Kieran Culkin joined the latest episode of the Smartless podcast and recounted a disturbing incident from his first acting job at the age of six..
The Emmy-winning actor recalled filming a commercial “about something to do with learning disabilities,” during which the director allegedly called Culkin an “idiot” in an attempt to help him get into character.
“First professional experience I had was a commercial when I was six,” Culkin said. “The concept was I’m standing in front of a chalkboard with chalk in my hand and I don’t know how to solve the easy thing in front of me. And the kids in the class are supposed to be calling me a dummy and stupid, all that.”
“I have a distinct memory of being there and the director going, ‘Okay, action.’ And he starts going, ‘Dummy. Idiot. Stupid,’” Culkin said. I’m thinking like, ‘I get it. I’m six. Stand here and look sad. I’m not fucking Method. I’m six. What’s wrong with you?’”
Culkin continued his career as a child actor, appearing in films like ‘Home Alone’ and ‘Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,’ alongside his brother Macaulay in the lead role. He also starred opposite Steve Martin and Diane Keaton in ‘Father of the Bride’ and its sequel, ‘Father of the Bride Part II.’
Recently, Culkin has been in the spotlight for his role in Jesse Eisenberg’s ‘A Real Pain.’ His performance has earned him accolades, including best supporting actor awards from the New York Film Critics Circle and the Los Angeles Film Critics Association. Culkin is also nominated for a Golden Globe for his work in the film.
