As Kieran Culkin celebrates his 42nd birthday, it’s the perfect time to reflect on his remarkable career filled with diverse and unforgettable roles. From his early beginnings as a child actor to his acclaimed portrayal of Roman Roy in the hit series Succession, Culkin has consistently proven his versatility and talent. His performances, often brimming with wit, sensitivity and depth, have cemented his place as one of the most dynamic actors of his generation.
Today we’ve compiled a list of Culkin’s top ten most iconic roles, showcasing his ability to transform into a wide variety of characters, each with their own unique quirks and complexities. Let’s look back at the extraordinary performances that have defined Culkin’s career and continue to captivate audiences around the world, building a global fan base.
1. Roman Roy – Succession
Kieran Culkin’s role as Roman Roy in Succession is one of his most defining roles. Playing the youngest of the Roy siblings, Roman is a charismatic and highly flawed character. Culkin’s performance effortlessly blends humor and vulnerability, bringing a complexity to Roman that enthralled audiences and critics alike. As the series progresses, you see Roman’s journey from becoming the comic relief to battling extreme pressures from his family and personal demons.
Culkin’s delivery of sharp one-liners and his ability to convey Roman’s emotional turmoil make this role unforgettable. His portrayal of Roman’s internal conflict, particularly in the final season, shows his range as an actor, balancing dark comedy with raw emotion. It’s no surprise that Culkin received multiple nominations, as Roman remains one of the most compelling characters in a series filled with great performances.
2. Wallace Wells – Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Culkin shines as Wallace Wells in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and brings humor and flair to the film’s bizarre universe. Playing Scott Pilgrim’s witty and fearless roommate, Wallace is more than just comical; He is the heartbeat of the film in many ways. With his sharp tongue, quick comebacks and effortless charisma, Wallace steals every scene.
Although a secondary character, Wallace’s lively personality and sarcastic humor left a lasting impression, adding layers of fun and spontaneity to the film. Culkin’s perfect comedic timing and natural charm make Wallace one of the most memorable characters in this cult classic.
3. Igby Slocumb – Igby Goes Down
In Igby Goes Down, Culkin plays a troubled teen who rebels against his privileged upbringing, and delivers one of the most raw and emotionally charged performances of his career. Igby is sarcastic, rebellious, and emotionally detached, yet Culkin brings a certain vulnerability to the character that makes him relatable.
The film explores heavy themes of family dysfunction and personal struggles, and Culkin navigates these complexities with ease. His portrayal earned him a Golden Globe nomination, which was a significant moment in his career. Igby is both flawed and sympathetic, showcasing Culkin’s ability to delve deeply into characters who can’t be easily defined.
4. Matty Banks – Father of the Bride
Even as a child actor, Kieran Culkin showed signs of his innate talent in Father of the Bride. Playing lovable Matty Banks, the younger brother of the bride, Culkin brought a sense of innocence and happiness to this sweet family comedy. His on-screen presence was adorable, and his comedic timing was spot on, adding warmth to the film.
Although a small role, Matty’s charm and Culkin’s natural ease in front of the camera made him unforgettable. This role marked the beginning of a long and successful career, setting the stage for many of the most memorable characters Culkin would play.
5. Rae Gerhart – Fargo
In the second season of Fargo, Culkin ventured into the world of crime drama, playing Rae Gerhard, the impulsive and reckless youngest member of the Gerhard crime family. Culkin’s portrayal of Rye is intense and layered, reflecting the character’s desperation for identity within her powerful family.
Although his screen time was brief, Culkin made a significant impact, filling Rye with a chaotic energy that kept audiences engaged. His performance in Fargo further cemented his reputation as an actor who can bring depth and intrigue to even the most flawed and morally complex characters.
6. Kevin Dillon – The Mighty
Culkin’s role as Kevin Dillon in The Mighty is a testament to his ability to bring heart to his characters. Playing a brilliant, disabled boy who forms an unexpected friendship with Max, Kevin’s journey is both heart-warming and poignant. Culkin’s portrayal of Kevin is full of optimism and insecurity, capturing the essence of a young boy who refuses to be defined by his limitations.
The film highlights themes of friendship, bravery, and overcoming adversity, and Culkin’s performance is a perfect fit for this touching coming-of-age story. The character of Kevin is lovable and courageous, making it one of Culkin’s standout early performances.
7. Bucky Barnes – Infinity Baby
In Infinity Baby, a dark comedy with a surreal twist, Culkin plays Bucky Barnes, who struggles with commitment issues in a world where children never grow up. Culkin’s deadpan delivery and subtle approach bring a unique blend of humor and sadness to the role, making Bucky both relatable and frustrating.
Culkin’s portrayal of Bucky highlights his talent for blending absurdity with genuine emotional depth. The character’s struggle with personal flaws is both comedic and tragic, reflecting the overall quirky and satirical tone of the film. It’s a role that showcases Culkin’s ability to tackle unconventional characters with ease.
8. Tim Sullivan – LimeLife
In LymeLife, Culkin plays Tim Sullivan, the overbearing older brother of a dysfunctional family struggling with the effects of Lyme disease. Set in suburban America, Culkin’s Tim is filled with anger, confusion, and a sense of loss, reflecting the chaos of his family’s unraveling life.
Culkin’s performance is raw and authentic, capturing the disillusionment of a young man torn between his own insecurities and the crumbling facade of his family. The emotional depth of the film is heightened by Culkin’s portrayal, making Tim a memorable and relatable character in this indie drama.
9. Jack – Wiener-Dog
Wiener-Dog offers a unique look at life’s interconnected moments, starring Culkin as Jack, a man on a journey to reconnect with his past love. In this offbeat film, Culkin’s restrained performance brings a quiet introspection to Jack, which contrasts with the film’s otherwise quirky tone.
Jack’s story is full of unspoken regrets and awkward silences, and Culkin fleshes out these emotional complexities with a subtle but powerful approach. His performance in Wiener-Dog highlights his ability to convey deep emotions with minimal dialogue, making Jack a standout among the film’s cast.
10. Jason – The Cider House Rules
In The Cider House Rules, Culkin plays Jason, a young orphan, in a story focusing on themes of morality, love, and kindness. Although his screen time is brief, Culkin’s portrayal as Jason is heartfelt, capturing the innocence and longing of a child searching for stability in an uncertain world.
Culkin’s performance adds depth to the film’s story, reminding audiences of his early talent and the emotional impact he could bring even to small roles. It’s a role that foreshadowed the impressive career to come, with Culkin consistently delivering performances that resonate.
Also read: ‘It was a fun game’: Will Ferrell and Harper Steele reveal the sketch they regret not airing on SNL.
