Judah Friedlander

Judah Friedlander (born March 16, 1969) is an American actor and stand-up comedian. He is known for playing the role of writer Frank Rossitano on the NBC sitcom 30 Rock. Friedlander is also known for his role as Toby Radloff in the film American Splendor, a role that garnered him favorable reviews and a nomination for best supporting actor at the 2004 Independent Spirit Awards. Earlier in his career, he was recognized as "the hug guy" from the music video for the 2001 Dave Matthews Band single "Everyday".

Friedlander is known for his distinctive look, which includes oversized glasses, shaggy hair, and a T-shirt and trucker hat (both often emblazoned with slogans such as "world champion"), and a generally unkempt appearance. It is a look he maintains as a stand-up comedian, during most of his public appearances, and which he has employed in some of his acting roles.

Early life Friedlander was born in Gaithersburg, Maryland, the son of Shirley and Art Friedlander.

As a child, Friedlander drew political cartoons and made animated films. He first tried stand-up comedy in 1989 at the age of 19 while attending New York University. Friedlander graduated from the Gallatin School of Individualized Study.

Career

Stand-up comedy Friedlander has performed stand-up comedy regularly throughout his entertainment career. preferring it to acting. He stated in 2012 that stand-up comedy is "still the most important thing I do from an artistic standpoint."

Friedlander has cited comedians Steven Wright, Sam Kinison and John Mulrooney as influences. He also says that Dave Attell is one of his favorite comics. In 2010, he authored the humor book How to Beat Up Anybody: An Instructional and Inspirational Karate Book by the World Champion.

In 2007, Heeb magazine included Friedlander in their list of "100 people you need to know about".

His first Netflix special, America is the Greatest Country in the United States (2017), stitches together his shorter performances, mostly performed at the Comedy Cellar in Greenwich Village, to put his talents on best display.

Television Friedlander in October 2010Friedlander played the role of a techie on the Al Franken sitcom LateLine in 1999. Over the 2000s Friedlander held guest roles on several television shows, including Spin City, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Flight of the Conchords, as well as providing voices for characters on the animated series Wonder Showzen and Xavier: Renegade Angel. Friedlander made regular appearances on the entertainment and pop-culture program Best Week Ever.

Friedlander was a regular cast member of the sitcom 30 Rock throughout its entire run, from October 11, 2006, to January 31, 2013. Frank is lazy, slovenly, and lives with his mother (played by Patti Lupone). He is also sex-obsessed, which he often reveals by way of vulgar and sexually suggestive comments. He also appeared as a panelist on The Burn with Jeff Ross in 2013.

In May and June 2014, Friedlander narrated ESPN's Inside: U.S. Soccer's March to Brazil six-part series in preparation for the World Cup in Brazil.

He has appeared on MSNBC's Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell and provided personal commentary on The World Cup and soccer in general.

Film and video In 2001, Friedlander played "the hug guy" in the music video for the Dave Matthews Band single "Everyday"; his character is seen hugging various people throughout the video. He was also nominated in the category of best supporting actor at the 2004 Independent Spirit Awards.

Filmography

Film Year Title Role Notes 2000 Endsville Wrestling fan Meet the Parents Pharmacy clerk 2001Wet Hot American SummerRonald von KleinsteinZoolander Scrappy ZoolanderHow HighStudent 2002 Showtime Julio 2003 The Trade Duffy DyerOld School Action figure dudeAmerican SplendorToby RadloffThe JanitorDrunk man 2004 Starsky & Hutch Ice-cream manBad MeatMaintenance manAlong Came PollyDustin 2005 Duane Hopwood AnthonySouthern BellesDuanePizzaJimmyThe UnseenEarlFeastBeer guy 2006 The Darwin Awards SimonDate MovieNickyLive Free or DieHeshThe Cassidy KidsAdult Max CassidyFull Grown MenElias Guber 2007 Chapter 27 PaulThe Proctor HarryShort film 2008 Feast II: Sloppy Seconds Beer guyMeet DaveEngineerThe WrestlerScott Brumberg 2009 I Hate Valentine's Day Dan O'FinnCabin Fever 2: Spring FeverToby 2010 Beware the Gonzo Cafeteria guy 2011 Rio Tourist Voice 2013 Epic Larry the Cab Driver Voice 2014 Ping Pong Summer Anthony 2015 Star Wars: The Force Awakens Bar Patron 2019 Can You Keep a Secret? Mick

Television

Awards and nominations