Judah Friedlander makes an unkempt appearance and improbable self-confidence into dependable comedy. We rate him most in 30 Rock, where sharp ensemble writing gives the familiar slacker more to do than simply turn up in a hat.
Fi1m perspective
The oversized glasses, shaggy hair and slogan hat announce Friedlander before he has said anything. His stand-up character, the boastful 'World Champion', delivers absurd claims of superiority with a straight face. The screen roles often draw on the same scruffy figure, particularly its apparent aversion to work. That familiarity suits ensemble comedy, although another slacker part is not necessarily another good use of him.
A pharmacy clerk in Meet the Parents (2000) and Scrappy Zoolander in Zoolander (2001) belong to the early run of supporting film work. We like Zoolander for its willingness to make its men so foolish, with Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson making the obvious fashion satire worth the evening. Its conspiracy plot is flimsy enough to need that help. Friedlander is part of the company here; the chief comic achievements belong to the leads.
As Toby Radloff in American Splendor (2003), he changed his appearance, voice and manner. 30 Rock (2006–2013) then gave his familiar look a lasting use in Frank Rossitano, the slovenly, pop-culture-obsessed writer. He played Frank for all seven seasons, working within creator and co-star Tina Fey's ensemble. The writing gives his persona a purpose beyond instant recognition, which is why this remains our first recommendation.
In Darren Aronofsky's The Wrestler (2008), he takes the supporting role of Scott Brumberg. We were moved by Mickey Rourke's performance because his tenderness and humour give us a reason to endure the punishment. Robert D. Siegel's familiar second-chance story occasionally presses too hard, yet it is a film we recommend strongly. It also puts Friedlander in a dramatic ensemble, though anyone coming chiefly for him should understand how much our enthusiasm rests on Rourke.
After 30 Rock, Friedlander reduced acting in favour of stand-up, books and drawing; he found too many offers repeated the same kind of part with inferior writing. We can see the sense in declining those jobs. There is little point in asking him to repeat Frank without writing of comparable quality. For something beyond Frank, try American Splendor.
Biography
Judah Friedlander is an American actor and comedian. He was born on 16 March 1969 in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and attended New York University.
Friedlander began performing stand-up comedy in 1989. His film roles include the Pharmacy Clerk in Meet the Parents (2000), Scrappy Zoolander in Zoolander (2001), Dustin in Along Came Polly (2004), and Scott Brumberg in The Wrestler (2008). He played Toby Radloff in American Splendor (2003), for which he received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for best supporting actor, and Frank Rossitano in the television series 30 Rock (2006–2013).
