Judah Friedlander
Judah Friedlander (born March 16, 1969)[1][2] is an American actor and stand-up comedian. He is known for playing the role of writer Frank Rossitano on the NBC sitcom 30 Rock.[3][4][5] Friedlander is also known for his role as Toby Radloff in the film American Splendor,[1][4][6] a role that garnered him favorable reviews and a nomination for best supporting actor at the 2004 Independent Spirit Awards.[6][7][8][9][10][11] Earlier in his career, he was recognized as "the hug guy" from the music video for the 2001 Dave Matthews Band single "Everyday".[5][6][12]
Judah Friedlander
Friedlander is known for his distinctive look, which includes oversized glasses, shaggy hair, and a t-shirt and trucker hat (both often emblazoned with slogans such as "world champion"), and a generally unkempt appearance.[1][3][10][11][12][13] It is a look he maintains as a stand-up comedian, during most of his public appearances, and which he has employed in some of his acting roles.[1][3][11][14]
Early life[edit]
Friedlander was born in Gaithersburg, Maryland, the son of Shirley and Art Friedlander.[1][12] His father was of Russian Jewish descent and his mother, a native of Pittsburgh, is Croatian American.[12][15][16]
As a child, Friedlander drew political cartoons and made animated films.[17] He first tried stand-up comedy in 1989 at the age of 19 while attending New York University.[3][11][13][18] Friedlander graduated from the Gallatin School of Individualized Study.[19]
Personal life[edit]
Friedlander has lived in the New York City area for most of his career, with the exception of two years spent in Los Angeles.[4] Currently residing in Queens,[11][22] he has stated that he prefers living in New York.[4]
Friedlander enjoys playing table tennis.[4][5][11][15] As a child, he had played the sport competitively, and he took it up again in 2008.[4][5] He is a big fan of professional wrestling, which is often used as subject matter for his trademark hats and shirts. He is also a fan of the New York Red Bulls, has attended games at Red Bull Arena and appeared in commercials for the team.[35]