The Story
Judah Friedlander Champions the College
He’s an extra-dark black belt karate master, he’s a renowned author in the popular genre of children’s horror fiction, he’s a police officer, a political guru with all the answers, a clairvoyant, an outspoken graduate of DeVry University, a legend in pretty much every sport known to man, and a technological wizard. He’s the “world champion of the world.” He’s the actor and stand-up comedian Judah Friedlander, who was kind enough to grace The College with his presence at Phi Beta Kappa Hall on Saturday, February 6th to an audience of several hundred students.
A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Friedlander first made inroads into showbiz by working as a soundman for comedian Chris Rock’s short "Who is Chris Rock?". Ten years later, he began working in front of the camera in movies such as Meet the Parents, Wet Hot American Summer, Zoolander, and most notably in American Splendor, a film adaptation of Harvey Pekar’s series of graphic novels of the same name, playing quirky “genuine nerd” Toby Radloff. He now frequently headlines at stand-up venues in New York, Los Angeles, including famous comedy clubs such as Caroline’s. He’s been doing stand-up for nearly 21 years now.
However, Friedlander is most widely known as prominently-featured writer Frank Rossitano from NBC’s hit show 30 Rock. He wears a truck hat with a humorous saying on it, has long hair, wears oversized glasses, and has a generally unkempt appearance. He acts childish and lazy, often playing pranks on other characters. In the show, he acts opposite such big names as Alec Baldwin and Tina Fey.
Opening for “the world champion of the world” was lesser-known yet still hilarious comic Mo Mandel. Mandel ripped on everything from picking up girls in Colonial Williamsburg to small-town America to childhood obesity to the androgyny of senior citizens (hint: “the man is the one with the thinner moustache”). Mandel spat out jokes in rapid-fire succession, and he often went for shock value. It worked, and he was extremely funny.
Mandel has gained national attention for winning Comedy Central’s “Open Mic Fight” in 2007, has appeared on Live at Gotham and will have his own half-hour comedy special on that network on April 9th.
Then came the “world champion of the world” himself. Judah Friedlander’s style of comedy was very different. He didn’t run out onto the stage like his predecessor; he was more nonchalant. His delivery was deadpan, just comfortably talking to the audience, asking all kinds of questions and just making jokes based accordingly. He was interactive with everyone; it was astounding, and it made the show so much funnier.
One of Friedlander's best bits was when he was talking about his karate prowess and asked if anyone in the audience knew karate. When one guy said that he was a black belt, Friedlander responded that he was an “extra dark black belt.” He then said “See me, on this stage. This is a mirage; I’m actually right behind you. Look behind your right shoulder.” So the student did. Friedlander retorted, “too late, I’m already on your left.”
Friedlander also joked about how the new Twilight movie was “the worst vampire movie ever made.” He even talked about writing a children’s horror story involving a certain infamous snowman called “No Frosty, Don’t!”
The audience reaction was incredibly positive. Many students rushed to get in line for a picture or an autograph, or, like me, to ask the star a question. I quickly got over the idea that I was going to get to interview Judah Friedlander for the DoG Street Journal. Instead, I was only going to get about 30 seconds to ask him whatever I could. So of all the questions in the world, I picked what I thought was a pretty good one: “What do you love about stand-up comedy?”
Friedlander said, “I love the immediacy of it. You know, whenever I do a movie or an episode of 30 Rock, I never know if whatever I’m doing is funny until like 6 months later. I also like just talking with people, just cracking jokes with them.”
Apparently it’s been working. Multiple television and movie appearances, as well as a 21-year stand-up career are nothing to laugh at.