Picture this: an Oscar-winning speech that doubles as a cheeky plea for starting a family. Kieran Culkin has just brought that Hollywood magic to life by welcoming his third child with wife Jazz Charlton, fulfilling a playful "baby pact" he jokingly struck during his big night at the awards. It's a heartwarming twist on celebrity life, but here's where it gets controversial – is turning personal promises into public bets the ultimate motivator, or just a recipe for family drama? Let's dive into the details and see why this story has everyone talking.
The buzz started when Sarah Snook, Kieran's co-star from the hit HBO series Succession, spilled the beans at the red carpet premiere of All Her Fault. "[They're] so cute…they're very happy and so cute," she gushed to Access Hollywood about the Culkin family, confirming she'd met the newborn. For context, Succession is that gripping drama about a wealthy media family that ran for four seasons until wrapping in 2023, and Sarah shared the screen with Kieran in those intense episodes. The couple hasn't shared the baby's name or gender yet, but they did let the world know about the pregnancy back in September at the Waiting For Godot premiere. Jazz stepped out in a flattering beige dress that showcased her bump, making it clear the family was expanding once more.
Kieran and Jazz are already doting parents to their six-year-old daughter, Kinsey Sioux, and their four-year-old son, Wilder Wolf – kids who, from rare photos, look like mini versions of their famous dad and quirky mom. But the real drama unfolded during Kieran's Emmy win for Best Actor in a Drama Series in 2024. He turned his acceptance speech into a heartfelt, humorous pitch to Jazz, saying, "Thank you for sharing your life with me and for giving me two amazing kids. Kinsey Sioux and Wilder Wolf, I love you so much. And Jazz – I want more. You said maybe, if I win. I love you so much." It was a bold move, blending gratitude with a bit of playful negotiation that had the audience chuckling.
Fast-forward a year, and Kieran scooped up the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in A Real Pain. He couldn't resist revisiting that pact on stage. "About a year ago, I was on a stage like this and I very stupidly, publicly said that I want a third kid from her because she said if I won the award, she would give me the kid," he admitted with a grin. And this is the part most people miss – he revealed how the joke escalated. "Turns out she said that because she didn't think I was gonna win. She goes, 'Oh God, I did say that. I guess I owe you a third kid.' And I turned to her and I said, 'Really, I want four.'" Kieran added, hilariously, that Jazz countered with, "'I will give you four when you win an Oscar.'" He joked that he hadn't brought it up again… until now, of course. With the audience in stitches, he declared, "I just have this to say to you, Jazz, love of my life, ye of little faith. No pressure, I love you, I'm really sorry I did this again, and let's get cracking on those kids. What do you say?"
Jazz, ever the good sport, posted some fun snaps from the Oscars on her Instagram, captioning them with a nod to their quirky agreement: "AN OSCAR?!!!! Okay, okay, hear me out – making empty baby pacts may seem foolish, but it's clearly been a great motivator. Would he have come this far if I hadn't kept promising him more kids if he won awards?...Probably. But who's to say?" It's that blend of humor and honesty that makes their relationship so relatable.
For those new to this celebrity couple, Kieran and Jazz's story began back in 2012 at a New York bar. The acclaimed actor, known for his sharp wit, opened with a line that was more insult than charm: "I said, 'I'm Kieran. You have an English accent. What's your name?' She said, 'Jazz.' I said, 'J-A-Z-Z, like the music?' And she said, 'Yeah.' And I said, 'Well, that's [expletive] stupid.'" They tied the knot a year later on a spontaneous road trip, eloping in a private ceremony by the side of the road – a far cry from Hollywood glamour, and perhaps a testament to their unconventional vibe.
This tale of fame, family, and funny pacts raises some intriguing questions. Is it empowering to tie personal milestones to professional achievements, or does it risk turning intimate decisions into public spectacles? And here's a controversial twist: some might argue these kinds of bets put unfair pressure on partners, especially in the spotlight of celebrity life, while others see it as harmless fun that boosts motivation. What do you think – are baby pacts a brilliant way to keep the spark alive, or just a silly gamble that could backfire? Do share your opinions in the comments; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have your own stories of quirky promises in relationships!
