Seth Rogen recalls Judd Apatow‘s comedic on-set advice as he and Jason Segel shared their memories of working under the acclaimed filmmaker, reflecting on the hilarious and sometimes brutally honest direction they received. As Emmy buzz builds for their work on new shows like The Studio and Shrinking, both actors revisited their favorite moments of behind-the-scenes banter with Apatow, whose direct approach became a signature part of their experience together.
Memorable Moments and On-Set Humor
During a recent Hollywood Reporter roundtable, Seth Rogen and Jason Segel recounted the colorful language and intense feedback offered by Judd Apatow throughout their careers. Segel remembered Apatow’s directness, especially when it came to staying in character and reducing wasted takes.
“‘He once screamed at me, ‘Every time you laugh [during a scene], it costs me thousands of dollars!’”
—Jason Segel, Actor
Seth Rogen detailed how Apatow would push for a balance between comedy and emotional depth, telling him pointedly to act with “less semen, more emotion.” When asked by Adam Brody whether the phrase referred to crude jokes, Rogen confirmed the interpretation, emphasizing that Apatow encouraged humor that also carried emotional weight.
Rogen went on to explain the intent behind Apatow’s colorful feedback and shared how the director wouldn’t hesitate to voice his disapproval from afar.
“Judd would also just scream ‘Booooo’ from the other room sometimes if he didn’t like what we were doing.”
—Seth Rogen, Actor
Despite the sometimes harsh delivery, both Rogen and Segel credited these moments with shaping their comedic sensibilities and discipline as actors.
Lessons That Stuck with Rogen and Segel
The jokes and chiding from their director had lasting effects, helping both actors refine their approach to material and performance. Rogen expressed gratitude for an especially impactful recommendation he received from Apatow:
“He also told me the only way you’re going to make it is if you write your own material,”
—Seth Rogen, Actor
But Rogen also cited a critical piece of advice from outside the Apatow circle, referencing influence from his personal life:
“But the best advice I ever got was from an ex-girlfriend who said, ‘You should never take parts that another actor could do.’ She’s like, ‘You’re a weird guy. Lean into it. Only take things that you can’t imagine someone else playing.’”
—Seth Rogen, Actor
Careers Shaped by Collaboration with Apatow
Judd Apatow’s involvement in the careers of Rogen and Segel has been extensive. Both actors began working with him on television projects like Freaks and Geeks and Undeclared before branching into feature films. Rogen, in particular, built a longstanding collaboration with Apatow, appearing in hits such as The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up, Superbad, Anchorman, Step Brothers, and Pineapple Express. Apatow even made an appearance in The Disaster Artist, which Rogen produced.
In addition to shared TV credits, Segel and Apatow have frequently partnered on comedies like Forgetting Sarah Marshall, with Segel starring and Apatow producing, as well as other titles including The Five-Year Engagement and This Is 40. Their history of working together has contributed significantly to the tone and direction of modern American comedy.
Reflecting on Impact and Ongoing Influence
As talks swirl around their newest projects and impending Emmy nominations, Seth Rogen and Jason Segel’s candid recollections spotlight Judd Apatow’s distinctive style of comedic coaching, blending raw feedback with creative encouragement. These behind-the-scenes stories underscore the emotional currents and unpredictability that shape both their comedic output and their careers. The lessons and laughs they continue to share from their experiences with Apatow offer ongoing insight into how a director’s honesty and humor can steer creativity and personal growth in Hollywood.
