About Funny People
George Simmons was prepared to die, but then a funny thing happened.
- Released on July 30, 2009
- Comedy Drama
"Funny People," directed by Judd Apatow, is a poignant exploration of life, comedy, and the complexities of human relationships, anchored by a cast that brings depth and authenticity to their roles. Adam Sandler steps into the shoes of George Simmons, a comedic actor who has climbed to the pinnacle of fame and fortune. His character is a nod to Sandler's own life, reflecting the familiar trajectory of a comedian who has found massive success in Hollywood. Alongside him, Seth Rogen embodies the character of Ira Wright, an up-and-coming stand-up comedian who is still navigating the tumultuous waters of the comedy scene, hoping to make a name for himself. The dynamic between these two characters is the heartbeat of the film, as their contrasting life experiences set the stage for personal growth and introspection.
The narrative of "Funny People" takes a compelling turn when George Simmons, basking in the glow of his accomplishments, is hit with a sobering wake-up call. A visit to the doctor reveals a dire health prognosis, a plot twist that shakes the foundation of George's lavish but hollow existence. This unexpected news serves as a catalyst for George to reassess his life's path, prompting him to seek out genuine connections and to confront the impact of his past actions. It is in this vulnerable state that he crosses paths with Ira Wright. Ira, with his sincere passion for comedy and his struggle to break into the mainstream, becomes an unlikely companion and confidant to George. Their burgeoning friendship, born out of George's newfound desire for meaningful relationships, becomes a central theme of the film, as both men learn from each other and navigate the unpredictable nature of fame, comedy, and mortality.
As the story unfolds, "Funny People" delves into the transformative power of human connection. George's journey towards redemption is not a straightforward one; it is fraught with the challenges of changing one's ways and the fear of facing one's own legacy. Ira, on the other hand, grapples with the realities of his chosen path, juggling the pursuit of his dreams with the complexities of his personal life. The film does not shy away from the uncomfortable truths of its characters' lives, presenting a raw and often humorous portrayal of the entertainment industry and the people within it. Through laughter and tears, "Funny People" offers a thought-provoking look at the human condition, reminding us that even those who make us laugh the most can face the darkest of days, and that in the end, it is our relationships that define us.
Full Cast of Funny People
Adam Sandler
plays George Simmons
Adam Richard Sandler (born September 9, 1966) is an American comedian, actor, and filmmaker. He was a cast member on ...
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Seth Rogen
plays Ira Wright
Seth Aaron Rogen (born April 15, 1982) is a Canadian-American actor, comedian, and filmmaker. Originally a stand-up c...
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Leslie Mann
plays Laura
Leslie Jean Mann (born March 26, 1972) is an American actress. She has appeared in numerous films, including The Cabl...
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Eric Bana
plays Clarke
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Jonah Hill
plays Leo Koenig
Jonah Hill Feldstein (born December 20, 1983) is an American actor, comedian, screenwriter, producer and director. He...
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Jason Schwartzman
plays Mark Taylor Jackson
Jason Francesco Schwartzman (born June 26, 1980) is an American actor and musician. Schwartzman made his film debut ...
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Aubrey Plaza
plays Daisy Danby
Aubrey Christina Plaza (born June 26, 1984) is an American actress, comedian, and producer. She began her career perf...
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RZA
plays Chuck
Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, better known by his stage name RZA or The RZA ( /ˈrɪzə/; born July 5, 1969), is an American ...
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Aziz Ansari
plays Randy
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Maude Apatow
plays Mable
Maude Annabelle Apatow Mann (born December 15, 1997) is an American actress. She stars as Lexi Howard in the HBO dram...
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Iris Apatow
plays Ingrid
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Torsten Voges
plays Dr. Lars
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Allan Wasserman
plays Dr. Stevens
Allan Wasserman was born on May 16, 1952 in The Bronx, New York, USA. He is an actor and producer, known for Big (198...
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Rod Man
plays Rod Man
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Wayne Federman
plays Comedy & Magic Manager
Wayne Federman was born on June 22, 1959 and is currently 65 years old.
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Mike O'Connell
plays MySpace Escort
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James Taylor
plays James Taylor
James Taylor was born on March 12, 1948 and is currently 76 years old.
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Nicole Parker
plays Dawn
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Andy Dick
plays Andy Dick
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Andrew Ryan "Andy" Dick (born December 21, 1965) is an American comedian, act...
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Charles Fleischer
plays Charles Fleischer
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Nicol Paone
plays George's Sister
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George Coe
plays George's Dad
George Coe (May 10, 1929 – July 18, 2015) was an American actor. He was a cast member for the first season of Saturda...
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Budd Friedman
plays Budd Friedman
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Monty Hoffman
plays Monty Hoffman
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Carol Leifer
plays Carol Leifer
Carol Leifer was born on July 27, 1956 and is currently 68 years old.
