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Following hilarious turns in The 40 Year Old Virgin, Superbad, and Knocked Up, Seth Rogen has become one of Hollywood’s go-to funnymen. His latest film, the action-comedy Pineapple Express (which he also co-wrote and co-produced), opens August 6. Use the form below to submit your questions for Seth Rogen, then look for the upcoming interview in TIME.
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Why do you look so funny?
What has been your favorite movie you’ve acted in?
Are you a stoner in real life, or just in the movies?
How much of what you write comes from your real life?
Regarding a statement you had made advising your friend Jonah Hill not to appear in TRANSFORMERS, telling him to just go write his own robot movie, do you have any interest in applying your own style of writing to summer blockbusters or do you simply dislike them and prefer to make comedies? Any interest in other genres?
Do you have any plans to do a remake of the littelest hobo ?
How about beach combers? canadian television really needs you .
Excluding you work in animated films, are all your live-action films going to involve Judd Apatow?
I can’t think of a better job than writing, directing and/or acting in the course of creating a comedy. Is there any downside to the process that outsiders may not recognize?
You are currently working on a project with Kevin Smith, Zack and Miri Make a Porno. How has working with Smith, who is also a writer/producer helped with your own work or given you another perspective on writing and producing?
Were you always a funny guy growing up, having people laugh with you and at you or did you grow into comedy and then begin to make a living out of it?
In many of your films you portray a typical, pot smoking, drop out.
Although I personally have no problem with this, aside from the stereotype that potheads are losers, what are your thoughts on this issue?
Do you feel that your portrayal of pot culture helps speak for the pro-Marijuana activist? Or does it do more harm than good to decriminalizing Cannabis in America thereby keeping good, respectable citizens out of prison for simple cannabis possesion?
Thank you!
Where do you get your inspiration?
what’s a dream project for you?
Why have you chosen to work with the same group of people that you got your start with in the television series “Freaks and Geeks” in all of your latest projects?
Were you smoking pot at the MTV Move Awards?
What got you attracted to making and acting in movies which are either stoner - related or teen - related?
your films are often laugh out loud funny. it must be difficult to script them. are the actors given scripts or an idea to go by or do you just do things ad lib? By the way, I love your work.
Growing up did you always want to be an actor?
Seth - I read that you and Paul Rudd improvised a lot of the “you know how I know you’re gay” scene in The 40 Year Old Virgin”. How often do you improvise on the spot when doing a scene?
You are so hot! Do you prefer boxers or briefs?
How does your screen character differ from that of the role you play in real life? Or does it?
Do you wish that you were a God Blessed American, or do you prefer being a Canuck?
You obviously love what you do, but do you ever think about acting in a serious role? I feel like you could do both very well.
As part of a new generation of on-screen comedians not originating from SNL, there’s ever more pressure to stay ahead of the curve on movie comedies. We’ve seen many successes and failures (i.e. Adam Sandler, Will Ferrell, Judd Apatow). Where do you find your inspiration and ideas to stay on the cutting edge?
Does a lot of your material and characters come from personal experience?
Is the Seth Rogan movie “brand” a new genre of comedy, or is it a slightly more mature version of American Pie?
How much of your movies are based on your life experiences?
Are you an advocate for legalizing marijuana, if so, do your movies intentionally reflect that message?
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
boxers, briefs, thongs, or commando?
will you marry me either way? i have a good sense of humor!
im not ugly and im of age
oooh lala
Who makes you laugh?
What do you think about the influence of canadian comedians in us showbiz. eg. SCTV, mike myers, jim carrey, bob and doug mackenzie etc. ?
How do YOU explain your popularity with the women? You are not the typical stereotype of “drop dead” gorgeous yet your appeal is universal?
Are you dating anyone right now?
You were on “Freaks and Geeks” and “Undeclared,” both great comedic shows about youth. They were also cancelled way too soon! What do you think about networks canceling shows that are so engaging and interesting? Why, in your opinion, does this keep happening?
