Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Seth Rogen

How Seth Rogen built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Seth Rogen is a Canadian actor, comedian, and filmmaker recognized for his comedic lead roles. He has received nominations for Golden Globe Awards, Primetime Emmy Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and an Independent Spirit Award.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1999: Worries about American Pie

In 1999, Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg worried that the movie American Pie had beaten them to the idea for Superbad.

1999: Acting debut in Freaks and Geeks

In 1999, Seth Rogen made his acting debut as Ken Miller in Freaks and Geeks. The show was eventually cancelled due to poor ratings, but Apatow was impressed by Rogen's improvisation.

1999: Move to Los Angeles

In 1999, Seth Rogen moved to Los Angeles for a part in Judd Apatow's series Freaks and Geeks after starting as a stand-up comedian in Vancouver.

2004: Staff Writer for Da Ali G Show

In 2004, Seth Rogen became a staff writer for Sacha Baron Cohen's last season of Da Ali G Show, and received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination along with the show's other writers.

October 2007: Hosts Saturday Night Live

In October 2007, Seth Rogen hosted Saturday Night Live.

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April 2008: Writing for The Simpsons

In April 2008, it was reported that Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg would write an episode for The Simpsons. Rogen also voiced a character in the episode.

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September 2011: Release of 50/50

In September 2011, the dramedy 50/50, which Seth Rogen produced and took a supporting role in, was released. The movie about cancer was based on screenwriter Will Reiser's autobiographical script.

February 2012: Hosting the Independent Spirit Awards

In February 2012, Seth Rogen hosted the 27th Independent Spirit Awards.

May 2013: Appearance in Arrested Development

In May 2013, Seth Rogen appeared in the revived fourth season of Arrested Development, playing a young George Bluth Sr. in flashback scenes.

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June 2014: North Korea threatens retaliation for The Interview

In June 2014, North Korea threatened a "merciless" retaliation on the United States if it did not ban The Interview, labeling the movie "an act of war" and a "wanton act of terror", and Seth Rogen himself a "gangster filmmaker."

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December 25, 2014: The Interview released after initial cancellation

After initial cancellation due to a cyber attack, Sony made the movie The Interview available online and in theaters on December 25, 2014.

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November 2015: Release of The Night Before

In November 2015, Seth Rogen starred in the Christmas-themed comedy The Night Before, alongside Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Anthony Mackie.

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May 2016: Premiere of Preacher

In May 2016, the television series Preacher, which Seth Rogen developed, premiered on AMC.

November 2017: Premiere of Future Man

In November 2017, the science fiction comedy series Future Man, which Seth Rogen directed and executive produced with Evan Goldberg, premiered on Hulu.

2017: Started ceramics and cannabis brand

In 2017, Seth Rogen began making ceramics after attending pottery classes with his wife and created a cannabis brand in Toronto with Evan Goldberg.

April 2018: Sixth Hilarity for Charity event broadcast

In April 2018, the sixth Hilarity for Charity event, hosted by Seth Rogen, was broadcast through Netflix. The event raises funds for Alzheimer's research and support.

July 2018: Voices public service announcements

In July 2018, it was announced that Seth Rogen would voice public service announcements in Vancouver's TransLink transit system and Toronto's Toronto Transit Commission.