Hasty Pudding Theatricals showed its love for Paul Rudd. The actor was named 2018 Man of The Year at the group’s annual ceremony. (Photo: Paul Marotta for Hasty Pudding Theatricals)
Paul Rudd, one of Hollywood’s most versatile comedic and dramatic actors, now has another accolade to set on his mantlepiece–The Hasty Pudding Theatricals’ Man of the Year Award. Rudd was roasted last night and presented with the traditional “Pudding Pot.”
Believe it or not, The Hasty Pudding Institute was founded at Harvard University in 1770, back when most people still believed in witchcraft.
But the institutes mission was far different, but not that far.
It provides “educational and developmental support in all aspects of the performing arts for the underprivileged, to encourage satire and comedy and to cultivate young talent around the world,” according to its official bio.
The Man of the Year award was established in 1963. Past contemporary recipients include Robert Downey Jr, Tom Hanks, Chris Pratt, Robert De Niro, Harrison Ford, Justin Timberlake and most recently, Ryan Reynolds.
Rudd, 48, is best known recently for his portrayal of “Ant Man,” in the Marvel superhero series. But his film resume goes back more than 20 years.
After appearing on the television series “Sisters,” he made his big-screen debut in the 1995 comedy film “Clueless” with Alicia Silverstone.
Although Rudd is best known for comedy, he’s also starred in dramatic roles in such films as 1999’s “The Cider House Rules,” the 2012 coming-of-age drama “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” and upcoming spy thriller “The Catcher Was a Spy.”
The actor received the award for his overall contribution to entertainment.
He was given a tour of historic Farkas Hall, followed by a private seminar with the members of the Hasty Pudding Theatricals.
At the Pudding’s traditional roast, Rudd was presented with the “Pudding Pot” as “punishment for the alleged deal he made with the Grim Reaper to not age since 1995.”
But it didn’t end there. Rudd had to prove his “Avengers” acting chops by doing several line readings, including impressions of former Man of the Year Robert De Niro and Roastmaster Hannah Needle
He also had to show he had what it takes to be a Sex Panther in a nod to the “Anchorman” film series.
The Hasty Pudding Theatricals capped the night with the Opening Night performance of their 170th production, Intermission Impossible.
The show runs from Feb. 2 to Mar. 4 at Harvard University’s historic Farkas Hall, 12 Holyoke St. Cambridge, Mass.
The company will also perform at The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, Mar. 9 and 10, followed by performances on Mar. 14 through 16 at Hamilton City Hall in Bermuda.
Check out the photos and the video below.
| Paul Rudd a Man By All Means (Click Photos to Enlarge!) |
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