Where do you draw inspiration for your comedy? And if you weren’t a comedian, what would you be?
Do you think that Canada has become a hotbed that Hollywood looks for as a new source of comedic actors & actresses? And do you think that Americans fully grasp the distinctiveness that is Canadian humour?
Did you know you’re a major heart throb in the gay Bear subculture? Does that flatter or sicken you?
You’re just about the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. I was wondering, who do you think are the funniest women working in entertainment today.
Do you feel like your success has changed what leading man can look and act like on film?
How did your upbringing in Beautiful British Columbia influence your career?
If you could resurrect any cancelled show, not including the ones you took part in, which would you choose?
did the failure of past ventures(freaks and geeks) encourage to give up and if so how did you fight of such temptations?
Do you smoke a little pot? or a lot of pot?
Is it true that you were turned down for Jason Segal’s role in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” because you lacked the “proper equipment”?
How high are you now?
Who is your favorite Simpson? Jessica, Ashlee or OJ?
Are there any plans for a cheesy ass Freaks and geeks movie??
Have you ever tried any kind of hair relaxer to straighten out those curls? you can possibly like the way it looks?
Obama or MaCain?
what advice would you give to a 17 year old desperate to write movies?
Who was the last person you dated? And did she ever tell you to get a different hair style?
Do you ever get flustered when people associate your films more with Judd Apatow’s name than your own, considering that your level of involvement is just as great?
Have you ever considered writing a book?
So you’re playing a the Green Hornet. Sorry to say but after seeing the Dark Knight, I’m not too excited over this. Sorry. Why should i be excited?
What makes you so qualified to play a Superhero? I’ve only seen you in comedies. I can’t help but think of “orgazmo” when I think of this superhero flick.
Sorry if i’m harsh, but i’m sure you can take it.
What’s the finding-a-Hollywood-agent process like?
Which personality trait is most important for a character in a successful movie?
Your films generally depict funny but canonically less attractive guys, who always end up with gorgeous women; would you ever consider writing, producing or starring in a film that features this same formula with a reversal in genders?
what is your ethnicity?
One criticism of your films is that they contain an almost systemic sexism. This is manifested, for example, in how unattractive and goofy some of the male characters are compared to the hot female “girlfriend” characters. The label ‘frat pack’ certainly supports this notion, in that there is an identified boys club who make “boy” movies.
Is this something you’ve thought about? Care about? Any chance we’ll see a strong female lead or female centric story any time soon?
Seth,
Do you plan on shedding a more positive light on pot-smoking in your future cenimatic adventures? Though I love the way this substance is portrayed in your movies–it does hit quite close to home–it seems as though you are denying it the multi-faceted nature it should be famous for.
So what’s your next move?
Did you use real marijuana in the film and how do you feel about legalization of marijuana?
Your characters in “Freaks and Geeks” and “40 Year Old Virgin” in certain respects seemed more together and confident that your character in “Knocked Up”. Are you at all nervous the relative success of that film for you may mean that you are typecast as a “loser” rather than for example more of an alpha male.
So have any of your grandma’s friends paid you twelve dollars?
Do you think you could a pull of a sequel to KNOCKED UP? The cast was very well put together and it just clicked. Though the original movie was lengthy, can you see yourself playing the ‘ordinary guy’ again, in the process of fatherhoodlum (like “Look who’s talking”)? It did wonder for John Travolta =)
When you’re writing your scripts, are you high?
Would you ever consider going back to television after the short lived run with Freaks and Geeks?
Growing up, did any particular comedian influence you? And if so, who was it?
What is the worst experience that you have had on set?
Would you accept a serious role in a film?
Seth, you’re a character actor who’s getting leading man roles. Is nerd the new cool?
You know where I can score an eighth?
Seth, clearly the worth of a human being goes beyond physical appeareance; but we all know Hollywood does not subscribe to this believe. Personally, I find you to be quite handsome, yet you sale yourself as the anti-movie star. In the 40 Year Old Virgin you were completely hot, in Knocked Up, not as much, which made sense for the character you played. However, I am starting to believe that you are purposely attempting to deceive us with this whole regular guy (not so hot) persona. Care to clarify?
