You’ve probably seen his face everywhere lately. Whether he’s cracking wise as the chaotic Roman Roy or sweeping awards ceremonies with that signature, slightly nervous energy, the middle Culkin brother is having a massive moment. But when people start asking how old is Kieran Culkin, the answer usually leads down a rabbit hole of 90s nostalgia, child star trauma, and a career resurgence that nobody—maybe not even Kieran himself—saw coming.
He isn't a "new" star. Not by a long shot. He’s been in the game since he was a literal toddler, yet he feels fresh. It’s a weird paradox.
The Short Answer: Kieran Culkin’s Age Today
Let's get the math out of the way so we can talk about the interesting stuff. Kieran Culkin is 43 years old. He was born on September 30, 1982, in New York City. If you're reading this in early 2026, he just hit that 43-mark a few months back. Born and raised in Manhattan, he’s a quintessential New Yorker, which probably explains why he can deliver a sarcastic insult better than almost anyone else in Hollywood.
Why his age feels so confusing
Kinda feels like he's younger, right? Or maybe older? Part of the confusion stems from his older brother, Macaulay. Because "Mack" was the biggest child star on the planet, we tend to group the Culkin kids into one big amorphous blob of 90s memories.
Kieran was the kid with the glasses in Home Alone. The one drinking too much Pepsi and wetting the bed. That was 1990. He was eight years old. When you realize he’s been on our screens for over 35 years, 43 actually sounds about right.
Growing Up Culkin: A 1980s New York Story
The Culkin family story isn't exactly a secret, but the details are still pretty wild. Kieran was the fourth of seven children born to Kit Culkin and Patricia Brentrup. They lived in a cramped railroad apartment on the Upper East Side. Honestly, it wasn't the glitzy life people imagine for child stars. It was crowded. It was loud. And according to most of the siblings, it was often tense.
Kit Culkin was a former stage actor who, by all accounts, ran the household with an iron fist. He pushed all the kids into acting. Kieran started out in Home Alone alongside Macaulay, playing his cousin Fuller.
Breaking away from the "Brother of" label
For a long time, Kieran was just "the other one." But while Macaulay stepped away from the spotlight to find some semblance of a normal life, Kieran stayed. He did Father of the Bride in 1991 (he was nine). He did The Mighty in 1998.
Then came 2002.
At 20 years old, he starred in Igby Goes Down. That was the moment people realized, "Oh, wait. This guy is actually a powerhouse." He played a cynical, wealthy, deeply troubled teenager with a level of nuance that earned him a Golden Globe nomination. He was officially no longer just Macaulay's little brother. He was a leading man.
The "Succession" Era and the 40-Year-Old Renaissance
Most actors hit a peak in their 20s and then just sort of coast. Kieran did the opposite. He took long breaks. He did theater. He did weird indie movies. He didn't seem to care about being "famous" in the traditional sense.
Then Succession happened in 2018. Kieran was 35 when he started playing Roman Roy.
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By the time the show wrapped in 2023, he was 41 and had become a global icon of "preppy-trash" energy. That role changed everything. It wasn't just a paycheck; it was a masterclass. He took a character who should have been irredeemable and made him the emotional heart of the show.
A massive 2025 sweep
If you haven't been keeping up with the 2025 awards season, you missed a historic run. Kieran didn't just win; he dominated.
- The Academy Awards: He won Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain.
- The Sweep: He took home the Golden Globe, the SAG Award, and the BAFTA for that same role.
- The Stats: He is now one of only three actors (alongside Jack Nicholson and Willem Dafoe) to sweep the "Big Four" critics' awards for a supporting performance.
At 43, he’s arguably at the absolute peak of his powers. He’s not a former child star anymore. He’s an Oscar winner.
What’s Next for a 43-Year-Old Legend?
Kieran isn't slowing down, but he's also not doing the typical blockbuster circuit. He’s picky. He likes things that feel real, or at least things that let him be as weird as he wants to be.
He recently returned to Broadway in Glengarry Glen Ross, playing the iconic Ricky Roma. It’s a high-pressure role that requires a specific kind of fast-talking intensity. At 43, he has the life experience to pull off that world-weary cynicism that you just can't fake when you're 22.
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Upcoming projects to watch
Keep an eye out for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping in late 2026. He’s taking over the role of Caesar Flickerman (previously played by Stanley Tucci). It’s a huge swing, but if anyone can capture that bizarre, polished-yet-unhinged TV host energy, it’s Kieran.
Reality Check: The Man Behind the Roles
Outside of the "how old is he" and "what’s he winning" talk, Kieran’s life is pretty low-key. He’s been married to Jazz Charton since 2013. They have two kids. He lives in New York. You won't find him on Instagram posting "get ready with me" videos or sponsored content for green juice.
There’s a groundedness to him that probably comes from seeing the highs and lows of fame so early in life. He knows the machine. He knows how to turn it on for a red carpet and how to turn it off when he goes home to his family.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Real age: 43 (Born September 30, 1982).
- Height: He’s about 5'6". He often jokes about being the "short one," but he uses it to his advantage on screen.
- Siblings: He’s one of seven. Macaulay, Rory, Quinn, Christian, Shane, and the late Dakota.
- The EGOT path: He has the Emmy. He has the Oscar. He’s been nominated for a Tony. He just needs a Grammy to complete the set. Don't be surprised if he narrates a high-profile audiobook soon.
Moving Forward With Kieran Culkin
If you're looking to dive deeper into his work now that you know the timeline, don't just stick to Succession.
Go back and watch Igby Goes Down. It’s the blueprint for everything he does now. Then watch A Real Pain to see why he won that Oscar. He has this uncanny ability to make you laugh and break your heart in the exact same sentence. That’s not just talent; that’s decades of being in the trenches of the film industry.
Your next move? If you’re a fan of his recent work, check out his 2021 hosting stint on Saturday Night Live. It’s a great showcase of his live-wire energy and a rare look at him outside of a scripted character. You can also track his current Broadway run if you're in New York—seeing a Culkin on stage is a whole different experience than seeing them on a screen.