Avocado toast with a side of Fleet Foxes. It's a 2017 joke, but, still, it's funny.
He would deliver like two other jokes over the next couple hours. Okay, maybe three. Ten max.
Rudd may be singularly hilarious in I Love You, Man; Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy; This Is 40; and even Marvel's Ant-Man, or in a million absurdist Conan appearances, and don't get me wrong, the next two hours would involve laughter, good cheer, and so much grinning my cheeks hurt, but he's not comedic in person. Not zany. Not even remotely off the wall. Wearing a beanie, glasses, and maybe a day and a half's worth of stubble, he squinted at me for about five seconds outside the restaurant before I realized it was him. He politely asked if it was okay if we grabbed a table in the restaurant instead of in the coffee-shop area. And when we got to the table, I asked him if he'd rather sit facing the wall because, you know, he's Ant-Man and people might sneak a few iPhone shots, and he said, "Well, I do usually...." The overarching vibe is chill, gentle, low-key, generous.
And thank God. You can watch Paul Rudd chewing up scenery in his movies or during any of his five SNL hosting gigs, or just clear your schedule for an hour and YouTube "Paul Rudd." He is genuinely very, very funny in literally every single thing he's been in. But as with so many funny people, it's complicated. Fueling that humor is a hopeful weariness we can all relate to-especially now. His funniest roles are marked by equal parts indignation and empathy. It's as if Rudd has played a confused middle-aged dad his entire career, even as Josh in Clueless, when he was 26. Now that he's actually a middle-aged dad, well, his portrayal of a fool suffering fools is highly compelling. Paul Rudd's gift is something more interesting than being funny. And, to me, more powerful.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
“LIVE AS IF IT'S THE LAST DAY OF YOUR LIFE, BUT PLAN AS IF YOU'LL BE HERE FOREVER"
STYLE POWERHOUSE BRUNELLO CUCINELLI REVEALS HIS LONGEVITY AND SERENITY SECRETS.
STRENGTH AND SPEED TRAINING FOR YOUR BRAIN
Welcome to the booming world of high-performance mental training, where tech tools offer amateur athletes (like you!) a chance at pro-level focus, calm, and control.
WHY IS EVERYONE TALKING ABOUT METABOLIC HEALTH
Scientists have harped on the perks of a STRONG METABOLISM for decades. Now, a new source of ENERGY is joining them: INFLUENCERS, PODCASTERS, AND BIOHACKERS.
STEM CELL THERAPY IN HONDURAS
Sun, sand, and experimental gene and stem cell therapy? Sure. But not without risk.
THE NEW SCIENCE TO SUPERSIZE YOUR MUSCLE
Emerging research has given us an efficient path to building muscle. Leverage that (and rethink how you're eating for gains) with this workout plan.
WHAT THE MAHA PSYCHEDELIC PUSH MEANS FOR YOUR MIND
Plant-based, mind-altering drugs are taking center stage in public health debates. Our go-to psychiatrist breaks down what's real about the new momentum behind psychedelics for mental health.
"THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF RECOVERY IS EFFORT AND WE TRAIN THAT."
In a community ravaged by the opioid crisis, the PORTSMOUTH SPARTAN KETTLEBELL CLUB builds a different form of strength.
THE BRAVE NEW WORLD OF MIDDLE-AGE MEDICAL TOURISM
NEW TEETH, NEW HAIR, NEW KNEE, NEW OUTLOOK ON LIFE.
IS THIS "MANOPAUSE"?
Low energy, low sex drive, low everything. This may be what middle age feels like—but does it have to?
THIS IS 50?!?
Soccer and style icon DAVID BECKHAM is entering life's second half, and he's still in elite shape-physically and mentally. How does he do it? Working out daily (preferably with his wife, Victoria), tending to his garden, and feasting on jellied eels.