Do you think it’s important to carry many of your previous co-stars with you into your other projects, as we’ve seen with Jonah Hill and Jay Baruchel?
Did you know lots of women find you quite sexy
Much of your comedy is based around the geek subculture. Are you still a geek or have you grown out of it?
When you where a kid did u ever think u we’re going to become an actor or something all kids think their going to be when they grow up, like a doctor or a fireman?
Honestly, isn’t Paul Rudd actually the funniest actor in the Apatow gang?
What advice would you give someone who aspires to be a comedic writer? What character, from your film and television roles, would you say you’re most like? Seth, to be honest, I’d like to be nestled under you wing, in a platonic, teacher-protege relationship. Just you teaching me the ropes, much like Obi Wan taught Luke. How do I make this dream a reality? I’ve been told we look alike (by a little channel called E!), maybe I can play your younger brother.
With you recent movie, Knocked Up, being the one of the biggest june oppenings every, and Superbad, the most famous movie among teenagers, do you feel as if you have a reputation to uphold?
what role do you think really opened you up to the enormous stress of hollywood?
just promise me you’ll keep having fun and keep making plenty of movies…
Do you think that the role of commedians has increased, in movies with more directors ensuring better fleshed out scripts for them.
Is it a direct fallout of the stressed out lives and the complex times we live in, with audiences world wide preferring to watch commedies rather than the blood and gore movies of yore
If you could have dinner with any 5 people, dead or alive, who would they be?
Will there be a sequel to Knocked Up?
Sup Seth… Do you still see yourself as a normal Joe, or have you started getting your curls done?
Which movie (or movies), no matter how many times you’ve seen it, always makes you laugh ‘till tears?
Did you always dream of becoming an actor while you were young? What wasthe one momentuous decision when you decided to take the acting plunge?
Which commedian Hollywood or otherwise do you admire?
Considering how easy it is to fall in this business, what are your plans to stick with the greatest movie hits in the future and to avoid failing?
Do you ever get sick of being the “go-to funnyman” and wish you could be taken more seriously?
Any plans to work with Jenna Jameson in your next flick?
first off you have an amazing talent! but since your new in the fame world, hasnt all this new success been overwhelming for you? or have been able to handle it pretty well? you seem to be very low profile about yourself and thats the best way to be. congrats on all your success and i cant wait to see more of your movies.
TYPICAL QUESTION
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN SHOW BUISNESS??
How and does being from Canada influence your comedy or choice of roles?
Oh, and do you still consider it home?
Good on y’ eh!
You’re movie is an action-stoner flick. Isn’t that an oxymoron?
Are you willing to do a nude scene?
Or would you use a body double?
I’m kind of a big deal…Can I be in your next movie?
Do you only wish to do comedies or do you consider doing more serious drama type material and who and what kind of actors influenced you?
Your comedic situations are so original yet true to life..how do you know when you’ve acheived that moment of comedic genius?
Would you be a spokes person for the decriminalization of marijuana use?
Dude? I mean really, dude?
You wear glasses and your bod (like mine) is not totally ripped. Is this why your nude (sex) scenes with women need comedy to work?
Do you ever see yourself moving from the gross out comedies to more serious roles?
People say I have pepperoni nipples, and it upsets me. Should I just keep working out so the rest of my body is bigger?
It seems like all celebrities are adopting these days, when will we see you with the new hottest accessory?
Your films have glorified marijuana usage, as have countless others, relaxing the depiction of “toking” being this terrible thing to do. Do you think that in the next decade or so, law enforcement will be more laidback about personal usage?
Have you been compared to Adam Sandler?
I often hear your laugh in your movies and I find it annoying. This laugh has to be some sort of acting choice because no way a human can laugh like that in real life. Is that your real laugh?
