Tue Apr 08 03:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Eric André Reveals He Turned Down Oscar-Winning Role in ‘A Real Pain’
**LOS ANGELES** – Comedian Eric André recently revealed he passed on the opportunity to star in the acclaimed film “A Real Pain,” a role that ultimately earned Kieran Culkin an Oscar. During an appearance on the “Whiskey Ginger” podcast, André stated that director Jesse Eisenberg offered him the part of Benji Kaplan two years ago, but he declined.
André cited the film’s dramatic subject matter and demanding schedule as reasons for his rejection. “To go to Poland for six weeks and shoot a movie where we’re just babbling about the Holocaust, seems like a bummer,” he explained. The film follows two estranged cousins reuniting in Poland, exploring their family history.
Culkin’s performance in “A Real Pain” was lauded by critics and audiences, earning him numerous awards including the Oscar, BAFTA, Golden Globe, Critics Choice Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actor. André admitted his regret, joking about his missed opportunity and the rarity of substantial acting roles. “The motherfucker won an Oscar for the role I passed up,” he said. “I’m not fucking Leonardo DiCaprio.”
First Piper 