It seems that their paths crossed long before they became famous.
Paul Rudd and Jon Hamm, two well-known Hollywood actors known for their wit and on-screen charisma, have carved out a place for themselves in the comedy world. After spending decades perfecting his comic skills, Rudd is praised internationally for his effortless humor. On the other hand, Hamm lately diverted his acting talent towards humor, delighting audiences worldwide after he became well known for his captivating depiction of Don Draper in “Mad Men.”
Yet, the bond that ties these two stars together predates their respective careers, tracing its roots back to their college days, marking a friendship that has weathered over three decades of ups and downs and stood the test of Hollywood. This unlikely bromance was set in motion during their university days when a mutual childhood friend of Hamm’s became Rudd’s roommate.
College trips to Hamm’s native St. Louis saw Rudd mingling with the future “Mad Men” star, marking the developing phase of a friendship weathered over three decades. However, a seemingly mundane detail nearly derailed their friendship in its infancy – a love interest. Rudd was romantically involved with Hamm’s former girlfriend, often bringing her along during their gatherings, an arrangement that evidently ruffled Hamm’s feathers.
During an interview with E! Online, Rudd recounted an incident that encapsulated their early rivalry. In an intense game of Trivial Pursuit, Hamm’s aptitude for historical trivia left Rudd feeling rather inadequate, especially in the presence of Sarah, the shared love interest. The “Ant-Man” actor confessed, “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.”
Yet, as they say, time heals all wounds; in this case, it transforms rivalry into a deep-seated friendship. Rudd and Hamm eventually buried the hatchet and built a bond that transcends Hollywood camaraderie. They formed a trifecta of friendship with another now-famous actor, Adam Scott, known for his role in “Parks and Recreation.” These three humble Midwesterners supported each other through their journey to stardom, a testament to the power of enduring friendship.
Over the years, the two actor’s professional paths have also intertwined. They both had roles in the movie “Bridesmaids,” with Rudd’s scenes unfortunately not making the final cut. Furthermore, they shared screen time in films like “The Ten,” “Howl,” and “Between Two Ferns: The Movie.” Given their strong bond and shared comedic talent, one might wonder why they haven’t collaborated more frequently.
A shared hope among fans is to witness the comedic trio of Rudd, Hamm, and Scott unite for a grand buddy film. While no such project has been announced yet, the trio’s previous collaboration for “Adult Swim’s The Greatest Event in Television History” offers a glimmer of hope.
With the proviso of keeping “Trivial Pursuit” games off the table, there’s little doubt these three can create an unforgettable cinematic experience. Their 30-year journey of rivalry, reconciliation, and enduring friendship indeed offers ample material for a laugh riot.
