---
name: "Judah Friedlander"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/judah-friedlander"
fi1m_id: "judah-friedlander"
imdb_id: "nm0295103"
tmdb_id: 52860
wikidata_id: "Q71130"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "16 March 1969"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 7
average_fi1m_score: 79
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 7
updated: "2026-09-30T20:38:44.247188+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Judah Friedlander

## Identity

Judah Friedlander

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/judah-friedlander
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** judah-friedlander
- **IMDb ID:** nm0295103
- **TMDB ID:** 52860
- **Wikidata ID:** Q71130
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judah_Friedlander, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q71130, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0295103/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/52860

Actor. Born 16 March 1969 in Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 16 March 1969, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
- **Active:** 2000–present
- **Frequently works with:** [Alec Baldwin](https://film.one/person/alec-baldwin.md), [Jack McBrayer](https://film.one/person/jack-mcbrayer.md), [Jane Krakowski](https://film.one/person/jane-krakowski.md), [Robert Carlock](https://film.one/person/robert-carlock.md), [Tina Fey](https://film.one/person/tina-fey.md), [Tracy Morgan](https://film.one/person/tracy-morgan.md)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 79, as actor, over 7 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 2000s 81 (5), 2010s 74 (2)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 79 to 73 across 7 titles
- **Score spread:** 3 at 80+, 4 at 60–79, 0 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 0 of 3 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Comedy 5, Adventure 2, Romance 2, Action 1, Animation 1, Drama 1
- **Screen time:** 9 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $2,988m across 5 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judah_Friedlander, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q71130, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0295103/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/52860

## Streaming the US now

- **Hulu:** [*30 Rock*](https://film.one/tv/30-rock.md) (86)
- **Paramount+:** [*Zoolander*](https://film.one/film/zoolander.md) (74)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Judah Friedlander

> 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.

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).

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com, rottentomatoes.com, encyclopedia.com.*

## On Fi1m (7)

- *Star Wars: The Force Awakens* (2015), Fi1m 77, as Bar Patron — [page](https://film.one/film/star-wars-the-force-awakens.md)
- *Rio* (2011), Fi1m 70, as Tourist (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/rio.md)
- *The Wrestler* (2008), Fi1m 85, as Scott Brumberg — [page](https://film.one/film/the-wrestler.md)
- *Flight of the Conchords* (2007), Fi1m 84, as Isabella — [page](https://film.one/tv/flight-of-the-conchords.md)
- *30 Rock* (2006), Fi1m 86, as Frank Rossitano — [page](https://film.one/tv/30-rock.md)
- *Zoolander* (2001), Fi1m 74, as Scrappy Zoolander — [page](https://film.one/film/zoolander.md)
- *Meet the Parents* (2000), Fi1m 78, as Pharmacy Clerk — [page](https://film.one/film/meet-the-parents.md)

## Complete filmography (66)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *The Truth About Santa Claus* (2020), as Principal
- *30 Rock: A One-Time Special* (2020), as Frank
- *Can You Keep a Secret?* (2019), as Mick
- *The Last Sharknado: It's About Time* (2018), as Bryan
- *Hot Air* (2018), as Man On Street
- *Judah Friedlander: America Is the Greatest Country in the United States* (2017), Director, Screenplay
- *Joe’s Pub Presents: A Holiday Special* (2016), Actor
- *Albert* (2016), as Gene
- *Bordertown* (2016), series, as Sanford Buckwald
- *Star Wars: The Force Awakens* (2015), as Bar Patron — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/film/star-wars-the-force-awakens.md)
- *Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp* (2015), series, as Ron von Kleinenstein
- *Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt* (2015), series, as Gordy — Fi1m 76, [page](https://film.one/tv/unbreakable-kimmy-schmidt.md)
- *Fresh Off the Boat* (2015), series, as Ray
- *Sharknado 2: The Second One* (2014), as Bryan
- *Ping Pong Summer* (2014), as Anthony
- *Return to Nuke 'Em High Volume 1* (2013), as The World Champion
- *Epic* (2013), as Taxi Driver (voice)
- *Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas* (2011), as Head Mini Sloth (voice)
- *Rio* (2011), as Tourist (voice) — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/film/rio.md)
- *Bob's Burgers* (2011), series, as Ferdie (voice)
- *ZULU Comedy Galla* (2010), series, as Judah Friedlander
- *Beware the Gonzo* (2010), as Cafeteria Guy
- *Cubed* (2009), series, as Michelle's Date
- *Cabin Fever 2: Spring Fever* (2009), as Toby
- *I Hate Valentine's Day* (2009), as Dan O'Finn
- *The Wrestler* (2008), as Scott Brumberg — Fi1m 85, [page](https://film.one/film/the-wrestler.md)
- *Childrens Hospital* (2008), series, as 'Weird Al' Yankovic
- *Feast II: Sloppy Seconds* (2008), as Beer Guy
- *Meet Dave* (2008), as Engineer
- *Chapter 27* (2007), as Paul Goresh
- *Xavier: Renegade Angel* (2007), series, as (voice)
- *The Darwin Awards* (2007), as Simon
- *Flight of the Conchords* (2007), series, as Isabella — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/flight-of-the-conchords.md)
- *30 Rock* (2006), series, as Frank Rossitano — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/tv/30-rock.md)
- *Full Grown Men* (2006), as Elias Guber
- *The Cassidy Kids* (2006), as Max Cassidy
- *Live Free or Die* (2006), as Hesh
- *Date Movie* (2006), as Nicky
- *Duane Hopwood* (2005), as Anthony
- *Feast* (2005), as Beer Guy
- *Sunday Pants* (2005), series, Actor
- *The Unseen* (2005), as Earl
- *Pizza* (2005), as Jimmy
- *Southern Belles* (2005), as Duane
- *Wonder Showzen* (2005), series, as Crickey
- *Palindromes* (2005), Thanks
- *American Dad!* (2005), series, as Santa's Elf (voice)
- *Starsky & Hutch* (2004), as Ice Cream Man
- *Cheap Seats* (2004), series, as Steven Gregory
- *Along Came Polly* (2004), as Dustin
- *The Janitor* (2003), as Drunk Man
- *American Splendor* (2003), as Toby Radloff
- *Wanda at Large* (2003), series, Actor
- *Old School* (2003), as Action Figure Dude
- *O2Be* (2002), series, as Trailer Trash
- *Showtime* (2002), as Julio
- *How High* (2001), as Student
- *Zoolander* (2001), as Scrappy Zoolander — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/zoolander.md)
- *Wet Hot American Summer* (2001), as Ron
- *Spring Break Lawyer* (2001), as Mervin
- *Endsville* (2000), as Wrestling Fan
- *Curb Your Enthusiasm* (2000), series, as Donald — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/curb-your-enthusiasm.md)
- *Meet the Parents* (2000), as Pharmacy Clerk — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/meet-the-parents.md)
- *The Beat* (2000), series, Actor
- *LateLine* (1998), series, Actor
- *Spin City* (1996), series, as Flirtatious Man in Bar

