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Kieran Culkin says director called him ‘idiot, dummy, stupid’ when he was six
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[txt] => Kieran Culkin says director called him ‘idiot, dummy, stupid’ when he was six | The Independent
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Kieran Culkin says director called him ‘idiot, dummy, stupid’ when he was six
The ‘Succession’ star remembered thinking: ‘I’m not f***ing Method. I’m six’
[A|Inga Parkel|3220699030] in New York
Monday 23 December 2024 20:49 GMT
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Kieran Culkin on Rewatching 'Home Alone' During the Holidays
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[A|Kieran Culkin|386207310] opened up about his unpleasant first acting experience as a child.
The 42-year-old [A|Succession|900705934] star was just six years old when he began acting professionally.
During a recent appearance on the Smartless podcast, co-hosted by [A|Jason Bateman|1401985825] , [A|Sean Hayes|830020839] and [A|Will Arnett|544891442] , Culkin recalled his first acting gig in a commercial that had “something to do with learning disabilities.”
“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,” the Igby Goes Down actor explained.
“I have a distinct memory of being there and the director going, ‘Okay, action.’ And he starts going, ‘Dummy. Idiot. Stupid,’” Culkin said.
The hosts reacted in shock to the anecdote while Culkin said he, too, was taken aback by the director’s approach. “I’m thinking like, ‘I get it. I’m six. Stand here and look sad. I’m not f***ing Method. I’m six. What’s wrong with you?’” He said.
[A|Method acting is a controversial technique|4283878621] in which an actor totally immerses themselves in their character. Culkin’s former Succession [A|co-star Jeremy Strong is well-known for going Method.|3728908486]
[I|Kieran Culkin says a director called him an ‘idiot’ during first professional acting gig|2446560464}]
Kieran Culkin says a director called him an ‘idiot’ during first professional acting gig (Getty Images for BFI)
Decades before he landed his Emmy-winning role of Roman Roy on HBO’s hit four-season Machiavellian drama, Culkin made his on-screen debut in the 1990 Christmas classic Home Alone at seven years old alongside his older brother [A|Macaulay Culkin|3703588969] .
In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times , Culkin admitted that he had no idea what the movie was about when he was making it and when he saw it at the premiere.
“I had no idea what that movie was about when I saw it, and I was in it,” he said. “I was at the premiere, and I was dying laughing. It was the funniest thing I had ever seen. I had no idea what the movie was about.”
Culkin has since gone on to star in several other comedy classics, including Steve Martin’s Father of the Bride and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.
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He currently co-leads Jesse Eisenberg’s new comedy-drama, A Real Pain , about two cousins (Culkin and Eisenberg) who embark on a tour of Poland to honor their late grandmother.
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[search] => Array
(
[0] => Kieran Culkin says director called him ‘idiot, dummy, stupid’ when he was six | The Independent
[1] => Kieran Culkin says director called him ‘idiot, dummy, stupid’ when he was six
[2] => And the kids in the class are supposed to be calling me a dummy and stupid, all that,” the Igby Goes Down actor explained.
)
[summarize] => Kieran Culkin, an American actor, has spoken out about his negative experience with a director when he was just six years old. According to Culkin, the director repeatedly used derogatory language towards him, calling him an "idiot," "dummy," and "stupid" during filming.
This kind of behavior is completely unacceptable, especially when directed towards a child. It's alarming that a director would speak to a six-year-old in such a manner, as it can be damaging to a child's self-esteem and emotional well-being.
Culkin's experience highlights the need for a safe and respectful working environment, particularly for child actors. Children in the entertainment industry are vulnerable and require protection from exploitation and mistreatment.
It's essential for directors, producers, and other industry professionals to maintain a professional and respectful demeanor when working with child actors. This includes providing a supportive and nurturing environment, using positive reinforcement, and avoiding language or behavior that could be hurtful or damaging.
Culkin's story serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting a culture of respect and kindness in the entertainment industry, especially when working with children. It's crucial for industry professionals to prioritize the well-being and safety of child actors, ensuring that they have a positive and healthy experience in the entertainment industry.
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