P.S. I’m a Big Fan
Being a huge fan of all your films, all I can ask is how can you manage to be so consistently hilarious?
How did your work on “Freaks and Geeks” influence your direction as an actor, writer, and producer?
Will you marry me?
Do you like cheese?
How did you make it to hollywood?
Many of my friends and complete strangers say I look like Seth Rogen. So, seeing as I need a job, do you need a stunt double?
You are typically in movies that I can watch again and again. What comedy films do you watch repetitively?
wanna dance?
When you hosted Saturday Night Live you sang the song “Somewhere Beyond the Sea”. That is one of my favorite songs how did you choose that song?Is it one of your favorite songs also?
Which comedian has influenced you the most?
Where do you think people that have a good sense of humor, draw it from? How did you develop yours?
While watching the trailer, I had to think of “The Big Lebowski”. Do you find any of “The Dude” in your part?
How has Judd Apatow influenced you and your work through the course of your career?
When did you come out of the closet?
Thank you! Your movies are often very representative of events in my life. But I have not had nearly the number of experiences portrayed in your movies. Were you fortunate enough to have lived through most of those experiences?
Are you as funny and as animated in person as you are on film?
Have there been any roles that you turned down, or accepted, and have come to regret your decision?
As an actor/director who is mainly enjoyed by a ‘teen’ crowd, are you worried that your acting/director career will not be taken seriously if you choose to do more serious films?
1. Who has the best weed Canada or U.S?
2. Who is your fashion idol? (ie Jennifer Lopez)
3. How much money did you make last year?
4. Are you planning on becoming a U.S citizen?
5. Your hair is so curly, what conditioner do you use?
6. Is Texas the biggest state? T/F
7. Do you have a subscription with Time or Newsweek ?
Seth,
How can you be so fricking funny? I am sure fans everywhere are glad you dropped into the scene and have made a nice splash. We know you’re funny. What kinds of serious roles would you like to play, and do you think you could pull them off? Oh, and by the way, take your time between tokes to give this some thought.
Jim D.
What films do you feel are required viewing for aspiring comedy screenwriters?
What qualities make a great comedy writer?
You’ve said you’re funnier to men than women. Do you find easier to be funny to men or to women?
Has performing always been something you’ve had an interest in? Or did you have some other aspiration growing up?
Or…
What do you listen to?
What do you want to be when you grow up?
In your recent movies, you’ve played a very relaxed and regular guy. Is this just a persona, or are you also like that off-camera?
In your recent movies, you’ve played a very relaxed and regular guy. Is this just a persona, or are you also like that off-camera?
You seem to incorporate Marijuana into most of your films which seems to be a main attraction to me and my friends, since we ourselves smoke pot. This being a very taboo subject for the majority of the country, it could either make or break your films. And in your case, worked out very well. So my question is….
Do you, or have you ever, smoked weed?
Which do you prefer? Leading or supporting roles? You do both well, is one more your style?
Besides Pineapple Express, what was the most awesome thing you encountered at the huge pop-culture convention Comic-Con?
Ever considered acting in anything other than a comedy?
i truly think your an amazing actor.. and hahahahahalrious!! it would of been great to watch your sitcom too bad it didnt hit the air…..i really dont wanna look like your # 1 fan…i noticed you like theword vagina alot!!..you are very funny!!!….i truly think the camera loves you…..i have no question.. im not that hard up about you….but i am a fan of your work. …
what was the overall experience of freaks and geeks like.also do you have a favorite episode of the series,if so which one.
From where do you derive your comedic inspiration?
Do you have a comedic inspiration, and if so, who?
Do you feel happier with the outcome of films if you write/produce them, rather than just acting in them?
When did you decide you wanted to get into acting, and how did you first go about it?
Will we ever be fortunate enough to see a Freaks and Geeks adaptation on the big-screen?
Will you go with me to my Senior prom?
What do you think about Hollywood is keep re-making Asian horror films?
Is it true you requested to be Jason Segel’s fluffer for Forgetting Sarah Marshall and flew into a fit of rage when you were denied?
