Eric André Reveals the Oscar-Winning Role He Turned Down, Says It Seemed ‘Depressing’ but Now It’s His ‘Biggest Mistake’

Eric André, a well-known actor and comedian, recently appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! where he shared a significant revelation about his career. During the show, he disclosed that he had turned down the chance to play Kieran Culkin’s role in the Oscar-winning film “A Real Pain.” André admitted that after reading just a few pages of the script, he found it to be “depressing” and not aligned with his comedic brand. Little did he know, this decision would later become one of his biggest professional regrets.

Reflecting on his past choice, André expressed regret and referred to it as “the biggest mistake of [his] entire career.” The actor explained that at the time, he was working on another project and felt that delving into a film that revolved around serious topics such as the Holocaust wasn’t in line with his comedic persona. Little did he know that Culkin would go on to win the Best Supporting Actor award at the 2025 Oscars for his exceptional portrayal in “A Real Pain.” This revelation left André pondering what could have been.

“A Real Pain,” directed by Jesse Eisenberg, featured Culkin and Eisenberg in pivotal roles, which ultimately led to critical acclaim and accolades. André took the opportunity to commend both actors, highlighting their incredible talent and the success of the film. Despite not fully engaging with the script, André candidly admitted to only reading the first 10 pages before making his decision. He humorously shared his dislike for reading scripts, equating it to a tedious task that he would rather avoid.

Kieran Culkin’s triumph at the Oscars marked a significant milestone in his career, securing both his first nomination and win in the Best Supporting Actor category. In an act of light-hearted banter, Culkin mentioned during his acceptance speech that his wife had jokingly promised him more children if he won the prestigious award. This amusing anecdote added a touch of charm to the evening and showcased Culkin’s down-to-earth personality amidst the glitz and glamour of the ceremony.

The journey to success for Culkin was not without competition, as he triumphed over other talented nominees in the category. His portrayal in “A Real Pain” captivated audiences and critics alike, solidifying his status as a formidable actor in the industry. As he accepted the award, Culkin shared a heartfelt story about his wife’s playful promise, further endearing himself to viewers and demonstrating his humility in the face of achievement.

Throughout the awards season, Culkin’s performance received widespread acclaim, with predictions and accolades from peers and fans alike. Culkin’s touching acceptance speech at the Oscars, where he recounted his wife’s humorous pledge, resonated with audiences and highlighted the personal moments that make these ceremonies memorable. Such glimpses into the lives of actors behind the scenes add a human touch to the glitzy world of Hollywood, reminding us that even amidst success, it’s the personal connections that matter most.