- Paul Rudd revealed his first manager falsified his CV, adding a Ben Kingsley “Hamlet” credit.
- Rudd had only attended an afternoon masterclass with Kingsley and feared being exposed.
- He shared the anecdote on The Graham Norton Show while promoting a new meta-comedy with Jack Black.
Paul Rudd says an early CV boost wasn’t his doing
Paul Rudd admitted that at the start of his career his CV contained a fabricated credit. The actor told the story on The Graham Norton Show, explaining that his first manager had embellished Rudd’s resume by claiming he had been directed by Sir Ben Kingsley in a production of Hamlet.
One afternoon masterclass — not a full production
Rudd said the truth was far less dramatic: he had attended an afternoon masterclass with Kingsley, not acted in a staged Hamlet under the Oscar winner’s direction. The exaggerated entry on his CV left Rudd worried the legendary actor would spot the lie if their paths crossed.
“I lived in fear,” Rudd told Norton, describing the awkward feeling of carrying a fabricated credit into an industry where reputations matter. He said the faux credit was added by his first manager without his authorization.
Context: new film promotion and a comic setup
Rudd shared the anecdote while promoting a new meta-comedy he’s making with Jack Black. The film’s plot centers on a group of friends attempting to remake the 1997 movie Anaconda — a premise that naturally lends itself to reminiscence about early career missteps and Hollywood embellishments.
Why the story resonates
The tale hits a chord because it highlights the odd pressures on emerging actors. Resumes and credits can determine auditions and opportunities. For Rudd, now a household name thanks to decades of film and television work, the memory is a reminder of how careers can begin with small falsehoods or misunderstandings.
Industry insiders say such fabrications aren’t unheard of. Young performers sometimes allow agents or managers to polish their bios to secure attention. But for established figures like Paul Rudd, revealing the truth offers a candid look at the messy early days of show business.
Rudd’s lasting reputation
Despite the early misstep, Rudd’s career has remained defined by steady work, comic timing, and a likable screen presence. From indie comedies to blockbuster franchises, he has built a strong resume that no longer needs embellishment.
The anecdote is a light-hearted moment in Rudd’s recent press rounds and gives fans one more behind-the-scenes story about how careers evolve — sometimes not as smoothly as they appear on paper.
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