Judah Friedlander is not Frank Rossitano, the character he portrays on the critically acclaimed NBC sitcom "30 Rock." Sure, they dress alike and have an affinity for oversize spectacles and quirky ballcaps. But Friedlander, performing this Friday and Saturday at Comix, may be even more unconventional than his oversized TV person (excellent ping-pong player...who knew?). We spoke with the Queens-based (!) comic talks about being the best at almost everything, the genius of Tina Fey, working with Mickey Rourke in "The Wrestler" and how Mayor Bloomberg is ruining Manhattan.
You’re never without your off-the-wall caps, many which note you’re the world champion. What are you world of?
Everything except math, reading and cleanliness. I’m the champion of every sport in the world.
Why don’t you play for your hometown Mets to help them win a championship?
I played for the Mets. They fired me because I’m too good. The players were jealous.
Are you on steroids?
I’m not on steroids. But I don’t blame players being on steroids because how else can they keep up with me?
Are you the World Champion of ’30 Rock’?
I love being on that show. Tina (Fey) is just incredible. She’s a great writer who has a great ear for how people talk. Tracy Morgan is hilarious. Our dressing rooms are right across from each other. And then there is Alec (Baldwin), who is tremendous. I can go on and on about the show. It’s the best.
It’s an uncommon show since you have to pay attention or you might miss something.
It’s true. You can’t text or work on your MySpace page during the show. You will miss something.
For anyone who doesn’t think you’re an actor, they should check out "Meet Dave" or "The Wrestler."
Definitely. In "Meet Dave," I was super clean-cut, super nerdy and super boring. That proves I’m not the same person in every role. But doing "The Wrestler" was amazing for a number of reasons. First off, I’m a big fan of wrestling.
How big?
So big that a friend and I used to drive from New York to Trenton and from New York to Philadelphia for ECW matches. When wrestling is done well, it’s a great art form. It’s intentionally hilarious. During the height of Hulkamania, Hulk Hogan was incredible. There was nothing like it when he came out of sleeper hold and came back to win a fight. It was hilarious and inspiring.
But wrestling isn’t real. It’s scripted.
But so is "30 Rock" and the movies that I’m in. It’s entertainment.
You worked with Mickey Rourke, who might win an Oscar. What's he like?
I think he’s the best physical actor I’ve ever worked with. He’s very engaging and interesting without saying a word. I’m in the opening shot of the movie with him. You just see him from the back and you’re riveted.
Why haven’t you moved from Queens to Manhattan?
I like space and Manhattan has become more boring. It’s become more generic. Thank you, Michael Bloomberg, for treating it more like a business than a place where people live. It’s still great but you walk around and you see so many Starbucks and CVS, it’s not that different from a suburb. But I still like to drive in.
Do you also drive to "30 Rock"?
Yes. I think there’s only one other person (actor) that drives in. I like to drive. I’m used to it. I drive in to perform at the clubs like Comix. I park on the street. I’m a working man. I find a meter. I know the streets well.
Where do you go to relax?
I go to ping pong clubs. I’m really getting into competitive table tennis.
Forget the "World Champion" stuff, how good are you at ping pong?
For someone who doesn’t play on the official tournament level, I should crush anyone who doesn’t play official tournament. As far as those who play official tournament, I’m low to average. I need to have an outlet. I can’t just do "30 Rock" and standup.
Judah Friedlander appears Friday and Saturday at Comix, 353 W. 14th St., Manhattan. Tickets are $27. Show times are 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. For more information, call 212-524-2500
