Kieran Culkin's shocking prank with real joints sparks outrage

In the late 1990s, Kieran Culkin engaged in a prank during an off-Broadway production of James Lapine's play 'The Moment When,' where he co-starred with Mark Ruffalo and Phyllis Newman. At the young age of 17, Culkin thought it would be amusing to replace a prop joint with a real one in a bid to elevate the performance atmosphere. This mischief took place on the press night of the play, and to his surprise, it resulted in the entire cast getting high during the performance. By the interval, the atmosphere had transformed into an unexpectedly carefree and humorous environment for the cast, with Mark Ruffalo, who had not smoked pot in a decade, expressing enjoyment of the situation. Newman, however, was not as pleased, storming in and demanding that Culkin ruin his life on his own time instead. After the prank, Culkin reflected on the incident, initially feeling remorseful but later realizing the cast had enjoyed the experience. Remarkably, the real-life impact of the prank led some of his fellow actors, particularly those who were first-time smokers, to find the experience delightful rather than detrimental. Culkin later recounted this story with a degree of embarrassment and amusement, recognizing his actions as ‘stupid’ but also sharing how Mark Ruffalo's humorous response helped ease the tension that may have arisen from it. Years later, during a different production, he playfully suggested a repeat of the prank to Colin Hanks, who was understandably alarmed by the idea. Although Hanks was initially resistant, he eventually became more open to the concept but panicked when it came time to prepare, showing how memorable and lasting the impression of Culkin's infamous prank had been. This incident not only illustrates a humorous moment in Culkin's early career but also sheds light on theatre culture during the late 90s, when such playful antics could offer a diversion amid the pressures of performances. The interactions between Culkin and his co-stars illustrate a light-hearted camaraderie that occasionally arises in the theater world, along with the challenges artists face in balancing professionalism with personal enjoyment. This anecdote serves as a testament to the unpredictable and often humorous nature of live theater, where spontaneity can lead to both unintended consequences and cherished memories.