Jeremy Strong, widely known for his acclaimed role as Kendall Roy on HBO’s Succession, has recently stepped outside the world of television and film to release his own children’s book. This development not only showcases Strong's versatility but also marks another chapter in his illustrious acting career.
The announcement of Strong's book is met with excitement, especially among those who admire him for his intense preparation and commitment to his roles, often reminiscent of the Method acting style. While much is still to be revealed about the book, it promises to be filled with engaging stories aimed at captivating the young audience.
Coincidentally, this launch coincides with stories shared by fellow Succession star Kieran Culkin on the latest episode of the popular podcast SmartLess. Culkin, reflecting on his own childhood acting experiences, provided listeners with humorous and somewhat absurd anecdotes about his early career. He shared how his very first professional gig as a child actor had moments of extreme directing, which left him bewildered.
“The first professional experience I had was a commercial when I was 6, and I actually don't quite know what it was for...,” Culkin recounted. The director had tried to provoke emotional reactions from him by calling him names such as 'dummy' and 'stupid' to get him to sulk realistically on cue. This bizarre directing choice left young Culkin feeling perplexed—after all, what child is expected to absorb such direction seriously?
With laughter, he remarked, “Even then I’m thinking like, you know, I get it. Stand here and look sad. I’m not f---ing Method. I’m 6. Like, what’s wrong with you?” This quip nostalgically summarises the often outrageous pressures child actors face, underscoring the differences between adult acting methods and the experiences of children who are just beginning to navigate the industry.
Following his time on commercial sets, Culkin became less of just another face among many and found fame as the cousin Fuller in the beloved Home Alone films. This early role led him to continue on the path of acting, working with his brother Macaulay Culkin. To this day, Culkin credits the film's comedic gold for his path, recalling, “I was at the premiere, and I was dying laughing. It was the funniest thing I had ever seen.” Reflecting on how he had no real concept of what the movie was about as he filmed it, he laughed, stating, “Devin Ratray, the guy who plays Buzz, lied to me and told me the movie was all about him. And I believed him.”
What stands out with both Strong's latest venture and Culkin's tales of childhood on-set experiences is the intersection of creativity and imagination—that storytelling holds power. For Strong, his children’s book can encourage learning and wonder among children, melding both his on-screen characterization skills and newfound literary endeavors. For had Culkin, these moments provided comedic arts born out of youthful innocence, mixed with somewhat absurd circumstances on set.
Strong's ability to shift mediums—transitioning from intense roles to writing for children—reflects the wider potential of actors to influence various demographics. Creating stories for kids is not just about storytelling; it’s about forming connections and nurturing creativity during formative years.
Wrapping up, both men’s trajectories illuminate the unique strains and joyful creativity inherent within the acting industry, especially for those starting as children. The future of Strong's book is bright with possibilities, just as Culkin’s reflections set the stage for laughter and nostalgia.
Jeremy Strong’s foray as a children’s author adds to what is already a fascinating career, offering young readers not only relatable stories but also inspiring glimpses of the art of acting itself. After all, who would have thought—from tense boardroom drama to the joys of childhood fiction?
