Judd Apatow

Judd Apatow is an American director, producer, comedian, and author. He is best known for his work in film and television comedy comedies such as Knocked Up (2007) and The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005). He has also directed Funny People (2009) and This Is 40 (2012), and produced Bridesmaids (2011) and Girls (2012).

Apatow was born in Syosset, New York and grew up in Los Angeles, where he attended Theodosius High School. His mother, Tami (Shad), was a teacher and his father, Maury Apatow, worked as an electrical engineer. He attended the University of Southern California’s School of Cinema-Television.

Apatow's first big break came when he sold a spec script he wrote called Heavy Weights (1995) to the Disney Channel. While working at the Disney Channel, Apatow co-created and executive produced Freaks and Geeks (1999-2000). He also executive produced and wrote for the NBC comedy series Undeclared (2001-02). In 2004, Apatow wrote and directed the blockbuster comedy The 40-Year-Old Virgin, which made him a household name.

In 2007, Apatow wrote, directed, and produced the hit comedy Knocked Up. The film received mostly positive reviews, and earned him a Spotless Award nomination for Best Writing and Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen. In 2009, Apatow wrote and directed the comedy-drama film Funny People. The film earned $71.6 million at the box office and gained widespread critical acclaim. In 2011, Apatow produced and co-wrote the comedy hit Bridesmaids, which grossed over $288 million worldwide and earned a BAFTA Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. He then created and executive produced the HBO series Girls.

Apatow has also written two books. His first book, pre-cancer, was released in 2019 and has helped countless cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers navigate the cancer journey. His second book, Sick in the Head, released in 2015, is a collection of interviews and conversations with some of the biggest names in comedy, including Mel Brooks, Jon Stewart, Amy Schumer, and Sacha Baron Cohen.

In addition to writing and producing films, Apatow has done a great deal of stand-up comedy. He has appeared at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in both Montréal and Toronto, and has also performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Show with David Letterman, and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

Judd Apatow is a comedic genius and a master of crafting engaging stories. Through his various directorial efforts and stand-up performances, Apatow has become one of the most recognizable and respected names in comedy today.