Paul Rudd opens up about life before stardom: ‘I still had a regular job’

Paul Rudd is reminiscing about the side jobs he worked before becoming one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars.

The 57-year-old actor revealed that he spent time DJing Bat mitzvahs, weddings, and birthday parties in the early 1990s while trying to establish himself as an actor.

Speaking during an advanced screening event for his new movie Power Ballad at 92NY in New York City on May 18, Rudd shared that the weekend gigs helped support him during his early acting days.

“I was in school. I could work on the weekends — Bat mitzvahs, weddings, and birthdays. I did that for about a year,” Rudd said.

The actor also revealed the songs he relied on to get guests onto the dance floor.

“If I wanted the kids to get out there, I knew that ‘Can’t Touch This’ was a big one,” he said, referring to U Can't Touch This by MC Hammer.

“But if I wanted the grandparents to dance — Glenn Miller,” Rudd added with a laugh. “Swear to God.”

Before gaining widespread fame through Clueless, Rudd previously worked several regular jobs while pursuing acting opportunities.

In an earlier interview with People, the actor said his appearance in a Nintendo commercial in 1991 did little to immediately change his life.

“I didn't really feel so famous,” Rudd recalled. “I was a working actor, and I still had a regular job when I was doing [the] commercial.”

He added that recognition only gradually started after he landed more acting roles, including his breakout performance in Clueless.

“Occasionally someone would say, ‘Hey, Clueless!’ or whatever,” he said, noting that fame arrived more slowly during a pre-social media era.

Rudd is currently promoting Power Ballad, in which he stars opposite Nick Jonas.

During the New York screening, the actor praised Jonas for both his acting skills and his easygoing personality, saying the pair “clicked day one.”

Rudd later expanded on those comments at the film’s official premiere, saying he was impressed by Jonas’ subtle on-screen performances.

“He’d be going through these dilemmas, and he’s not saying anything, but you can read his mind,” Rudd said. “It’s such good acting.”

In Power Ballad, Jonas portrays a successful singer who clashes with Rudd’s wedding band musician character after stealing his song idea and turning it into a major hit.

According to the film’s synopsis, the movie explores themes of music, friendship, ambition and self-respect.