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125 Top Quotes By Paul Rudd That Are Straight From His Heart

Famous As: Best Known for His Role of 'Ant-Man' in the Marvel Cinematic Universe Films
Born On: April 6, 1969
Born In: Passaic, New Jersey, United States
Age: 54 Years

While he was growing up, Paul Stephen Rudd was certainly drawn to comedy; but he always hoped to become a versatile actor, not just a comedian. He has once said, "I don't consider myself a comedian because I don't really concern myself too much with jokes". However, he believes that humor is the most important thing in life, adding that it “trumps everything else, and it's the only thing that helps me deal with everything else.” In interviews, he has talked as much about his work, as about his perception of his own self, about his parents and his youth, his likes and dislikes, his view on marriages etc. Let us look into some of his top quotes on happiness, love, time, theatre, parents, need etc.

I'm a huge David Wain fan. He's one of my best friends now, but he just makes me laugh continually, much to the annoyance of his wife.

I'm a huge David Wain fan. He's one of my best friends now, but he just makes me laugh continually, much to the annoyance of his wife.

Paul Rudd
I don't consider myself a comedian because I don't really concern myself too much with jokes.

I don't consider myself a comedian because I don't really concern myself too much with jokes.

Paul Rudd
I never thought of myself as a comedic actor. I didn't go to Second City, that's not my background, I'm not a comic, I studied theater and my career when I started was a lot of dramatic stuff.

I never thought of myself as a comedic actor. I didn't go to Second City, that's not my background, I'm not a comic, I studied theater and my career when I started was a lot of dramatic stuff.

Paul Rudd
To me some of the funniest movies would be probably categorized in the dramatic genre, and likewise some of the most dramatic films, or films that have the most dramatic moments, are in comedies.

To me some of the funniest movies would be probably categorized in the dramatic genre, and likewise some of the most dramatic films, or films that have the most dramatic moments, are in comedies.

Paul Rudd
At my core, I'm a Midwesterner.

At my core, I'm a Midwesterner.

Paul Rudd
I don't really think in terms of genre, I think in terms of story and character.

I don't really think in terms of genre, I think in terms of story and character.

Paul Rudd
I'm not a comedian. I didn't study sketch comedy; my background isn't that.

I'm not a comedian. I didn't study sketch comedy; my background isn't that.

Paul Rudd
We all have different sides of our personalities, so I'd love to play some more different parts too.

We all have different sides of our personalities, so I'd love to play some more different parts too.

Paul Rudd
My sense of stand up comedy would be so esoteric.

My sense of stand up comedy would be so esoteric.

Paul Rudd
I think there's something great and generic about goldfish. They're everybody's first pet.

I think there's something great and generic about goldfish. They're everybody's first pet.

Paul Rudd
There's a very specific thing you can do to get in magazines. I'm much happier to just show up and do the job. I haven't taken the active approach to making myself a star. I haven't been in a blockbuster.

There's a very specific thing you can do to get in magazines. I'm much happier to just show up and do the job. I haven't taken the active approach to making myself a star. I haven't been in a blockbuster.

Paul Rudd
There's something great about the idea of working the land and living communally. That's healthy. That's good.

There's something great about the idea of working the land and living communally. That's healthy. That's good.

Paul Rudd
I'm sure that my wanting to be an actor had to do with a need for approval.

I'm sure that my wanting to be an actor had to do with a need for approval.

Paul Rudd
Marriage is like a tense, unfunny version of Everybody Loves Raymond, only it doesn't last 22 minutes. It lasts forever.

Marriage is like a tense, unfunny version of Everybody Loves Raymond, only it doesn't last 22 minutes. It lasts forever.

Paul Rudd
Nothing is ever cut-and-dried. There's anguish behind everything.

Nothing is ever cut-and-dried. There's anguish behind everything.

Paul Rudd
Oh, the weather outside is weather.

Oh, the weather outside is weather.

Paul Rudd
Why would anyone be an actor if he or she weren't insecure? That's why anybody pursues this kind of work.

Why would anyone be an actor if he or she weren't insecure? That's why anybody pursues this kind of work.

Paul Rudd
The truth is, there are so many terrific places in New York because it's the greatest city in the world, and there are so many fascinating places to see that, frankly, it's humbling.

The truth is, there are so many terrific places in New York because it's the greatest city in the world, and there are so many fascinating places to see that, frankly, it's humbling.