## Gallery

- ![Actor/comedian Judah Friedlander performs during the CollegeHumor presentation on Day 2 of the 2012 New York Comic Con, Friday October 12, 2012 at the Jacob K. ](https://film.one/media/person/97482/gallery-447a7f805ef9.jpg) Actor/comedian Judah Friedlander performs during the CollegeHumor presentation on Day 2 of the 2012 New York Comic Con, Friday October 12, 2012 at the Jacob K.  — Nightscream, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e6/10.12.12JudahFriedlanderByLuigiNovi1.jpg/1280px-10.12.12JudahFriedlanderByLuigiNovi1.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Actor/comedian Judah Friedlander performs during the CollegeHumor presentation on Day 2 of the 2012 New York Comic Con, Friday October 12, 2012 at the Jacob K. ](https://film.one/media/person/97482/gallery-868c1655266e.jpg) Actor/comedian Judah Friedlander performs during the CollegeHumor presentation on Day 2 of the 2012 New York Comic Con, Friday October 12, 2012 at the Jacob K.  — Nightscream, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/58/10.12.12JudahFriedlanderByLuigiNovi2.jpg/1280px-10.12.12JudahFriedlanderByLuigiNovi2.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Actor/comedian Judah Friedlander performs during the CollegeHumor presentation on Day 2 of the 2012 New York Comic Con, Friday October 12, 2012 at the Jacob K. ](https://film.one/media/person/97482/gallery-ba52e483e849.jpg) Actor/comedian Judah Friedlander performs during the CollegeHumor presentation on Day 2 of the 2012 New York Comic Con, Friday October 12, 2012 at the Jacob K.  — Nightscream, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a9/10.12.12JudahFriedlanderByLuigiNovi3.jpg/1280px-10.12.12JudahFriedlanderByLuigiNovi3.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Actor/comedian Judah Friedlander performs during the CollegeHumor presentation on Day 2 of the 2012 New York Comic Con, Friday October 12, 2012 at the Jacob K. ](https://film.one/media/person/97482/gallery-7b16e0e241b7.jpg) Actor/comedian Judah Friedlander performs during the CollegeHumor presentation on Day 2 of the 2012 New York Comic Con, Friday October 12, 2012 at the Jacob K.  — Nightscream, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/21/10.12.12JudahFriedlanderByLuigiNovi4.jpg/1280px-10.12.12JudahFriedlanderByLuigiNovi4.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Judah Friedlander](https://film.one/media/person/97482/gallery-44a8136cbaa5.jpg) Judah Friedlander — Image via TMDB
- ![Judah Friedlander](https://film.one/media/person/97482/gallery-ef68e893130e.jpg) Judah Friedlander — Image via TMDB
- ![Judah Friedlander](https://film.one/media/person/97482/gallery-ab65e6ae9707.jpg) Judah Friedlander — Image via TMDB
- ![Actor/comedian Judah Friedlander at the New York Comic Convention in Manhattan, October 9, 2010. Photo by Luigi Novi. This photo may be used, modified and publi](https://film.one/media/person/97482/gallery-7313387c13ff.jpg) Actor/comedian Judah Friedlander at the New York Comic Convention in Manhattan, October 9, 2010. Photo by Luigi Novi. This photo may be used, modified and publi — Nightscream, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/10.9.10JudahFriedlanderByLuigiNovi.jpg/1280px-10.9.10JudahFriedlanderByLuigiNovi.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![PHOTO CREDIT: ANDERS KRUSBERG / PEABODY AWARDS Tina Fey with the cast and crew of 30 Rock including Alec Baldwin, Judah Friedlander and Jane Krakowski 67th Annu (2008)](https://film.one/media/person/97482/gallery-46e041bb6439.jpg) PHOTO CREDIT: ANDERS KRUSBERG / PEABODY AWARDS Tina Fey with the cast and crew of 30 Rock including Alec Baldwin, Judah Friedlander and Jane Krakowski 67th Annu (2008) — Peabody Awards, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d2/30_Rock_%288182822915%29.jpg/1280px-30_Rock_%288182822915%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/judah-friedlander