Judd Apatow celebrates comedy legends in new book ‘Comedy Nerd’

Judd Apatow closes his new book, Comedy Nerd: A Lifelong Obsession in Stories and Pictures (Random House) with a photo of Chris Farley and Jim Carrey at the 1997 Kid’s Choice Awards.

“It’s always been one of my favorite photos,” says Apatow, who is also in the image but easy to miss at first glance. Tucked in the right corner, he watches the comedy legends pose. 

The author said, “They’re those people that you can’t believe that they knew each other or met because they’re both so incredible. Farley was such a nice person and maybe the funniest person I ever met to [just] be around. He just was so riotously funny in every situation.

He added, “So, he’s one of those people that we all miss a lot as it was a real tragedy when he died. And I think everyone who knew him feels like we want to always remind people about his greatness.”

Comedy Nerd captures Apatow’s dedication to celebrating comedy. 

The book highlights not only Farley but also industry icons who inspired him, like George Carlin and Garry Shandling, as well as his frequent collaborators, including Steve Carell, Seth Rogen, wife Leslie Mann, and daughters Maude and Iris Apatow.

Filled with photos, letters, scripts, memorabilia, articles and emails as the book offers insights and never before told stories about projects like Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Knocked Up, This Is 40, Funny People, The Ben Stiller Show and The King of Staten Island.

Much of the material comes from Judd Apatow’s personal collection, while studios and publications also contributed archival items.