Paul Rudd
My definitions of comedy, drama, and straight man are all blurry for me. I don't think of it in those terms.

My definitions of comedy, drama, and straight man are all blurry for me. I don't think of it in those terms.

Paul Rudd
To try and sustain a performance is always a challenge. Anything you work on, to try and be real and show up and not look as if I'm playing pat to anything is always work.

To try and sustain a performance is always a challenge. Anything you work on, to try and be real and show up and not look as if I'm playing pat to anything is always work.

Paul Rudd
What's weird is that anybody can write anything, and once it goes online, it's permanent. My very first biography on IMDb, which was written by a manager I had at the time, was not true.

What's weird is that anybody can write anything, and once it goes online, it's permanent. My very first biography on IMDb, which was written by a manager I had at the time, was not true.

Paul Rudd
I'm, uh, not proud to say it - I play fantasy baseball. It's, like, the dorkiest thing ever.

I'm, uh, not proud to say it - I play fantasy baseball. It's, like, the dorkiest thing ever.

Paul Rudd
I'm not actively seeking stardom. I just go to auditions, and I knock on wood.

I'm not actively seeking stardom. I just go to auditions, and I knock on wood.

Paul Rudd
I think that I identify with my role in pretty much everything I have tried to do. I try to find something that I can understand about each character's behavior.

I think that I identify with my role in pretty much everything I have tried to do. I try to find something that I can understand about each character's behavior.

Paul Rudd
I grew up in a lot of different places, mostly in Kansas, I really started thinking seriously about acting in high school; I just did it better than most of the other activities in school.

I grew up in a lot of different places, mostly in Kansas, I really started thinking seriously about acting in high school; I just did it better than most of the other activities in school.

Paul Rudd
I've been naked in a lot of my movies. There's something inherently funny about the naked male body, particularly mine.

I've been naked in a lot of my movies. There's something inherently funny about the naked male body, particularly mine.

Paul Rudd
I grew up in the Midwest, where people seem to be friendly and nice to one another. There is less stress than in some of the other cities.

I grew up in the Midwest, where people seem to be friendly and nice to one another. There is less stress than in some of the other cities.

Paul Rudd
I don't find the characters I've played funny. The characters are actually taking their situations very seriously.

I don't find the characters I've played funny. The characters are actually taking their situations very seriously.

Paul Rudd
'Ant-Man' was a genre, I guess, that I hadn't really tackled before.

'Ant-Man' was a genre, I guess, that I hadn't really tackled before.

Paul Rudd
People do still mention 'Clueless' to me. I'm proud and happy that I was in it.

People do still mention 'Clueless' to me. I'm proud and happy that I was in it.

Paul Rudd
It's nice to be in anything that anybody sees or likes. If it's something that has lasted, it's great.

It's nice to be in anything that anybody sees or likes. If it's something that has lasted, it's great.

Paul Rudd
I hated 'Top Gun.'

I hated 'Top Gun.'

Paul Rudd
Personally - and I don't mean to brag - my jokes have been falling flat for most of my life.

Personally - and I don't mean to brag - my jokes have been falling flat for most of my life.

Paul Rudd
'Divorce Court' is a great show.

'Divorce Court' is a great show.

Paul Rudd
I'm surprised that I get to be in the same room with half the people that I'm working with.

I'm surprised that I get to be in the same room with half the people that I'm working with.

Paul Rudd
Early on, I decided I would see if I could make a career work on my own terms.

Early on, I decided I would see if I could make a career work on my own terms.

Paul Rudd
Awkwardness is such a gold mine for comedy.

Awkwardness is such a gold mine for comedy.

Paul Rudd
Kiss is a super - they are total businessmen. They pride themselves on it.

Kiss is a super - they are total businessmen. They pride themselves on it.

Paul Rudd
Amy Poehler, Amy Sedaris - they're both genius.

Amy Poehler, Amy Sedaris - they're both genius.

Paul Rudd
My wife is very stealth-funny. She'll come out with something when I'm not expecting it, and it'll just kill me.

My wife is very stealth-funny. She'll come out with something when I'm not expecting it, and it'll just kill me.

Paul Rudd
I think Ellen DeGeneres is just hysterical.

I think Ellen DeGeneres is just hysterical.

Paul Rudd
Anything traumatic in my life I've always dealt with through jokes and comedy.

