen interest in Hollywood’s behind-the-scenes antics, I must say Kieran Culkin‘s prank during the 2000 production of “The Moment When” is a classic case of youthful exuberance gone rogue. At 17, I too was young and stupid, but thankfully my pranks were limited to harmless practical jokes and not replacing prop joints with real ones!

That said, it’s hard not to appreciate the sheer audacity of the act. Culkin must have had nerves of steel to pull off such a stunt, especially considering the high-profile cast he was working with. It’s also fascinating to see how the reactions were so varied – from Ruffalo’s amused surprise to Newman’s unexpected experience.

However, I can’t help but feel that Culkin went a step too far in this instance. While it may have been a harmless prank for him, it could have potentially jeopardized the careers of his colleagues. As they say, laughter is the best medicine, but not when it comes at the expense of someone else’s professional reputation.

In the end, I’d like to leave you with a joke: Why don’t actors ever tell secrets? Because it might get acted out on stage! Jokes aside, Culkin’s talent is undeniable, and I look forward to seeing what he does next in his career.

Kieran Culkin has admitted to pulling off a prank from his early acting career that transformed an ordinary off-Broadway show into an extraordinary evening. The “Succession” star disclosed that he was responsible for a stunt during the 2000 production of James Lapine’s play, “The Moment When“, where he shared the stage with Mark Ruffalo and Tony Award-winning actress Phyllis Newman.

At 17 years old, Culkin found himself considering a joke that involved swapping a genuine joint for a prop one. “I was young and foolish,” he conceded later. However, as the play progressed, he came to understand that it wasn’t such a clever move. From behind the scenes, he observed Ruffalo unknowingly puffing on the real joint, and the distinct aroma of marijuana quickly exposed his prank.

The responses were varied. Ruffalo, taken aback yet amused, commented, “I haven’t had pot in a decade, but the second half is going to be a blast.” Another actor, who hadn’t tried it before, expressed how nice it felt. Even Newman, who hadn’t touched marijuana since the 1960s, playfully thanked Culkin for the unexpected encounter.

Despite some not finding it funny, the stage manager angrily returned to the backstage, asking for proof. “She said, ‘Destroy your own life,'” Culkin remembered her saying. He awkwardly passed the joint.

Later on, during an episode of The Graham Norton Show in 2020, Ruffalo narrated an incident where he accidentally smoked a real joint during the opening night, with press critics present. He admitted to taking deep drags to add dramatic effect, chuckling about it. Although he considered it one of his critically acclaimed performances, he emphasized that he wouldn’t repeat such an experience.

At age 42, Culkin reflects on that instance with a blend of remorse and amusement. “I have wiser insights today,” he shared. “There will be no more instances of me inducing anyone into a state of intoxication during performances.

Currently, Culkin is devoting himself to his professional life, particularly his part in the comedy film “A Real Pain” directed by Jesse Eisenberg. This role even garnered him a nomination for a Golden Globe. Although his mischievous antics from his younger years have subsided, his skills and talent remain prominent.

What do you think? Is it a step too far for Culkin or a good prank?

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2025-01-03 11:14