8 Intriguing Facts About Paul Rudd

While younger audiences recognize Paul Rudd as Ant-Man, a powerful yet pint-sized hero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the actor has been a prominent figure in Hollywood for decades.

Rudd first gained widespread attention with his role as Josh in the 1995 hit Clueless, where he portrayed Alicia Silverstone’s endearing love interest in Amy Heckerling’s modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma. Throughout the 2000s, Rudd cemented his reputation as a comedic talent, starring in iconic films such as Wet Hot American Summer (2001), Anchorman (2004), The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005), Knocked Up (2007), and I Love You, Man (2009).

In 2015, Rudd entered the expansive realm of superhero films, taking on the role of Scott Lang, also known as Ant-Man, and joining the ranks of the MCU.

Rudd has demonstrated his versatility by excelling in both serious and comedic roles. Here are some lesser-known facts about the celebrated actor.

1. Paul Rudd’s original surname is technically Rudnitzky.

Although Paul Rudd was born in Passaic, New Jersey, his parents both originated from London—his father from Edgware and his mother from Surbiton. His family traces its roots to Jewish immigrants from Russia and Poland. Rudd’s surname was originally Rudnitzky, but it was altered by his grandfather.

2. Paul Rudd’s parents are second cousins.

During a 2017 episode of Finding Your Roots, Rudd discovered that his parents were second cousins. Reacting with his signature humor, Rudd joked, “That’s why I have six nipples.” He also pondered the implications for his family, asking, “Does this mean my son is also my uncle?”

3. Paul Rudd was a comic book enthusiast during his childhood.

Although Rudd enjoyed Marvel Comics as a child, he favored Archie Comics and other humorous tales. His relatives in England would also send him British comics, such as Beano and Dandy, which he adored.

4. Paul Rudd initially wanted to portray Christian in Clueless. And Murray.

If Rudd had been chosen to play the sophisticated Christian instead of the endearing older stepbrother-turned-love-interest Josh, Clueless would have had a vastly different tone. Before landing the role of Cher’s love interest, Rudd had his sights set on playing the “ringa ding kid” Christian.

“I thought Justin Walker’s character, Christian, was a fantastic role,” Rudd shared with Entertainment Weekly in 2012. “It was a fresh concept, something I hadn’t seen in films before—the effortlessly cool gay character. I also requested to audition for Donald Faison’s part, as I found his hip-hop enthusiast persona amusing. I didn’t realize the character was African-American.”

5. Paul Rudd deeply admires Paul Newman.

During a 2008 interview for Role Models, a film he co-wrote and starred in, Rudd was asked about his personal role model. He named Paul Newman, expressing admiration for the iconic actor’s significant contributions to the world before his passing.

6. Before becoming Ant-Man, Paul Rudd aspired to be like Adam Ant.

In a 2011 interview with Grantland, Rudd discussed his teenage fascination with ’80s British musician Adam Ant. “Puberty hit me hard, and my hair turned curly almost overnight,” Rudd recalled. “But Adam Ant’s curly hair made it easier to accept. I even asked my mom to shave the sides of my head to mimic his receding hairline, thinking it looked cool. I had no idea what a receding hairline meant. She refused, but that was nothing new for me.”

Adam Ant wasn’t the only artist Rudd tried to imitate. “[My mom] also rejected my request to bleach just the top of my hair like Howard Jones. Most kids would’ve rebelled, but I was too polite to argue,” he shared.

7. Romeo + Juliet wasn’t Paul Rudd’s first experience with Shakespearean acting.

While Rudd’s role in Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet is iconic, it wasn’t his first encounter with Shakespeare. Rudd spent three years studying Jacobean theater in Oxford, England, and performed in a production of Twelfth Night. His director, Sir Nicholas Hytner, described him as having “emotional and intellectual intensity,” high praise from the former director of London’s National Theatre (2003–2015).

8. Paul Rudd’s Ant-Man will herald the beginning of Phase Five in the MCU.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania marks the start of the MCU’s next phase, with Rudd’s character stepping beyond just providing humor. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige explained to Empire, “Ant-Man deserved to lead Phase Five, moving from a supporting or comedic role to a central figure in the MCU.” The film, releasing on February 17, 2023, will feature Rudd battling Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror, the franchise’s next major antagonist.