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Paul Reiser
plays Paul Reiser
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Paul Reiser (born March 30, 1956) is an American actor, comedian, television w...
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Mark Schiff
plays Mark Schiff
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George Wallace
plays George Wallace
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Norm Macdonald
plays Norm Macdonald
Norman Gene Macdonald (October 17, 1959 – September 14, 2021) was a Canadian stand-up comedian, writer, and actor kno...
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Dave Attell
plays Dave Attell
David Attell(born January 18, 1965)is an American stand-up comedian, actor and writer best known as the host ofCom...
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Sarah Silverman
plays Sarah Silverman
Sarah Kate Silverman (born December 1, 1970) is an American comedian, actress, and writer. Her comedy addresses socia...
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Bryan Batt
plays George's Agent
Bryan Batt (born March 1, 1963) is an American actor best known for his role in the AMC series Mad Men as Salvatore R...
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Maggie Siff
plays Rachel
Maggie Siff (born June 21, 1974) is an American actress best known for her television roles, notably department-store...
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Eminem
plays Eminem
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Ray Romano
plays Ray Romano
Ray Romano is an American film and television actor, writer, producer, and stand-up comedian, best known for his tele...
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Jon Brion
plays Jon Brion
Jon Brion (born December 11, 1963) is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and com...
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Sebastian Steinberg
plays Sebastian Steinberg
James Gadson
plays James Gadson
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Arshad Aslam
plays Yo Teach Cast Member
Bo Burnham
plays Yo Teach Cast Member
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Miki Ishikawa
plays Yo Teach Cast Member
Miki Ishikawa is an American actress and singer. She was a part of the singing group T-Squad until they disbanded in ...
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Kenny Copeland Jr.
plays Yo Teach Cast Member
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Calvin Sykes
plays Yo Teach Cast Member
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Ca'Shawn Sims
plays Yo Teach Cast Member
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Mandi Kreisher
plays Yo Teach Cast Member
Phillip Andre Botello
plays Yo Teach Cast Member
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Carla Gallo
plays Miss Pruitt on Yo Teach
Carla Paolina Gallo (born 1975) is an American actress. Gallo has had recurring roles in the television series Undecl...
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Ernest Lee Thomas
plays Yo Teach Principal
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Tonita Castro
plays Bonita
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Carlos Andrade
plays Gardener
Steve Bannos
plays Deli Manager
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Justin Long
plays Re-Do Guy
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Lucas Astrom
plays College Guy with Camera
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Tyler Spindel
plays College Guy with Camera
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Deamor Yi
plays 8-Year-Old Girl Fan
Elaine Kao
plays Mom with Camera
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Elaine Kao is an Asian-American actress of film, television, and theatre. ...
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King Kedar
plays Family with Camera
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Andre Butler Jr.
plays Family with Camera
Tanya Acker
plays Family with Camera
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Jarrett Grode
plays Magician
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Qiana Chase
plays Chuck's Wife
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Tom Anderson
plays Tom Anderson
John Hartmann
plays Private Jet Pilot
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Dave Rath
plays San Francisco Theatre Manager
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Dan Harmon
plays Paparazzi at Medical Center
Daniel James Harmon is an American writer, producer and actor. Harmon created and produced the NBC sitcom Community, ...
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Brandon Cournoyer
plays Paparazzi at Medical Center
Kyle Kinane
plays Paparazzi at Medical Center
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Mark Cohen
plays Emcee at Improv
Mark Cohen is an American comedian best known for hosting Comedy Central's Make Me Laugh in 1998.
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Denise Meyerson
plays Deli Customer
Joanie Marx
plays Deli Customer
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Adam J. Bernstein
plays Hot Dog-Eating Champion's Son
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Da'Vone McDonald
plays Hot Dog-Eating Co-Star
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Orny Adams
plays Orny Adams
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Al Lubel
plays Al Lubel
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Jerry Minor
plays Jerry Minor
Jerry Minor is an actor and writer.
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Eleanor Zee
plays George's Mom
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Ben Meyerson
plays George's Brother-In-Law
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Sammy Jack
plays George's Young Nephew
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Kim Taylor
plays Kim Taylor
Andrea Zonn
plays Andrea Zonn
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Kate Markowitz
plays Kate Markowitz
Arnold McCuller
plays Arnold McCuller
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Larry Goldings
plays Larry Goldings
Luis Conte
plays Luis Conte
Russ Kunkel
plays Russ Kunkel
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Jimmy Johnson
plays Jimmy Johnson
Brad Grunberg
plays Comedy & Magic Club Audience
Brad Grunberg was born on November 6, 1964 and is currently 59 years old.
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Brian Lally
plays Comedy & Magic Club Audience
Brian Lally was born on March 14, 1965 in Hollywood, California, USA. Brian is an actor and writer, known for L.A. Co...
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Crew of Funny People
Discover the backstage crew of Funny People →