Anything traumatic in my life I've always dealt with through jokes and comedy.

Paul Rudd
I'm a big fan of not working.

I'm a big fan of not working.

Paul Rudd
I don't feel like a dork, but I certainly have many moments of nerdism, and I embrace it wholeheartedly. I've always cottoned to that crowd more, anyway.

I don't feel like a dork, but I certainly have many moments of nerdism, and I embrace it wholeheartedly. I've always cottoned to that crowd more, anyway.

Paul Rudd
There is a major part of who I am that does not feel like the alpha male.

There is a major part of who I am that does not feel like the alpha male.

Paul Rudd
Comedy-wise, I think Chris Elliott is one of the funniest people.

Comedy-wise, I think Chris Elliott is one of the funniest people.

Paul Rudd
I went to college and studied theater; I went to a theater conservatory. I live in New York because I wanted to do plays and still do plays.

I went to college and studied theater; I went to a theater conservatory. I live in New York because I wanted to do plays and still do plays.

Paul Rudd
I've always loved David Letterman. There was an irreverence to his show that I remember, especially in 'Late Night' - it always seemed so fresh.

I've always loved David Letterman. There was an irreverence to his show that I remember, especially in 'Late Night' - it always seemed so fresh.

Paul Rudd
I find many of the people that I've worked with to be incredibly funny.

I find many of the people that I've worked with to be incredibly funny.

Paul Rudd
Alex Smith is - I think he is a winner, and he's a smart quarterback, and I'm a fan of his.

Alex Smith is - I think he is a winner, and he's a smart quarterback, and I'm a fan of his.

Paul Rudd
A lot of people say, 'What's the worst part about being an actor?' And the worst part is that you're not a musician.

A lot of people say, 'What's the worst part about being an actor?' And the worst part is that you're not a musician.

Paul Rudd
There are so many really good comedians, and I would never be as good as they are. It's not my calling.

There are so many really good comedians, and I would never be as good as they are. It's not my calling.

Paul Rudd
Who knows what critics are thinking? I know that you make more of a name for yourself, make more of an interesting review, if you're kind of mean-spirited.

Who knows what critics are thinking? I know that you make more of a name for yourself, make more of an interesting review, if you're kind of mean-spirited.

Paul Rudd
There's something great about the idea of working the land and living communally. That's healthy. That's good.

There's something great about the idea of working the land and living communally. That's healthy. That's good.

Paul Rudd
I think I used comedy as a mechanism: if I could make the other kids laugh, I wouldn't get beaten up or teased as much.

I think I used comedy as a mechanism: if I could make the other kids laugh, I wouldn't get beaten up or teased as much.

Paul Rudd
In eighth grade, I wore a tie to school every day. I didn't own jeans. But it wasn't a granola thing, it was really more of an INXS thing.

In eighth grade, I wore a tie to school every day. I didn't own jeans. But it wasn't a granola thing, it was really more of an INXS thing.

Paul Rudd
I used to ask my mom to try and shave my head on the sides to give me a receding hairline because Adam Ant had one.

I used to ask my mom to try and shave my head on the sides to give me a receding hairline because Adam Ant had one.

Paul Rudd
You can make a lot of mistakes with hair because it grows back.

You can make a lot of mistakes with hair because it grows back.

Paul Rudd
I'd like to do something dramatic or a different kind of role, but I tend not to separate comedy and drama all that much.

I'd like to do something dramatic or a different kind of role, but I tend not to separate comedy and drama all that much.

Paul Rudd
I would say, up until 'Anchorman,' I wasn't any kind of household name or anything, but I wasn't necessarily identified as much with being a comedian.

I would say, up until 'Anchorman,' I wasn't any kind of household name or anything, but I wasn't necessarily identified as much with being a comedian.

Paul Rudd
I am so appreciative I have been able to continue not only doing something I love, but working on movies I've loved.

I am so appreciative I have been able to continue not only doing something I love, but working on movies I've loved.

Paul Rudd
I always try and hold to that saying, 'I want to work on things I'd want to see.' The vast majority, that's been true.

I always try and hold to that saying, 'I want to work on things I'd want to see.' The vast majority, that's been true.

Paul Rudd
I don't have an agenda where I do a comedy and say, 'I have to do a drama next,' or 'I am looking for an action movie now.'

