Quick answer: Rory Culkin, born Rory Hugh Culkin on July 21, 1989, in New York City, is trending after Episode 4 of Apple TV's Nocturne, "The Courier," where his character, prison nurse Karl Anders, drives off blasting Imagine Dragons' "Radioactive." Co-showrunner John Hlavin told Decider the song came from hearing it with his 13-year-old daughter "15 million times" in the car, and Culkin said he listened to it while filming (Decider, Nov. 13, 2026).
Why Rory Culkin is trending
"Rory Culkin" reached Google's US trending searches on Nov. 13, 2026 (1,000+ searches), the morning Decider published its interview about the Episode 4 needle drop.
The "Radioactive" scene (spoilers for Episode 4)
In Episode 2, the imprisoned killer Jurek (Stephen Graham) asks Karl for his favorite song while Karl cuts his hair. Karl answers "Radioactive" because, he says, "They were big when I was in high school."
Episode 4 pays that off. After learning Jurek is being transferred to an out-of-state facility, Karl agrees to carry a note to Jurek's lawyer. He walks out to his 1992 Pontiac Firebird, starts the engine, and "Radioactive" blares as he drives away, Decider reports.
What Culkin and the showrunner said
Hlavin told Decider the choice wasn't a joke: "It wasn't meant in any way to be — we weren't having a laugh about it." He said he'd heard so much Imagine Dragons with his daughter that "I just wanted it to pay off somewhere."
Culkin said, "When I read Imagine Dragons [in the script] I was like, 'Aw, this poor guy,'" and added that it "goes along with the bumper stickers and just the kind of guy he is." On why Karl helps Jurek, he said, "There's good in everyone, even the worst of us." He told Decider he'd "leave it to the audience" to decide what the song says about Karl.
Rory Culkin's real name and famous family
Rory Culkin's birth name is Rory Hugh Culkin, so "Rory" isn't a stage name (Encyclopedia.com, Contemporary Theatre, Film and Television). He's the youngest son of Kit Culkin and Patricia Brentrup, and his brothers include Home Alone star Macaulay Culkin and Succession actor Kieran Culkin. Actress Bonnie Bedelia is his aunt.
Nocturne, filmed around Western Pennsylvania (MovieWalks), also stars Liev Schreiber and Stephen Graham. New episodes stream Fridays on Apple TV. See also our earlier post on Liev Schreiber's Nocturne red carpet apology, his real name, and the pen name behind the story. Browse more in our actors real names directory and celebrity news.
FAQ
What is Rory Culkin's real name?
Rory Hugh Culkin. He was born July 21, 1989, in New York City.
Who does Rory Culkin play in "Nocturne"?
Karl Anders, a nurse at the facility holding Stephen Graham's Jurek.
What song plays in "Nocturne" Episode 4?
"Radioactive" by Imagine Dragons, Karl's favorite song.
Is Rory Culkin related to Macaulay Culkin?
Yes. Macaulay and Kieran Culkin are his older brothers.
Where can I watch "Nocturne"?
On Apple TV, with new episodes on Fridays.