Humorist Interview – Judah Friedlander

You started off working behind the camera as a Soundman for Chris Rock’s short “Who is Chris Rock?”, how did you make the transition to the other side of the lens? Do you do any sound work now?

That IMDB credit is misleading. I was helping out a friend in film school. He was doing a 10 minute documentary on Chris. I held the microphone. I still record sound. I record my own farts. And then I listen to them years later and try and remember what each one smelled like.

When you aren’t working, what does a typical Saturday night entail? We image you reading the classics while sipping on a 1962 Dom Perignon and eating some fish sticks…anywhere close?

Way off. More like winning karate tournaments in Korea & sleeping with half the women in their country. And the answer to North or South Korea? Is both. Right on the border.

How did you become THE “World Champion of the World”? Any sport you have yet to master?

I’m just a winner. I’m a better athlete than anyone. And hot chicks worship me. I’m the best at every sport. But I don’t mention every sport because I don’t like to brag.

How did you get to be “The Hug Guy” in the Dave Matthews Video? How many people did you “Hug” in the video?

I don’t know. One day I was kind of out of it, walking around the streets, offering hugs to strangers. A month later, I’m at home, watching MTV, & the video came on. I have no idea how it happened. I have no idea how many people I hugged. Maybe 5?

You are obviously known for making Clever hats, how did that start? Do you keep all the hats you make? How many hats do you currently have in your collection? Any special hat in the works for the Houston performance – maybe “Texas World Champion”? A lot of people here take Texas very seriously.

I’ve been making my own hats for over 10 years. Way before it was cool or trendy. And I’ll be wearing them long after. I have a lot. But I’m not a math nerd, so I don’t know how many. Math is one of my only weaknesses. CAMPEON DEL MUNDO will be the hat I’ll be wearing at the Houston Improv. I’ll be selling them at shows too. If you don’t come to the show and buy a hat, you’re a pussy.

You play Frank Rossitano on 30 Rock – How do you differentiate between Frank and Judah?

Actually the two are a lot different. They just look alike. Frank is a writer. Judah is the World Champion. In addition to math, reading is another of Judah's weaknesses. The World Champion would never have a job writing on a TV show. If you look at Frank’s blog, FRANKTALK, you can see that Frank never talks about how he’s a great athlete & all the chicks he’s banging. Judah Friedlander is the World Champion. And he does. Frank Rossitano is a cool dude and a funny dude, but he’s not the World Champion. Judah Friedlander is the World Champion.

Is it as much fun to make 30 Rock as it is to watch it?

It’s a lot of fun to make the show. I still haven’t seen it though. But I hear it’s hilarious.

30 Rock just got 10 Emmy nominations; do you believe that THE “World Champion” should let anyone else accept the awards, if you win? Seriously though, are you planning on going to the Emmy’s and what about the after party?

I have a karate deathmatch tournament for charity that night. So, I’ll be in Japan relaxing after my victories & partying with the Tokyo Cheerleading Society. And I’ll be eating sushi. Or as I call it “Karate Food”. I'd go to the Emmy's, but the karate deathmatch tournament is for charity. And i care a lot about charity.

Do you have any time to actually “get out and see” Houston, while you are here?

I just saw the whole city. I ran around the entire city and checked out every neighborhood. It took about hour. It’s a great city.

If you could ask Houston one question what would it be?

Can I borrow some ketchup?