Kieran Culkin opens up about the time he got Mark Ruffalo high by swapping props during a play

Kieran Culkin, known for his standout role as Roman Roy in HBO's Succession, recently recounted a mischievous moment from his younger years that had unexpected consequences. During an off-Broadway production, the actor swapped a fake prop joint with a real one, unwittingly getting the cast, including Mark Ruffalo, high on stage.

The incident occurred in 2000 during the play The Moment When, directed by James Lapine. Culkin, then just 17 years old, decided to play a prank by replacing a stage prop with actual marijuana. Kieran Culkin opened up in a recent interview with The Guardian on December 28.

The repercussions of this decision were both chaotic and humorous, with Ruffalo and other cast members inadvertently under the influence during a critical performance.

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Kieran Culkin recalls backstage chaos sparked by a prank

Reflecting on the incident during a recent interview with The Guardian on December 28, Kieran Culkin described the series of events leading up to the prank.

"There was a bag of fake joints, and the temptation was too great," he admitted.

He had initially thought it would be a harmless joke, but things quickly spiraled when the unmistakable smell of marijuana filled the backstage area. Culkin rushed to the wings, where he observed Mark Ruffalo taking deep draws from the joint during the performance.

"Mark says, 'I haven't smoked pot in 10 years; the second half's going to be so much fun,'" Culkin shared.

He added that another cast member who had never smoked marijuana before remarked on the experience as "lovely."

Veteran actress Phyllis Newman, who was also in the cast, had a lighthearted response, saying, "I haven't smoked pot since the 1960s. Thank you, darling." However, the stage manager was less amused, reprimanding Culkin and confiscating the joint with a stern warning: "Ruin your life on your own time."

While the cast found humor in the mishap, Culkin acknowledged the seriousness of his actions.

"I thought it was a good prank. I was stupid. Oh my God, I'm so sorry,"

2024 SCAD Savannah Film Festival (Image via Getty)

He recalled apologizing during the intermission. The experience left a lasting impression, though it didn't completely dissuade him from considering similar stunts in the future.

Years later, while performing This Is Our Youth in London with Colin Hanks, Kieran Culkin joked about repeating the prank. Hanks, initially vehement in his opposition, eventually showed a hint of curiosity. One night, Culkin handed Hanks a real joint on stage.

The actor's reaction was a mix of excitement and nerves, causing his hands to shake so much that he couldn't roll it properly. Fortunately, a pre-rolled fake joint was available as a backup, averting further chaos.

Culkin's candid yarn reveals a mischievous side, echoing shades of Roman Roy's unfiltered charm. However, his talent as an actor extends far beyond pranks and impulsive decisions. Having started acting as a child alongside his brother Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone, Kieran has built a diverse and acclaimed career.

From early roles in Igby Goes Down and The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys to his award-winning portrayal in Succession, Kieran Culkin has demonstrated his versatility and instinctive approach to acting. His latest project, A Real Pain, directed by Jesse Eisenberg, showcases his ability to balance humor and depth.

The film, which follows two cousins on a Holocaust tour, has already garnered critical acclaim and awards buzz.

Kieran Culkin is currently celebrated for his role as Roman Roy in HBO's critically acclaimed series Succession, which concluded its fourth and final season in 2023. His performance earned widespread praise, including multiple award nominations.