Before ‘Succession,’ Kieran Culkin Shocked Us With His Short but Impactful Role in This FX Drama
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With the Oscars just around the corner, actor Kieran Culkin is poised to win his first Academy Award for his role in A Real Pain, adding another statue to his already impressive collection. Although Culkin started acting when he was only eight years old, he’s best known for his portrayal of Roman Roy in Succession, a role that earned him a much-deserved Emmy. Before taking on that career-making role, Culkin delivered a brief yet unforgettable performance on the FX series Fargo. Despite appearing in only a few scenes, Culkin fully develops the character in just one episode, setting the tone for the rest of the season and showcasing his remarkable versatility as an actor.
Kieran Culkin’s Character in ‘Fargo’ Meets an Unfortunate End in Season 2
In the show’s highly acclaimed second season of Fargo, Culkin played Rye Gerhardt, the volatile youngest son of a ruthless crime family led by matriarch Floyd (Jean Smart). With his patchy, comical mustache and erratic behavior, Rye quickly becomes a memorable character, thanks to Culkin’s remarkable talent. The first time audiences meet Rye, he’s with his older brother Dodd (Jeffrey Donovan), explaining that he has no money to give after spending it on himself, feeling overlooked as a Gerhardt heir. Dodd reprimands Rye, insisting he better have the money by tomorrow and reminding him that “everybody earns” for the family. This dynamic emphasizes Rye’s feeling of being overlooked, evoking sympathy for Culkin’s character — a man who believes he’s inferior and less intelligent than those around him. In lesser hands, this character might not elicit such empathy, but Culkin’s portrayal brings a depth to Rye that adds more nuance and layers.
The rest of the episode takes a downturn for Rye as he’s forced to confront Judge Irma Mundt (Ann Cusack) in an attempt to strike a deal to unfreeze the accounts of his business partner, Skip (Mike Bradecich). He follows the judge to a diner, but from the moment he walks in, he’s visibly on edge. Culkin masterfully conveys Rye’s unease, showing the audience that this is unfamiliar territory for him. He’s jumpy and frantic, even snapping at the waitress who tries to take his order. As he gathers the courage to approach the Judge, she immediately dismisses him, calling him “a little dim.” It’s a subtle moment, but Culkin’s expression reveals that this isn’t the first time Rye has been labeled dim-witted, adding a layer of vulnerability to the character.
From there, the scene turns into pure chaos with Rye feeling incredibly disrespected after the judge sprays him in the face with bug spray. At his ultimate breaking point, Rye pulls out a gun and shoots the judge and the rest of the witnesses. When he goes outside, however, he’s distracted by some lights in the sky and ends up being hit by a car driven by Peggy Blumquist (Kirsten Dunst). She proceeds to drive home with him on her car and her husband, Ed (Jesse Plemmons), is forced to finish him off with a gardening tool. Ultimately, Rye meets his demise in a fittingly Fargo-esque manner, after being put through a meat grinder to dispose of his body. This moment is the catalyst for the rest of the season.
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In Just a Few Scenes, Kieran Culkin Makes Rye a Fully Developed Character in Season 2 of ‘Fargo’
It’s not an easy task to create a fully formed and sympathetic character in just a few short scenes, especially when he does something completely reprehensible. Yet, Kieran Culkin manages to do just that with Rye. His ability to make every moment on screen resonate, no matter how brief, is truly a testament to his talents. Culkin has an uncanny knack for drawing the audience into whatever role he’s portraying, even when that character is deeply flawed or vile.
Whether he’s on-screen for just a few moments or across multiple seasons, Culkin has an undeniable screen presence that elevates every scene he’s in. His attention to detail and deep understanding of his characters shines through in every line of dialogue and subtle gesture, ensuring his performances leave a lasting impression. Although Rye appears on-screen for a relatively short time, he remains memorable thanks to Culkin’s ability to breathe life into such a troubled character. His portrayal of Rye not only showcases his talent for bringing complex characters to life but also his remarkable ability to make a fleeting role unforgettable.
Culkin’s roles in Fargo and Succession share notable similarities, as both characters are the youngest children in powerful families, struggling for prominence within their dynasties. However, their differences highlight Culkin’s extraordinary range. Rye’s darker, more volatile nature sharply contrasts with Roman’s snarky, sarcastic exterior, showcasing the depth of emotion Culkin can convey. These performances alone establish him as one of the best actors working today, effortlessly shifting between two very different personalities with rare authenticity. While it’s unclear when he might return to television, Culkin’s continued success in films like A Real Pain further proves his versatility and solidifies his status as an undeniable talent.
All five seasons of Fargo are available to stream on Hulu.
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