Kieran Culkin Admits to Hilarious Broadway Prank That Got Mark Ruffalo and Co-Stars High
Kieran Culkin has revealed himself as the “naughty young actor” behind a memorable backstage prank during the Broadway production of The Moment When. Culkin recently confessed that he was responsible for an incident where Mark Ruffalo and other cast members unknowingly smoked a real joint onstage, leading to an unexpectedly high-energy performance.
The story, which Ruffalo first hinted at during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show in 2012, didn’t originally name the culprit. At the time, Ruffalo described how a mischievous co-star swapped a fake prop joint for a real one during the play’s opening night, leaving the cast hilariously unprepared for the consequences. “There was a very naughty young actor I was in the play with, who on the opening night with all the critics, he slipped a real joint onto the prop table,” Ruffalo recounted.
In a recent interview with The Guardian, Culkin, now 42, confirmed his role in the prank. “I was 17 and stupid,” he admitted. He explained that the effects of his trick didn’t immediately come to light, but during one particular performance, the unmistakable smell of cannabis from the stage made him realize, “Uh-oh. I believe it’s happened.”
Both Ruffalo and co-star Phyllis Newman unintentionally inhaled during the scene, with Ruffalo humorously reflecting, “I haven’t smoked pot in 10 years; the second half’s going to be so much fun.” Meanwhile, Newman joked about her own experience, saying, “I haven’t smoked pot since the 1960s. Thank you, darling.”
Culkin recalled how the situation escalated during the intermission. The stage manager confronted him and demanded the joint, scolding him with, “Ruin your life on your own time.” Despite the initial shock, Culkin noted that his co-stars were more amused than angry. Another cast member, who had never smoked marijuana before, even remarked, “Is this what being high is? This is lovely.”
Ruffalo later described the chaotic but unforgettable performance that followed, revealing how the impromptu high affected his acting. “When you’re out at a party, you take two puffs and say, ‘OK, that’s enough,’” he explained. “But when you’re acting, you tend to overdo everything. Between the two of us, we smoked a giant blunt onstage.”
Culkin, looking back on the event with humor and regret, emphasized that his prankster days are behind him. “I know better now,” he said. “I’m not going to try to get anyone high onstage.”
This quirky anecdote from Culkin’s youth adds a layer of intrigue to his career and offers fans a glimpse into the unpredictable world of live theater. With its blend of humor, nostalgia, and star-studded names, the story is sure to capture the attention of Broadway enthusiasts and film buffs alike.
