Paul Rudd and Jon Hamm, two of Hollywood’s charming leading men, have successfully made their mark in the comedy genre. While Rudd has built his reputation as a go-to funny man over the years, it’s only in recent times that Hamm has transitioned from his serious actor image, notably known for his role as Don Draper in Mad Men, to become a comedic star.
Their enduring friendship spans more than three decades, with a surprising connection that predates their successful careers. Back in college, Paul Rudd and Jon Hamm lived near each other, but their friendship had a rocky beginning. Despite the initial challenges, their bond has only grown stronger over the years.
Paul Rudd And Jon Hamm Almost Got Into A Fight
According to Paul Rudd, their friendship hit a turning point during a game of Trivial Pursuit. Jon Hamm’s impressive knowledge of history consistently trumped Rudd’s attempts at entertainment and sports questions. Feeling emasculated, Rudd humorously admitted to resorting to reading atlases to avoid feeling inadequate during the game.
“He was great at everything. We were playing Trivial Pursuit one time and I was with Sarah, the girl…I would roll and be, ‘Um entertainment, sports.’ And Jon, every time he rolled, ‘I wanna go history.’ And it was the most emasculating because every time he’d get a question he’d get it right every time. And I actually felt so lame that I’d start reading atlases,” Rudd said.
The rivalry between Paul Rudd and Jon Hamm, sparked by their competitive Trivial Pursuit games, must have been fueled by Sarah’s presence, as she became the center of attention for two future heartthrobs vying for her admiration and attention.
Paul Rudd And Jon Hamm Are Good Friends Now
Thankfully, the bond of friendship triumphed, and Paul Rudd and Jon Hamm managed to move past their competitive moments. Over time, they became close friends, forming a tight-knit trio with Adam Scott during their early years. Their camaraderie endured through the ups and downs of their acting careers, supporting each other both before and after achieving fame.
Throughout their 30-year friendship, Jon Hamm and Paul Rudd have encountered each other professionally as well. In the movie Bridesmaids, they both played love interests for Kristen Wiig’s character, although Rudd’s scenes were eventually cut from the final film. Despite the on-screen connection, their real-life bond remains strong.
Although Jon Hamm and Paul Rudd have shared the screen in movies like The Ten, Howl, and Between Two Ferns: The Movie, one might expect that their close friendship would lead to more collaborations. However, it appears that their busy schedules and diverse projects have limited the number of times they’ve worked together.
Source: Cheatsheet