History of Paul Rudd in Timeline

Paul Stephen Rudd is a highly acclaimed American actor and comedian. His career began in 1991 after honing his craft at the University of Kansas and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Rudd's contributions to the entertainment industry have earned him significant recognition, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2015 and a spot on Forbes Celebrity 100 list in 2019. His widespread popularity culminated in being named People magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive" in 2021.

1943: Birth of Paul Rudd's Father

Michael Rudd, Paul Rudd's father, was born in 1943.

April 6, 1969: Birth of Paul Rudd

Paul Stephen Rudd was born on April 6, 1969, in Passaic, New Jersey.

1987: High School Graduation

Paul Rudd graduated from Shawnee Mission West High School in 1987.

1988: Release of "Mac and Me"

The film "Mac and Me", frequently used by Paul Rudd in his running gag with Conan O'Brien, was released in 1988.

1991: Acting Debut

Paul Rudd made his acting debut in 1991, starring in a Super Nintendo commercial.

1992: "Sisters" Television Debut

Paul Rudd landed the role of Kirby Quimby Philby in the television drama "Sisters" in 1992.

1994: Appearance in "Wild Oats"

Paul Rudd appeared in six episodes of the television show "Wild Oats" in 1994.

1995: Breakthrough Role in "Clueless"

Paul Rudd left "Sisters" to star in the comedy film "Clueless" alongside Alicia Silverstone in 1995.

1997: Broadway Debut in "The Last Night of Ballyhoo"

Paul Rudd made his Broadway debut in 1997, playing Joe Farkas in "The Last Night of Ballyhoo".

1999: SAG Award Nomination for "The Cider House Rules"

In 1999, the cast of "The Cider House Rules," including Paul Rudd, received a SAG nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.

2000: Role in "Gen-Y Cops"

Paul Rudd starred as FBI Agent Ian Curtis in the Hong Kong action film "Gen-Y Cops" in 2000.

2000: Performance in "Long Day's Journey Into Night"

Paul Rudd was part of the production of "Long Day's Journey Into Night" in 2000, performing alongside Jessica Lange, Charles Dance, and Olivia Colman in London.

October 2001: Off-Broadway Run of "The Shape of Things"

Starting in October 2001, Paul Rudd starred in the Off-Broadway production of "The Shape of Things" for three months.

2001: Release of "Wet Hot American Summer"

Paul Rudd starred as Andy in the film "Wet Hot American Summer", released in 2001.

2002: Joins the Cast of "Friends"

Paul Rudd joined the cast of the sitcom "Friends" in 2002 as Mike Hannigan, Phoebe Buffay's love interest and eventual husband.

2003: Marriage to Julie Yaeger

Paul Rudd married Julie Yaeger in 2003, whom he met through his publicist.

2004: Start of Running Gag with Conan O'Brien

Paul Rudd began a running gag on Conan O'Brien's late-night shows in 2004, consistently showing a clip from "Mac and Me" instead of his own work.

2004: Collaboration with Judd Apatow Begins with "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy"

Paul Rudd began his work with director Judd Apatow in 2004, starring as Brian Fantana in "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy."

2005: Stars in "The 40-Year-Old Virgin"

Continuing his collaboration with Judd Apatow, Paul Rudd starred in "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" in 2005.

2005: Audiobook Narration for "The Areas of My Expertise"

Paul Rudd provided the audiobook narration for John Hodgman's "The Areas of My Expertise" in 2005.

2006: Performance in "Three Days of Rain"

In 2006, Rudd starred alongside Bradley Cooper and Julia Roberts in the Broadway production of "Three Days of Rain".

2006: Birth of Son

Paul Rudd and Julie Yaeger welcomed their son in 2006.

2006: Guest Appearances and "Reno 911!: Miami"

Paul Rudd made several guest appearances as Guy Gerricault in "Reno 911!" and starred in its film adaptation, "Reno 911!: Miami," in 2006.

