How much do we love Paul Rudd? So crush-worthy in “Clueless,” so hilarious as the overly cologned reporter Brian Fantana in the “Anchorman” movies and so adorably goofy in his many appearances on “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon. Here are some milestone moments from his career, marked by his truly ageless essence.
As Josh in “Clueless” (1995)
When Alicia Silverstone stopped dead in her tracks and exclaimed, “I love Josh,” in this ’90s classic, we were way ahead of her. This kind of soft Grunge dude loves his Radiohead and also stands up for Cher when anyone is down on her. And he’s willing to drive to the Valley to rescue her, which is huge.
As Paris in “Romeo + Juliet” (1996)
One of the few movies where the lead actress was completely indifferent to his charms. Here he plays the bland, parent-approved Paris, whom Juliet (Claire Danes) has no interest at all.
As Kevin in “200 Cigarettes” (1999)
Gotta dig the sideburns Rudd rocks in this all-star indie movie set on New Year’s Eve.
As Nick Carraway in “The Great Gatsby” (2000)
Rudd played the best friend and confidant of Jay Gatsby (Toby Stephens) in this TV movie.
As Andy in “Wet Hot American Summer” (2001)
In this side-splitting, star-packed comedy from director David Wain, Andy is the biggest jerk who openly two-times his girlfriend (Marguerite Moreau) with other women (like Elizabeth Banks). He and the rest of the cast, including Bradley Cooper and Amy Poehler, have gamely reunited for “Wet Hot” sequel and prequel series on Netflix over a decade later, all acting like no time at all has passed.
As Mike Hannigan on “Friends” (2002-2004)
They weren’t as famous as Ross and Rachel, but Mike and Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) were perfect for each other.
As Brian Fantana in “Anchorman” (2004)
We love Rudd as overconfident reporter Brian Fantana as much as the character loves his Sex Panther cologne.
In “Night at the Museum” (2006)
Rudd’s ability to play completely ridiculous characters, like the utility-belted new boyfriend of main character Larry (Ben Stiller)’s ex-wife, is unparalled.
As Peter in “I Love You Man” (2009)
Jason Segel and Paul Rudd bond over the love of the band Rush in this bromance comedy.
With Judd Apatow at the “This Is 40” premiere (2012)
As English teacher Mr. Anderson in “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” (2012)
Although he’s mostly known for comedy, Rudd’s also turned in a number of terrific dramatic performances, including this understanding teacher in “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” who delivers the line, “We accept the love we think we deserve.” He also played real-life closedted baseball player turned spy Moe Berg in 2018’s “The Catcher Was a Spy.”
With Justin Bieber at the VMAs (2011)
Paul Rudd and Melissa McCarthy at the 85th Oscars (2013)
On Lip Sync Battle (2014)
Rudd’s fully committed goofball performance of Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” is a prime example of why we love him.
With Stan Lee at the premiere of “Ant-Man” (2015)
Getting his star on the Walk of Fame in 2015
As Scott Lang in “Ant-Man” (2015)
Rudd dancing in blooper footage from “Ant-Man” is just as canon as the film itself.
With Chris Evans in “Captain America: Civil War” (2016)
Even though he’s now an Avenger, Scott Lang is endearingly starstruck when he meets even more super superhero Captain America.
In a skit with Jimmy Fallon (2019)
Paul and Jimmy’s flawless recreation of the 1985 Goth dance hit “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” is one of the funniest things you’ll ever see. And don’t miss their equally hilarious reenactment of Styx’s “Too Much Time on My Hands.”
With son Jack (2020)
Rudd’s son Jack, who’s now 17, is a chip off the old Ant-Man block.
In “The Shrink Next Door” (2021)
Rudd reteamed with frequent costar Will Ferrell for this Apple TV+ black comedy series based on the podcast of the same name.
In “Only Murders in the Building” (2022)
Rudd made a surprise appearance in Season 2 of the hit Hulu series as actor Ben Glenroy, and he’ll be back for Season 3.
As multiple Scott Langs in “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania”
In his fifth outing as Ant-Man, Rudd goes up against Kang the Conqueror (Jonathan Majors) and encounters multiple versions of himself in the quantum realm.
