Kieran Culkin Reflects on Sister Dakota's Impact and Loss
Kieran CulkinKieran Culkin is opening up about the profound impact the loss of his sister Dakota Culkin has had on his life, even 16 years after her untimely death. The Succession star, who grew up in a bustling family of seven siblings in New York City, has candidly shared how losing Dakota—who passed away in 2008 at the age of 29 after being struck by a car—has been one of the most challenging aspects of his life.
In a heartfelt conversation with CBS Sunday Morning, Kieran, now 42, discussed the tight-knit "wolf-pack" dynamic of the Culkin family. Growing up with famous siblings like Macaulay Culkin, he often felt his identity was intertwined with theirs. "I only knew who I was because of who my siblings are", Kieran reflected. "So, to lose one was losing a big piece of myself".
Dakota, who worked as an art production assistant, had recently moved to Los Angeles to pursue her career when she tragically passed. Her death has left a lasting void in Kieran's life, a grief that he describes as something that "doesn't get better" or "easier", but a reality he has learned to navigate.
Among the ways he keeps Dakota's memory alive is through his work on Succession. Kieran has found echoes of Dakota in his character Roman Roy's humor, which he attributes to sharing a similar comedic sensibility with his late sister. "After a couple of seasons, I realized there was some stuff that Roman did that I was like, 'Oh, that's my sister,'" Kieran explained. "She could find exactly what the right thing to make fun of you was that would get to you, but be really funny and make the room laugh".
This sentiment was echoed by his portrayal of Roman, which captured a sense of humor and wit that felt reminiscent of Dakota's own style.
As Kieran and his siblings, including Macaulay, Rory, Quinn, Shane, and Christian, continue to honor Dakota's memory in their own ways, the family remains deeply connected by her spirit. Macaulay paid tribute to Dakota by naming his first child Dakota, ensuring that her legacy lives on through the next generation.
Kieran's reflections on Dakota paint a picture of a beloved sister whose influence is still felt daily. As he raises his own children, Kinsey and Wilder, with wife Jazz Charton, Kieran often grapples with the knowledge that they will never meet their aunt. "That’s the worst thing that’s ever happened", he expressed, noting that while the grieving never fully fades, Dakota's memory continues to inspire moments of joy and reflection.
Stay updated with the latest news and trends about cinema celebrities. Press Ctrl+DCommand+D to bookmark this page.