SmartLess Episode Summary: "Paul Rudd" Release Date: April 28, 2025
1. Introduction and Welcome
The episode kicks off with Will Arnett enthusiastically introducing the guest, Paul Rudd, highlighting his multifaceted career and personal ventures.
Notable Quote:
- Will Arnett [05:23]: "Guys, my guest today, who's far funnier than I am, grew up in the Kansas City area and he's a die-hard Jason Sudeikis, die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fan. He's the co-owner of a candy store in Rhinebeck, New York..."
2. Paul Rudd's Involvement with Samuel's Sweet Shop
Paul delves into his role as a co-owner of Samuel's Sweet Shop in Rhinebeck, NY, a beloved local candy store that he and his partners acquired to preserve its legacy after the original owner passed away.
Notable Quote:
- Paul Rudd [07:19]: "It's called Samuel's Sweet Shop and it's in Rhinebeck, New York. And it was started by a guy named Ira... Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Hillary Burton, who are neighbors of mine... we went in and bought the candy store and now we run it."
3. Meeting His Wife and Industry Connections
The conversation shifts to Paul’s personal life, particularly how he met his wife, Julie, while seeking a publicist post his work on "Clueless." Their mutual connections and long-standing relationships in the industry are also discussed.
Notable Quotes:
- Paul Rudd [09:21]: "I was the director of Clueless... I knew nothing about anything."
- Sean Hayes [09:57]: "Paul, you're upstate. So you meet your wife Julie. You meet her through her being your publicist..."
4. Paul Rudd's Early Life and Career Beginnings
Paul shares insights into his upbringing, moving frequently due to his father's job with TWA, and how these experiences shaped his adaptability and social skills.
Notable Quotes:
- Paul Rudd [15:07]: "I've moved around quite a bit... I just loved comedians. I loved watching SNL... I loved Steve Martin albums."
- Paul Rudd [29:30]: "We got very used to being the new kids in school. We didn't really know any different."
5. Experiences Working at Studebaker's and Holiday Ham Company
Paul recounts his unconventional early jobs, including DJing at a 50s-themed bar and handling ham at the Holiday Ham Company, infusing humor into these stories.
Notable Quotes:
- Paul Rudd [21:11]: "I got the job and then they saw that I had really long hair, and they said, you got to cut your hair."
- Paul Rudd [32:52]: "I worked at Holiday Ham Company... I would unload trucks, cut open the plastic, and handle ham hocks."
6. Paul's Education and Path to Acting
Reflecting on his educational background, Paul discusses his involvement in high school forensics (speech competitions) and how a pivotal suggestion led him to pursue acting seriously.
Notable Quotes:
- Paul Rudd [15:07]: "We had speech class... When I was about 16, my neighbor suggested I consider acting."
- Paul Rudd [16:22]: "I decided that acting was exactly what I wanted to pursue..."
7. Influences: British Comedy and Early Inspirations
Paul highlights the impact of British comedy on his humor style, particularly influencing his appreciation for shows like "Monty Python's Flying Circus" and "Fawlty Towers."
Notable Quotes:
- Paul Rudd [30:52]: "My parents loved Monty Python... I thought it was hilarious to see grownups being completely silly."
- Sean Hayes [31:11]: "Holy shit. There's no way you guys like Fawlty Towers."
8. Theater Stories and On-stage Incidents
Paul shares intriguing and humorous anecdotes from his theater days, including handling unexpected incidents like audience deaths or disruptions during performances.
Notable Quotes:
- Paul Rudd [40:57]: "There was a death in the audience... Somebody leaned over and puked on about 10 different people."
- Paul Rudd [45:46]: "I was lying on a bed with Rachel Weisz... I realized my balls were hanging out."
9. Relationship with Judd Apatow and Career Highlights
The discussion moves to Paul's collaboration with legendary producer Judd Apatow, detailing how their email correspondence blossomed into a fruitful professional relationship that launched numerous successful comedies.
Notable Quotes:
- Paul Rudd [49:31]: "I emailed Judd about a Steve Martin reference... He emailed me back, and that's how we met."
- Sean Hayes [48:25]: "You and Judd collaborated on so many movies that were huge, seminal comedies."
10. Closing Remarks and Future Plans
As the episode wraps up, the hosts express their admiration for Paul, discuss upcoming projects like the "samuel's sweet shop" live show idea, and share heartfelt goodbyes.
Notable Quotes:
- Sean Hayes [55:03]: "You're world-class, tip-top."
- Will Arnett [55:17]: "We're gonna do a SmartLess outing from the candy shop."
Selected Noteworthy Quotes with Timestamps
- Will Arnett [05:23]: Introduction of Paul Rudd and his achievements.
- Paul Rudd [07:19]: Discussing the acquisition and significance of Samuel's Sweet Shop.
- Sean Hayes [09:57]: Highlighting Paul's meeting with his wife through professional channels.
- Paul Rudd [21:11]: Sharing his DJing experience and the humorous challenges faced.
- Paul Rudd [30:52]: Reflecting on British comedy's influence on his humor.
- Paul Rudd [40:57]: Narrating unexpected on-stage incidents during theater performances.
- Paul Rudd [49:31]: Describing his initial interaction and relationship with Judd Apatow.
Conclusion
This episode of SmartLess offers an intimate glimpse into Paul Rudd's life, blending his professional journey with personal anecdotes. From his early struggles and unconventional jobs to his influential collaborations and humorous theater stories, Paul provides a multifaceted portrait of his enduring career and cherished personal ventures. The hosts' engaging dialogue and shared laughter encapsulate the essence of SmartLess—thoughtful conversation intertwined with organic hilarity.