Kieran Culkin has opened up about the deep pain of losing his sister Dakota, reflecting on the lasting impact of her tragic death 15 years after the incident. Dakota Culkin, also known as Cody, died at the age of 29 when she was struck by a car crossing the street in 2008. Despite the passing years, Kieran remarked, "Losing one of my favorite people in the world — it doesn’t get easier. It’s just, you get used to it." This emotional statement encapsulates the enduring heartache he feels even today.
During his interview on CBS, the actor, who found acclaim portraying Roman Roy on HBO’s highly praised series Succession, described how losing Dakota felt like losing part of himself. "I only knew who I was because of who my siblings are," he said. Kieran’s words resonate deeply as he acknowledges the close-knit family dynamic he shared with Dakota and his other siblings—Macaulay, Shane, Quinn, Christian, and Rory.
Dakota was struck by the vehicle and taken to UCLA Hospital, where she succumbed to severe head trauma on December 10, 2008. The driver was not charged, as the investigation found no evidence of drug or alcohol use during the incident. For Kieran, the weight of this loss is something he carries with him, stating, "It doesn’t get easier, but you get used to it." Through this lens of grief, he reflects on how his sister’s spirit remains alive, influencing his acting and personal life.
Unpacking memories of their childhood, Kieran fondly recalls standing by the door, ensuring all his siblings were counted and safely inside before he allowed himself to enter. This protective nature he exhibited is emblematic of their upbringing, as Kieran felt deeply connected to each sibling. "I couldn’t fall asleep until they all fell asleep. I only existed because they did around me," he reminisced, reflecting on their shared experiences growing up.
Dakota’s sharp humor and ability to lighten the mood left indelible marks on those who knew her. Kieran, who recognized shades of his sister’s wit present even within his Succession character, said, "After a couple of seasons, I realized there was some stuff Roman did. That’s my sister, it was her sense of humor.' He elaborated, describing how Dakota had the unique ability to humorously pinpoint the things people were sensitive about, often making everyone laugh by delivering incisive jokes.
The legacy of Dakota’s life lives on not just through Kieran’s memories but also through family tributes. Notably, Macaulay, Kieran’s older brother, named his son Dakota, ensuring Dakota’s name and spirit continue through the family lineage. "It was such a sweet gesture to keep her memory alive," Kieran reflected.
Dakota’s impact reached beyond family, influencing her friends and those she worked with. An acquaintance from her recent move to Los Angeles for film production recalled how Dakota managed to be low-key about her name, yet stood proudly for her family’s accomplishments. According to her friend Andrea Poe, Dakota was very close to Macaulay, enjoying frequent conversations and lunches together.
Kieran’s role as the emotionally complex Roman Roy on Succession introduced audiences to layers of deep-seated issues and vulnerabilities, mirroring, perhaps, his own grappling with loss and sorrow. His ability to balance dark humor with poignant moments can somehow point back to attributes he admired so much about Dakota. Not just appealing as the eldest sibling spotlighting the family dynamic, Kieran has also become acclaimed for spinning his own nuances and characteristics onto his characters.
The Culkin family remains tightly interwoven, continually supporting each other through grief and joy alike, signifying the importance of family bonds. Just released or still upcoming projects for Kieran are sure to capture elements of his experiences, nuanced by the ache of loss but also marked by unwavering love.
Reflecting on the duration since Dakota’s passing, Kieran acknowledges the reality of grief—how it transforms but never truly leaves. "I accepted at the time this is going to be forever, and it’s never going to be fine,” he admitted. The surreal aspect of grieving, the unexpected moments where memories flood back stirring laughter, and then descending swiftly to sorrow shows how intricately humor and pain can exist within him.
The Culkin siblings have collectively cherished and honored Dakota’s memory, each carrying pieces of her essence with them. Kieran remains committed to reminding the world of the person Dakota was—the humor, the warmth, and the unparalleled connection they shared. That binding relationship demonstrates how those we lose never fully leave us; rather, they continue to exist within us, influencing who we become.