Get ready for a wild ride as we dive into the world of Paul Rudd's hilarious and peculiar joke that has left many in stitches!
The Joke That Keeps on Giving
Paul Rudd, the impish actor we all know and love, has a long-running gag with talk show host Conan O'Brien. Over the years, Rudd has made multiple appearances on O'Brien's shows, from "Late Night" to "Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend," often promoting his upcoming projects. But here's where it gets controversial: instead of showing the usual promotional clips, Rudd has a unique tradition of playing a 28-second snippet from a bizarre 1988 film called "Mac and Me."
This clip features a wheelchair-bound protagonist, Eric, careening down a hill, with his friend helplessly yelling after him. It's a wild ride that ends with Eric plummeting off a cliff and into a body of water, only to be greeted by an alien named Mac, who looks like a hairless, elderly mogwai puppet. It's violent, weird, and absolutely hilarious, and Rudd has had Conan in stitches with this joke for decades.
But wait, there's more! "Mac and Me" is not just any old film; it's a bold knockoff of Steven Spielberg's classic, "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial." The plot follows a young boy and his single mom, who befriend a strange alien visitor, just like in "E.T." The parallels continue with both creatures having abbreviated names: E.T. for extra-terrestrial and Mac for Mysterious Alien Creature. It's a fun trivia fact that will impress your friends!
Jennifer Aniston's Early Days
And this is the part most people miss: Jennifer Aniston, the beloved actress known for her role as Rachel in "Friends," made her acting debut in "Mac and Me." She was just a featured extra in a later scene, but you can spot her in the background, watching breakdancers perform in a McDonald's. It's a far cry from her later success, but it's a reminder that even the biggest stars have to start somewhere.
Aniston's journey began as a background extra, but she quickly climbed the ranks. After her role in "Mac and Me," she landed a recurring part in the obscure sitcom "Molloy" and then became a series regular in the equally obscure "Ferris Bueller" spin-off. Her big break came with the 1993 horror film "Leprechaun," which, despite critical derision, was a modest hit. That same year, she showcased her comedy chops in the ultra-violent sketch comedy series "The Edge."
But it was her role as Rachel in "Friends" that catapulted her to worldwide stardom and made her a multimillionaire. She dated Brad Pitt, became a brand ambassador, and graced magazine covers. It's a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work in the entertainment industry.
So, kids, take note: even a small role in a strange alien movie can be a stepping stone to greatness. Many successful actors and movie stars started just like this.
The Cult Sensation: "Mac and Me"
Now, let's delve deeper into the world of "Mac and Me." This film is more than just a knockoff; it's a product of its time, with heavy product placement for McDonald's. In fact, "Mac" is not just an acronym for Mysterious Alien Creature but a deliberate tie-in to the fast-food giant. The film's creator, advertising executive R.J. Louis, believed that McDonald's mascot, Ronald McDonald, was more recognizable than even Mickey Mouse, and he wanted to capitalize on that.
Rumors have circulated for years that McDonald's funded the film, but that's not entirely accurate. One of the main investors was Golden State Foods, a McDonald's food distributor, but the company itself did not invest. The director, Stewart Raffill, had previously made stylish and exciting films, but for "Mac and Me," he was hired before there was even a script! Raffill had to write the script quickly while prepping the movie, which might explain a lot about the film's cult status.
"Mac and Me" is a bizarre and captivating watch, and Rudd's joke has only added to its allure. It's a reminder that sometimes the weirdest things can become beloved cult classics.
So, what do you think? Is "Mac and Me" a hidden gem or a bizarre curiosity? Let us know in the comments! We'd love to hear your thoughts on this unique film and Rudd's hilarious joke.