I don't have an agenda where I do a comedy and say, 'I have to do a drama next,' or 'I am looking for an action movie now.'

Paul Rudd
I've been friends with Elizabeth Banks since 'Wet Hot American Summer.'

I've been friends with Elizabeth Banks since 'Wet Hot American Summer.'

Paul Rudd
I laugh much more during takes than I do during real life. Maybe because you're not supposed to. I've ruined many takes because I will lose it.

I laugh much more during takes than I do during real life. Maybe because you're not supposed to. I've ruined many takes because I will lose it.

Paul Rudd
People have all different kinds of marriages. Whatever works for you.

People have all different kinds of marriages. Whatever works for you.

Paul Rudd
I think most marriages, mine included, you're constantly tending the garden, constantly working at it.

I think most marriages, mine included, you're constantly tending the garden, constantly working at it.

Paul Rudd
I know a lot about the Titanic. My dad was a Titanic expert.

I know a lot about the Titanic. My dad was a Titanic expert.

Paul Rudd
'Anchorman' was never supposed to be a popular, like, hit movie. That movie was a cheap movie - it felt like we were working on a weird independent comedy in a way.

'Anchorman' was never supposed to be a popular, like, hit movie. That movie was a cheap movie - it felt like we were working on a weird independent comedy in a way.

Paul Rudd
I think there's something kind of good about growing up in a place you know is not the cool place to be. I think it's good for your head.

I think there's something kind of good about growing up in a place you know is not the cool place to be. I think it's good for your head.

Paul Rudd
Tea has always been a big thing in my life. And I'm not talking about Liptons with lemon or iced tea, or any of that nonsense. Has to be hot PG Tips with milk.

Tea has always been a big thing in my life. And I'm not talking about Liptons with lemon or iced tea, or any of that nonsense. Has to be hot PG Tips with milk.

Paul Rudd
There's a lot of people I would be more than a little overwhelmed by and thrilled to work with.

There's a lot of people I would be more than a little overwhelmed by and thrilled to work with.

Paul Rudd
Growing up, I was certainly drawn to comedy, but my goal was just to be as well-rounded an actor as possible. I really liked Daniel Day-Lewis, and I thought, 'Oh, he's a good guy to try and emulate.'

Growing up, I was certainly drawn to comedy, but my goal was just to be as well-rounded an actor as possible. I really liked Daniel Day-Lewis, and I thought, 'Oh, he's a good guy to try and emulate.'

Paul Rudd
When I was in my early twenties, I used to grow all sorts of very weird beards. All of them awful in retrospect. I had Civil War beards for a while, then Mennonite beards.

When I was in my early twenties, I used to grow all sorts of very weird beards. All of them awful in retrospect. I had Civil War beards for a while, then Mennonite beards.

Paul Rudd
I wasn't one of those kids who was like, 'I want to be an actor.' It wasn't in my wheelhouse at all. I wasn't from a family that did this or in a place where people did this.

I wasn't one of those kids who was like, 'I want to be an actor.' It wasn't in my wheelhouse at all. I wasn't from a family that did this or in a place where people did this.

Paul Rudd
I love straight guys that seem gay. I'm a little like that.

I love straight guys that seem gay. I'm a little like that.

Paul Rudd
I have trouble with long-term things. I tend to get obsessed with stuff and then move on. Roles, songs, video games. That's why I was afraid of marriage. Because it was like a lifelong game of 'Madden.'

I have trouble with long-term things. I tend to get obsessed with stuff and then move on. Roles, songs, video games. That's why I was afraid of marriage. Because it was like a lifelong game of 'Madden.'

Paul Rudd
Sometimes I think I'm funny. But then sometimes I see myself, and I think, 'There's somebody trying to be funny.'

Sometimes I think I'm funny. But then sometimes I see myself, and I think, 'There's somebody trying to be funny.'

Paul Rudd
Fear is what makes comedy funny.

Fear is what makes comedy funny.

Paul Rudd
If someone made fun of me, I'd be bummed out. But I'd play it like I thought it was hilarious.

If someone made fun of me, I'd be bummed out. But I'd play it like I thought it was hilarious.

Paul Rudd
Willie Nelson is the perfect person, it seems to me, to think about. Because something tells me that he operates on his own frequency.

Willie Nelson is the perfect person, it seems to me, to think about. Because something tells me that he operates on his own frequency.

