Kieran Culkin

**Kieran Culkin** is an American actor. He portrays Roman Roy, Logan Roy's youngest son, on *Succession*.

## Biography

### Early life

Kieran Kyle Culkin was born on September 30, 1982, in New York City, New York, as the fourth child of Christopher "Kit" Culkin, a former stage actor, and Patricia Brentrup. He has two older (Shane, b. 1976; Macaulay, b. 1980) and three younger siblings (Quinn, b. 1984; Christian, b. 1987; Rory, b. 1989). His older sister, Dakota (b. 1978), died suddenly in 2008, an incident that Culkin refers to as "the worst thing that has happened to [his] family." He also had a paternal half-sister, Jennifer (b. 1970), who passed away in 2000.

He and his family spent their early years in Yorkville, Manhattan, struggling financially. His father worked as a sacristan at a local Catholic church, while his mother worked as a telephone operator. Culkin and his siblings were each encouraged to pursue acting by their father to further support the family; however, only Macaulay, Kieran, and Rory did so professionally. Culkin also attended Catholic school before transferring to the Professional Children's School. He also studied ballet at the School of American Ballet, as did his father and brother, Macaulay.

### Career

Culkin made his on-screen debut as a minor character in the film *Home Alone*—in which his brother, Macaulay, starred—at the age of 8. He continued acting, alternating between lead roles in independent films and small parts in mainstream comedies, throughout his childhood and teen years. His breakthrough came with the film *Igby Goes Down* (2002), for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe Award. He has since appeared in films such as *Scott Pilgrim vs. The World* (2010) and *Margaret* (2011).

In 2016, he was cast as the young, snarky Roman Roy in HBO's *Succession*, further launching him into fame. For his performance as Roman, Culkin has been nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards, winning once as a lead actor, and three Golden Globe Awards, again winning once as a lead actor.

## Personal life

### Family

   Culkin has been estranged from his father since his parents' separation and custody battle in 1995, as have many of his siblings. Macaulay alleged that their father, envious of the magnitude of his career, "physically and mentally" abused him. Despite not being subject to the same abuse, Culkin stated that his father was neither a good person nor a good father, and recalled enjoying his home life more when his father was absent. He refers to his mother, however, as a "wonderful woman" and "great mother" with whom he remains close. Culkin has since also expressed empathy for his brother and his abnormal childhood.

### Marriage

    In 2013, Culkin and Jazz Charton, whom he'd met 7 years prior in a bar, eloped in Iowa amidst a road trip across the country. They have two children together, aged two and four.

## Notes

1. ↑ Culkin is also the older brother of actress Bonnie Bedelia.
2. ↑ Macaulay made his on-screen debut in 1985 and Rory in 1993; like Kieran, Rory often appeared as a younger counterpart to his siblings' characters.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Abramovitch, Seth‎ (October 6, 2021). "‘Succession’ Star Kieran Culkin on Childhood, Co-Stars and Fame". *The Hollywood Reporter*. Retrieved on October 2, 2023.
2. ↑ Adams, Abigail‎ (October 6, 2021). "Kieran Culkin Calls Sister's Sudden Death 'Worst Thing That's Ever Happened' to His Family". *People*. Retrieved on October 2, 2023.
3. ↑ (May 25, 2000). "Thursday, May 25, 2000". *Missoulian*. Retrieved on October 2, 2023.
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Kashner, Sam‎ (November 6, 2018). "How Kieran Culkin Survived Childhood and Made Peace with the Family Profession". *Vanity Fair*. Retrieved on October 2, 2023.
5. ↑ Sullivan, Eric‎ (March 27, 2023). "Kieran Culkin on 'Succession,' His Siblings, Early Acting in 'Home Alone,' Fame, and the Roy Family". *Esquire*. Retrieved on October 23, 2023.
6. ↑ (August 15, 1992). "Culkin to Appear in 'Nutcracker' Film". *The New York Times*. Retrieved on October 23, 2023.
7. ↑ "Kieran Culkin". Golden Globes. Retrieved on October 23, 2023.
8. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie‎ (October 6, 2016). "‘Succession’ Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Kieran Culkin Cast In HBO Pilot". *Deadline*. Retrieved on October 3, 2023.
9. ↑ Kieran Culkin - Emmy Awards, Nominations and Wins | Television Academy (emmys.com)
10. ↑ Kieran Culkin - Golden Globes
11. ↑ Bella, BreAnna‎ (January 7, 2024). "Kieran Culkin Wins First Golden Globe for Best Actor in TV Drama and Jokes: ‘Suck It, Pedro’ Pascal". *Variety*. Retrieved on January 8, 2024.
12. ↑ Purgavie, Dermot‎ (November 9, 1996). "The Father from Hell?". *The Daily Telegraph*, pp. 23-24, 26. Retrieved on October 2, 2023. (via newspapers.com)
13. ↑ D'Agostino, Ryan‎ (February 12, 2020). "'Home Alone' Star Macaulay Culkin on Life Now, Dating Brenda Song & His Sister's Death". *Esquire*. Archived from the original on February 12, 2023. Retrieved on October 23, 2023.
14. ↑ Sullivan, Eric‎ (March 27, 2023). "Kieran Culkin on 'Succession,' His Siblings, Early Acting in 'Home Alone,' Fame, and the Roy Family". *Esquire*. Retrieved on October 23, 2023.
15. ↑ Curto, et al., Justin‎ (September 18, 2019). "Kieran Culkin and Wife Jazz Charton Welcome First Child". *People*. Retrieved on October 2, 2023.
16. ↑ VanHoose, Benjamin‎ (September 17, 2021). "Kieran Culkin, Wife Jazz Charton Welcome Second Baby". *People*. Retrieved on October 2, 2023.