by Nick Widman
Acclaimed author of the 2010 book “How to Beat Up Anybody: An Instructional and Inspirational Karate Book by the World Champion,” Judah Friedlander is known for his entirely ridiculous style of comedy. Friedlander models his humor around creating the most outlandish stories, feats, and claims but his delivery is marked by a monotone and deadpan style, creating a hilarious juxtaposition for his audiences. Adding to that juxtaposition is his general appearance, as he has referred to himself as “doughy” and usually sports baggy clothes, thick glasses, and an unkempt style. This contrast creates an even stronger sense of irony when Friedlander claims himself to be able to bowl a 300 while using a golf ball without blinking or making any indication that he means otherwise.
Friedlander was born in Maryland and quickly discovered his love for comedy as it became the most important art style in his life. This eventually translated into his career as an actor. He became particularly known for playing the role of Frank Rossitano on the sitcom 30 Rock. Before that, he developed his love of comedy and acting at New York University, where he studied his interests directly in an interdisciplinary program. His acting ability helped in large part to create the “world champion” persona which has become the focus of his career. This persona has become so prevalent in his life that he has created an entire wardrobe based on the character as he wears clothes with over thirty different languages that say the phrase “world champion” on them. This persona, as well as Friedlander’s masterful ability to merge deadpan and outlandish humor, has allowed him to become successful as a standup comedian and he has done comedy shows across the country. He continues to do comedy shows all around the world today, but has shifted his focus towards helping other comedians since he has featured hundreds of different comedians as openers before his stand up shows.
Friedlander came to Geneseo in 2013, the year 30 Rock came to an end. Thus his appearance was significant as it served as a farewell tour to the character that had become renowned on 30 Rock. It also marked the end of his acting career in large part, as he began his transition towards doing stand-up comedy full time which he believed was a more meaningful way for him to express his comedic abilities. Speaking of his stand up career, Friedlander has maintained his success after 30 Rock and to commemorate that here are a few quotes from his stand up routines:
“As the World Champion, every day is pretty much like Valentine’s Day for me – as far as hooking up with the ladies.”
“You can literally walk into my apartment and sit on a hat; you can step on a hat; you can probably open up the refrigerator and find a hat tucked under some rotten food. I have a lot of hats.”