Paul Rudd
My parents were married my whole life until my father passed away a few years ago.

My parents were married my whole life until my father passed away a few years ago.

Paul Rudd
Nothing is ever cut-and-dried. There's anguish behind everything.

Nothing is ever cut-and-dried. There's anguish behind everything.

Paul Rudd
I'm sure that my wanting to be an actor had to do with a need for approval.

I'm sure that my wanting to be an actor had to do with a need for approval.

Paul Rudd
At my core, I'm a Midwesterner.

At my core, I'm a Midwesterner.

Paul Rudd
I don't consider myself a comedian because I don't really concern myself too much with jokes.

I don't consider myself a comedian because I don't really concern myself too much with jokes.

Paul Rudd
I can, and do, walk the street. No one bothers me or anything, because most people wouldn't know who I am.

I can, and do, walk the street. No one bothers me or anything, because most people wouldn't know who I am.

Paul Rudd
Theater is the most enriching and thrilling thing to do as an actor.

Theater is the most enriching and thrilling thing to do as an actor.

Paul Rudd
There's a very specific thing you can do to get in magazines. I'm much happier to just show up and do the job. I haven't taken the active approach to making myself a star. I haven't been in a blockbuster.

There's a very specific thing you can do to get in magazines. I'm much happier to just show up and do the job. I haven't taken the active approach to making myself a star. I haven't been in a blockbuster.

Paul Rudd
Whatever I'm working on, the character I'm playing tends to slowly bleed into my own real life. Not in any kind of creepy, Method actor-y kind of way - it's just an innate kind of merging.

Whatever I'm working on, the character I'm playing tends to slowly bleed into my own real life. Not in any kind of creepy, Method actor-y kind of way - it's just an innate kind of merging.

Paul Rudd
It's not often that you get to play somebody that has absolutely no cynicism or is not judgmental in any way.

It's not often that you get to play somebody that has absolutely no cynicism or is not judgmental in any way.

Paul Rudd
Humor is the most important thing in life. It trumps everything else, and it's the only thing that helps me deal with everything else.

Humor is the most important thing in life. It trumps everything else, and it's the only thing that helps me deal with everything else.

Paul Rudd
To me, some of the funniest movies would be probably categorized in the dramatic genre, and likewise, some of the most dramatic films, or films that have the most dramatic moments, are in comedies.

To me, some of the funniest movies would be probably categorized in the dramatic genre, and likewise, some of the most dramatic films, or films that have the most dramatic moments, are in comedies.

Paul Rudd
I can talk about sports and stuff, but I have a season pass for 'Antiques Roadshow' on my TiVo.

I can talk about sports and stuff, but I have a season pass for 'Antiques Roadshow' on my TiVo.

Paul Rudd
I went through a phase where I thought it was really funny to make pratfalls in very crowded places. I jumped out of a moving car once, for a laugh. That was a mistake.

I went through a phase where I thought it was really funny to make pratfalls in very crowded places. I jumped out of a moving car once, for a laugh. That was a mistake.

Paul Rudd
I'm a huge David Wain fan. He's one of my best friends now, but he just makes me laugh continually, much to the annoyance of his wife.

I'm a huge David Wain fan. He's one of my best friends now, but he just makes me laugh continually, much to the annoyance of his wife.

Paul Rudd
I do like the idea that tomorrow I might find out that I'm going to be doing something that is completely unknowable today. I think it forces you to live in the moment in a very good way.

I do like the idea that tomorrow I might find out that I'm going to be doing something that is completely unknowable today. I think it forces you to live in the moment in a very good way.

Paul Rudd
Anybody that's going on a road trip and doesn't really want to get into a myriad of snacks is probably no one you want to get in the car with.

Anybody that's going on a road trip and doesn't really want to get into a myriad of snacks is probably no one you want to get in the car with.

Paul Rudd
I think there's something great and generic about goldfish. They're everybody's first pet.

I think there's something great and generic about goldfish. They're everybody's first pet.

Paul Rudd
All I really wanted to be was a working actor.

All I really wanted to be was a working actor.

Paul Rudd
I really tried for a while to go with the Adam Ant look.

I really tried for a while to go with the Adam Ant look.

Paul Rudd
My bar mitzvah, I went to my nan's, and she made kugel.

My bar mitzvah, I went to my nan's, and she made kugel.

Paul Rudd