Do you feel that you are being stereo-typed as a “stoner” character, and if is so, do you feel that is necessarily a bad thing?
Your writing is hilarious, it sounds so natural, like friends hanging out most of the time. Is it really that easy?
As a native Canadian who has enjoyed success making comedies, how would you explain the disproportionate number of Canadian comedic actors in Hollywood?
Do you have any suggestions for young actors just starting out?
I’ve seen you in The 40-year-old Virgin and Knocked Up, and now you’re coming out with Pineapple Express. What causes you to choose such vulgar or should I say “adult” roles? Or does the level of adult jokes have anything to do with it?
In the Films I’ve seen you in, You seem to be very good at delivering the lines as though you were naturally having a conversation. How do get so into character and deliver lines like that?
If you were asked to create a new reality show, what would it be?
When will you add ‘director’ to your long list of film credits?
How hard was it for you to break into the film industry? Were there times when you felt like giving up and moving on to something else?
“Undeclared” and “Freaks and Geeks” were both hilarious shows that were canceled way too soon. Which do you like better, television or movies? And would you ever consider returning to television?
are you actually a pothead?
Send all newsletter please.
Thank you
Do you feel that Judd Apatow is spreading himself out too much? It seems that every comedy being released these days, involves Judd in some way. Could he be over saturizing the market for comdey, or is he just some kind of zombie monster who never sleeps?
your favorite movie?
What’s with all the pot?
You originally wrote Superbad with Evan Goldberg when you were both 13 years old. How was your approach to dialogue in Pineapple Express different, and what in your career has impacted your screenwriting?
What comedians where your greatest influences and why?
Hey Seth! Will you ever decide to do a serious role?
Seth,
What is the point of non-stop four-letter word usage in films like “Knocked Up”? To me, it reached a point where enough was enough and I did not enjoy the rest of the movie. Is this reality?
What’s it like being really up close to Katherine Heigl?
I strongly believe that what we watch on TV affects us and, consequently, our lives. If it is true to you also, do you feel that the end of any movie ( be it comedy or drama) should offer a strong, explict moral ending?
Is there any truth to the rumour that Judd Appatow promised all Freaks and Geeks cast members that he would make them all stars?
Do you think the MPAA has a double standard when it comes to rating movies based on violent content as opposed to sexual content?
Since you did play a police officer in Superbad, was there ever a time in your childhood when you wanted to be a cop when you grew up?
What do you think our children would think about the movies you’ve made? How long should they have to wait before they can watch “Knocked Up” and “Superbad”?
p.s. I did say “our” children!
As an actor, you have worked primarily with Judd Apatow and the group of actors and writers he frequently collaborates with. When filming Zack and Miri Make a Porno, how was it different working with Kevin Smith and his gang?
Knowing that you’ll be the Green Lantern, what Batman character would you love to portray if Christopher Nolan offered you any role in the next feature?
Are you helping Jason Segel adapt The Muppet Movie and how hard or easy will it be since I wonder how Jim Henson’s family feels about it coming from Jason (and his friends)?
What’s the biggest perk of finally making it big?
What’s the best measure of success: working with people you admire; working on your own projects; or the bank account?
Did you get nervous before or during your intimate scenes with Katherine Heigl in Knocked Up?
Which person makes you more ashamed to be Canadian–Celine Dion or Tom Green?
Did you ever want to be an Ice Road trucker?
What was your favorite TV show growing up?
Are comedies the only thing for you, or would you like to do something a little different in the future, maybe a bit more serious?
Have you, and James Franco stayed good friends since you worked together on Freaks, And Geeks back in 1999-2000? And have you both keep one another in mind for rolls in movies when you’re writting, directing, and/or producing?
I am sad because I always seem to find out about Hollywood movies being filmed here too late. Do you have any tips for someone young like me who wants to find acting work in a big movie?
Seth,
I’ve been a fan of yours since your Freaks & Geeks/Undeclared days, and I was just wondering: Do you find it continuously enjoyable working with some of your fellow actors from back then, or is it starting to grow old?
