Maya Rudolph Opens Up About Struggle With 'Mean' Comedy: 'I Can't Stomach It'

In a recent interview the accomplished actress, widely recognized for her comedic prowess, delved into her comedic style and the types of humour she finds most comfortable. Despite her reputation for delivering hilarious performances, Rudolph confessed to struggling with what she termed "mean comedy."

Addressing the issue head-on, Rudolph expressed her aversion to humour that involves making fun of others. She articulated, "I have a really hard time with mean comedy. Those things that are like, 'Oh, I’m being funny, but I’m making fun of you?' I can’t watch it. I can’t stomach it. And it doesn’t feel good coming out of me."

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Rudolph's career has been marked by standout roles in shows like 'Saturday Night Live,' where she earned an Emmy, as well as memorable performances in acclaimed films such as Bridesmaids, Big Mouth, and her latest project, Loot. She acknowledged experimenting with elements of "mean comedy" during her tenure on SNL but ultimately found it discordant with her comedic instincts.

One notable attempt at such comedy involved creating a character inspired by a friend's "really f------ annoying girlfriend," Rudolph shared. She explained, "Those are the characters that stand out, you know? You’re in a room like this, and you’re seeing somebody really obnoxious, and you think, ‘Oh my god, that would make a great character.'"

However, as Rudolph delved into developing the sketch, she found herself uncomfortable embodying that kind of humour. "I realised I didn't want to hear this person talk," she reflected.

Beyond her comedic journey, Rudolph's interview touched on personal aspects, including her enduring relationship with director Paul Thomas Anderson, 53, whom she met during an SNL afterparty. Reflecting on their meeting, Rudolph shared Anderson's perspective: "He said he saw me in a sketch and said, ‘That’s the girl I’m going to marry.’ But I don’t know. I wasn’t there. Maybe he just told me to be sweet."

The couple, who has been together for over two decades and shares four children — Pearl, Lucille, Jack, and Minnie, exemplifies a lasting partnership grounded in mutual respect and shared experiences.

-Sushmita Sarkar