Rory Culkin
About
Biography
Filmography
Notes
Culkin was nominated for Best Debut Performance at the 2001 Independent Spirit Awards, nominated for Best Child Performer at the 2000 Critics' Choice Awards and nominated for Best Juvenile Performance at the 2000 Fennecus Awards, all for his role in "You Can Count on Me."
"...when I finish a day of shooting, I feel good about myself and I'm proud of what I've done." --Culkin to The Toronto Sun, September 11, 2000
Biography
After years of playing younger versions of his older acting brothers, Rory Culkin had a breakout feature perfomance at the age of 11. Known as "the littlest Culkin," Rory Culkin was born the seventh and youngest child in the notorious Culkin clan. He also bore a striking resemblance to his famous older brother Macaulay, which allowed him to get his foot in the door acting in his brother's films "The Good Son" (1993) and "Richie Rich" (1994). These parts however, could barely be considered roles (especially "The Good Son" where Rory Culkin appeared only in a photograph) and did not allow him to showcase his talents.
In his first substantial role, Culkin played the son of a single mother played by Laura Linney in "You Can Count on Me" (2000). Mark Ruffalo co-starred as Linney's troubled younger brother who comes to stay with them when he is down on his luck. The relationship between Culkin and Ruffalo's characters was a major part of the film, and Culkin's careful portrayal of his character was remarkable, especially for a child of only 11 years of age. "You Can Count on Me" was a masterful examination of the human condition, told in the most simple and heartfelt manner. Writer Kenneth Lonergran's directorial debut was lauded almost universally and was awarded the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance later that year.
This auspicious debut soon led to other promising roles for the youngest Culkin. In 2002, he played Mel Gibson's son in M. Night Shyamalan's supernatural thriller "Signs." Next he appeared with Michael Douglas and Bernadette Peters in a dysfunctional family comedy called "It Runs in the Family" (2003). Culkin's short track record already showed a discerning eye for quality films and spoke of nothing less than a bright future for this upcoming young talent, perhaps the most talented of the Culkin clan, and his early talent reached full fruition in writer-director Jacob Aaron Estes' realistic and insightful teen drama "Mean Creek" (2004), in which Culkin played Sam, a young teen terrorized by a seemingly oafish bully, inspiring Sam's older brother and his friends to enact retribution on a boating outing.
Filmography
Cast (Feature Film)
Life Events
1993
Culkin's picture is featured in his brother's movie "The Good Son" as Macaulay's character when he was younger
1994
Again played a younger version of his brother Macaulay's character in "Richie Rich"
2000
Landed breakthrough role as Laura Linney's son in "You Can Count on Me"
2001
Had lead role in the Showtime original movie "Off Season"
2001
Had two guest appearances on the Dennis Leary sitcom "The Job" (ABC)
2002
Played the younger version of his brother Kieran Culkin in the independent film "Igby Goes Down"
2002
Starred with Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix in "Signs"
2003
Played the youngest son of Michael Douglas and Bernadette Peters in "It Runs in the Family;" Kirk Douglas also co-starred
2004
Co-starred in the drama "Mean Creek"
2005
Co-starred in Arie Posin's ensemble "The Chumscrubber," a darkly satiric story about life crumbling in the midst of a seemingly idyllic suburbia
2006
Co-starred with Edward Norton and Evan Rachel Wood in the indie drama, "Down in the Valley"
2006
Cast opposite Robin Williams in an adaptation of Armistead Maupin's novel "The Night Listener"
2008
Co-starred opposite Alec Baldwin in "Lymelife"
2010
Co-starred in the ensemble drama thriller "Twelve," directed by Joel Schumacher
2011
Played a supporting role in "Scream 4"
2014
Played the title role in the thriller "Gabriel"
2016
Appeared in sci-fi thriller "Welcome to Willits"
2017
Had recurring guest role on "Sneaky Pete"
2017
Starred in Ari Gold-directed drama "The Song of Sway Lake"
2018
Played a supporting role in the first season of Stephen King anthology series "Castle Rock"
Family
Bibliography
Notes
Culkin was nominated for Best Debut Performance at the 2001 Independent Spirit Awards, nominated for Best Child Performer at the 2000 Critics' Choice Awards and nominated for Best Juvenile Performance at the 2000 Fennecus Awards, all for his role in "You Can Count on Me."
"...when I finish a day of shooting, I feel good about myself and I'm proud of what I've done." --Culkin to The Toronto Sun, September 11, 2000
