Kieran Culkin Reflects On Swapping Prop Joint With Real Marijuana In Legendary Stage Prank

In the unpredictable world of theater, enthusiasm often creates unforgettable moments. Kieran Culkin recently opened up about a youthful gaffe that has since become a cherished, albeit infamous, story among stage actors. 

In 2000, during the off-Broadway production of James Lapine's The Moment when, a 17-year-old Culkin decided to swap a prop joint with real marijuana, targeting none other than his co-star Mark Ruffalo.

A Youthful Prank That Became Theatrical Legend

In an interview with The Guardian, Culkin, now 42, shared, "I was 17 and stupid. I thought this was a good prank." The stunt unfolded on opening night, with critics in attendance, adding an extra layer of chaos. 

As the scene played out, Ruffalo, believing he was handling a prop, took a deep inhale and passed the joint to veteran actress Phyllis Newman, who hadn’t smoked since the 1960s. The result? A cast unexpectedly high on stage in front of an audience, critics, and an understandably outraged stage manager.

The Fallout and Ruffalo’s Perspective

Following this incident, the stage manager didn’t mince his words and sternly instructed Culkin to "ruin your life on your own time" while demanding the joint. Regardless, the cast managed to laugh off the incident, with Newman even jokingly thanking Culkin for the unexpected fun.

Years later, Mark Ruffalo shared his perspective on The Graham Norton Show, reflecting on the incident how a "naughty young actor" had swapped the prop without naming names. Culkin’s confession now fills in the gaps of this amusing backstage story, adding a humorous yet cautionary tale to theater lore.

A More Mature Perspective

Now, looking back at the incident, Culkin does acknowledge the immaturity of his prank, and says, "I’m not going to try to get anyone high on stage." While the incident stemmed from youthful recklessness, it also underlines the unique camaraderie and shared experiences that come with life on stage. 

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