Thanks,
Evan
What’s the worst part about having fun 24/7 on set?
Would you openly recommend marijuana use??
The characters you play usually have a laid-back perspective on life. Would you say you do too??
Which character that you’ve played would you say you are most like?
How does your personality reflect in your roles?
What has been your favorite acting experience??
What did you want to be when you were a child??
Which of your many co-stars have you enjoyed acting with the most?
I shall be entering high school in exactly one month. Any advice?!
Do you have any interest in playing a more serious dramatic role?
Seth, I always like the saying that “you don’t stop laughing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop laughing.”
As America’s future grows bleaker on the news and in our wallets, how do you think we can incorporate more humor into our everyday lives?
What is it like to write and perform an episode of the Simpson’s did they contact you or did you contact them? Also when Ricky Gervais wrote his episode they had a live action opening. Will your eopisode have the same with the casts of Knocked Up, 40 Year Old Virgin, Superbad and Pineapple Express?
I will be entering high school in exactly one month. How was your high school experience (was it really like that of Seth in Superbad?) and do you have any advice for me??
Do you wear boxers or breifs
What is the Saddest movie you’ve ever seen?
when a film call for you to cry or show emotion do you actually cry like with real tears i know some actors can do that or do spray stuff in your eyes
Comedies that revolve around race related jokes are becoming tiresome… do you think these “pot” oriented comedies are here to stay or just enjoying a temporary popularity?
In what moment in your life did you wanted to write and star in films?
How much of your scenes in Knocked Up with Jason Segel, Martin Starr, Jay Baruchel, and Jonah Hill were acting and how much were of you guys being yourselves?
Do you or Evan Goldberg ever suffer from writer’s block?
Whats with the overload on the foul language in your films? As someone who is at the top of the comedy game, do you feel responsible for your influence on (mostly males 15 - 35) peoples’ idea of what funny is? Every other word does not have to be F***! Does it?
Seth (or Mr. Rogen), I write and co-write screenplays for the fun it and would love to start submitting some of my work. How do I go about having legit people read my work? And when it comes to comedy (your specialty) what motivates you? How do you approach it before you start writing?
Lee Romero, Queens, NYC
First of all, I would like to say how your films like ‘Superbad’ and ‘Pineapple Express’ really wanted me to become a comedy filmmaker and writer. They are truly original works of comedy genius, and will go down in my generation such as movies like ‘National Lampoon’ or ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ did for yours. Now, onto my questions: growing up, what, or who, inspired you to pursue a career in film, and what pointers, if any, do you have to give an aspiring writer such as myself, to have success in Hollywood?
Being that you are so busy with movies, do you ever get a chance to do any stand up comedy these days? If not, do you see yourself doing stand up in the future? (if you do, please come to Minneapolis!)
If you had to pick what was funner growing up going to, would it be Winter Lodge in Palo Alto or Golfland in Redwood City?
“Zack and Miri do A Porno” just received an R-rating from the appeals board of the MPAA after initially getting slapped with an NC-17. What is your take on the subjective nature of the ratings (i.e. the imbalance between sexuality and violence in movies)? Do you write and act with those MPAA stooges in mind, and how do you decide what jokes to fight for during the ratings process?
Do you wear Boxers, or Breifs?
Seth, Seriously man, Boxers or breifs?
Very Nice Site! Thanx!
http://excellent-credit-card.blogspot.com
do you fly fish?
Rogen, if you could take your favorite actor (current) and put them in an outrageous common, every day situation what would it be?
i.e. Nick Nolte pumping your gas.
Seth, I know you love cannabis. I love weed too. How can we get it legalized? Will you become politically active and lead the crusade to reform the US and Canada’s awful marijuana laws? Please?
1. How serious is your relationship?
2. You have a tight circle of friends that appear to be in each movie and it seems that you have all brought each other up in the biz, would you consider taking under your wing a newbie actor or actress and involving them in that group?