Judah Friedlander facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Judah Friedlander
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Friedlander at The Stand in June 2016.
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| Born | March 16, 1969 Gaithersburg, Maryland, U.S.
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| Alma mater | New York University |
| Occupation | Actor, comedian |
| Years active | 1989–present |
Judah Friedlander (born March 16, 1969) is an American actor and stand-up comedian. He is famous for playing the writer Frank Rossitano on the NBC sitcom (a funny TV show) 30 Rock.
Many people also know him for his role as Toby Radloff in the movie American Splendor. His acting in that film earned him great reviews and a nomination for best supporting actor at the 2004 Independent Spirit Awards. Early in his career, he became known as "the hug guy" from the music video for the Dave Matthews Band song "Everyday" in 2001.
Friedlander has a unique look. He often wears oversized glasses, has shaggy hair, and wears a t-shirt and a trucker hat. His hats and shirts usually have funny slogans on them, like "world champion." He uses this look in his stand-up comedy and in some of his acting roles.
Early life
Friedlander was born in Gaithersburg, Maryland. His father's family was of Russian Jewish background, and his mother is Croatian American.
When he was a kid, Friedlander liked to draw political cartoons and make his own animated films. He tried stand-up comedy for the first time in 1989 when he was 19 years old. At the time, he was a student at New York University.
Career
Stand-up comedy
Throughout his career, Friedlander has always performed stand-up comedy. Even when he was starring in 30 Rock, he would perform comedy shows several nights a week in New York City. He has said that he feels most relaxed on stage and that stand-up is his first love, even more than acting.
Friedlander's comedy often involves him making wild claims about himself with a straight face. For example, many of his trucker hats say "World Champion" in different languages. He jokes that he is a karate expert with an "extra-dark black belt." In 2010, he even wrote a comedy book called How to Beat Up Anybody. The humor comes from the contrast between his amazing claims and his casual, messy appearance.
His look, with the big glasses and messy hair, is part of his comedy act. He also used this look for his character Frank Rossitano on 30 Rock.
His 2017 Netflix special, America is the Greatest Country in the United States, shows off his unique comedy style.
Television
Friedlander has appeared in many TV shows. In the 2000s, he had guest roles on shows like Spin City, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Flight of the Conchords. He also did voice acting for animated shows.
His most famous role was as a regular cast member on the sitcom 30 Rock from 2006 to 2013. His character, Frank Rossitano, was a funny and sarcastic writer for a fictional TV show. Frank was known for being lazy and living with his mother. A running joke on the show was Frank's collection of trucker hats with different slogans on them. Friedlander made all the hats himself, creating a new one for almost every scene.
Friedlander has also been a guest on many talk shows, like The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. In 2010, he appeared in two episodes of the children's show Sesame Street.
In 2014, Friedlander narrated a six-part ESPN series about the U.S. soccer team called Inside: U.S. Soccer’s March to Brazil.
Film and video
In 2001, Friedlander played "the hug guy" in the music video for the Dave Matthews Band song "Everyday". In the video, his character hugs many different people. For years after, strangers would often recognize him and offer him hugs. That same year, he appeared in the comedy film ... Hot American Summer.
In 2003, he played Toby Radloff in the movie American Splendor. His performance was highly praised. The New York Times called it "unforgettable." For this role, he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Independent Spirit Awards.
Friedlander has also appeared in movies with Ben Stiller, such as Meet the Parents, Zoolander, and Along Came Polly. He also had a supporting role in the 2008 drama The Wrestler.
Personal life
Friedlander has lived in the New York City area for most of his career and currently lives in Queens. He has said he prefers living in New York.
He loves to play table tennis and played it competitively as a child. He started playing again in 2008. He is also a big fan of professional wrestling and often wears hats and shirts with wrestling themes. He supports the New York Red Bulls soccer team and has appeared in their commercials.
See also
In Spanish: Judah Friedlander para niños