2007: "Knocked Up" and "Hard Knocks" Narration

Paul Rudd appeared in Judd Apatow's "Knocked Up" and narrated the HBO sports documentary series "Hard Knocks" in 2007, focusing on the Kansas City Chiefs.

2007: Guest Appearance on "Veronica Mars"

Paul Rudd guest-starred as Desmond Fellows, a former 1990s rock star, in the "Veronica Mars" episode "Debasement Tapes" in 2007.

2007: "The Oh in Ohio", "The Ten", and "Role Models"

Paul Rudd starred in "The Oh in Ohio" and "The Ten" and then took on a leading role in "Role Models" in 2007, a comedy he also wrote.

2007: Narration of "Hard Knocks"

Paul Rudd, a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, narrated the 2007 season of HBO's "Hard Knocks", which featured the team.

2008: Audiobook Narration for "More Information Than You Require"

In 2008, Paul Rudd narrated the audiobook for John Hodgman's "More Information Than You Require".

2008: Death of Paul Rudd's Father

Michael Rudd, Paul Rudd's father, passed away in 2008.

2008: "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" Release

Paul Rudd starred in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," produced by Judd Apatow, in 2008.

2009: Uncredited Cameo in "Year One"

Paul Rudd had an uncredited cameo in the film "Year One" in 2009.

2009: "I Love You, Man", "Party Down", and "Monsters Vs. Aliens"

Paul Rudd starred in "I Love You, Man", co-created the TV series "Party Down", and lent his voice to the animated film "Monsters Vs. Aliens" in 2009.

2010: Birth of Daughter

Paul Rudd and Julie Yaeger's daughter was born in 2010.

2010: Reunites with Steve Carell in "Dinner for Schmucks"

Paul Rudd and Steve Carell teamed up again in 2010 for the comedy "Dinner for Schmucks," directed by Jay Roach.

2011: Uncredited Cameo in "Bridesmaids"

Paul Rudd had an uncredited cameo in the film "Bridesmaids" in 2011.

2011: Stars in "Our Idiot Brother"

Paul Rudd starred alongside Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel, and Emily Mortimer in the comedy-drama "Our Idiot Brother" in 2011.

2012: Guest Appearance in Parks and Recreation

In 2012, Paul Rudd appeared in NBC's "Parks and Recreation" as Bobby Newport, winning a Critics' Choice Television Award for his performance.

2012: Stars in and Co-Produces "Wanderlust"

In 2012, Paul Rudd starred in and co-produced "Wanderlust" with Jennifer Aniston, directed by Judd Apatow.

2012: Appearance in "Grace" on Broadway

Paul Rudd appeared in the Broadway production of "Grace" in 2012, alongside Michael Shannon, Kate Arrington, and Ed Asner.

2012: Supporting Role in "The Perks of Being a Wallflower"

Paul Rudd took on the supporting role of Mr. Anderson, Charlie's teacher, in the drama "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" in 2012.

December 19, 2013: Casting Confirmation for "Ant-Man"

Paul Rudd's role as Scott Lang/Ant-Man in Marvel's 2015 film "Ant-Man" was officially confirmed on December 19, 2013.

2013: "This Is 40" and "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues"

Paul Rudd starred in the "Knocked Up" spinoff "This Is 40" and reprised his role as Brian Fantana in "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues" in 2013.

2014: Voiceover Work for Hyundai Commercials

Beginning in 2014, Paul Rudd lent his voice to Hyundai television commercials.

2014: Co-ownership of Samuel's Sweet Shop

Paul Rudd and Jeffrey Dean Morgan became co-owners of Samuel's Sweet Shop, a candy store in Rhinebeck, New York, in 2014, saving it from closure.

July 1, 2015: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

Paul Rudd received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on July 1, 2015.

July 2015: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

Paul Rudd received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on July 2015.

2015: Release of "Ant-Man"

Paul Rudd starred as Ant-Man in the Marvel film "Ant-Man", released in 2015.

2016: Various Film Appearances

In 2016, Paul Rudd appeared in several films, including "Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp", "The Fundamentals of Caring", "The Little Prince", "Sausage Party", and "Nerdland".