Rudd vs. Livingston - Take a Stand!

The time has come for The Foundation to take a stand, the battle Rudd vs. Livingston has raged on for far too long. Decisions like this are not easy, but I am ready to stand and be counted. Is Livingston a poor man's Rudd or is Rudd a poor man's Livingston? While I cannot speak for Fuge, my vote has been cast.


Both actor's careers have taken them down the same roads. People often confuse them or find them interchangeable. Who doesn't love both actors? The both were raised in the Midwest, are the same age give or take a few months, and both came into public attention circa 1995/96 ( Rudd in Clueless and Ron Livingston in Swingers). Need I also mention both are cute, funny, and scruffy looking. Who are you calling scruffy looking?

Anway, Rudd came out of the gate stronger. His first major role being the romantic lead to Alicia Silverstone in the underrated Clueless. At the same time, Livingston was playing a supporting role to Vaughn and Favreau, but he was still money.

Livington then eclipsed Rudd, with the veritable cinematic bitch slap that was Office Space. Rudd floundered for a little while, taking roles in some small romantic comedies like The Object of My Affection and Overnight Deliveries. During this time, Livingston floundered as well, he just couldn't seem to capitalize fully on his Office Space street cred.Both then switched gears and headed towards the dramatic. Livingston in Band of Brothers and Rudd in The Cider House Rules.

The next stage in the Rudd vs. Livingston battle took place on the small screen. Livingston playing Berger, one of Carrie's longer lasting boyfriends on Sex in the City and Rudd moving in as Phoebe's boyfriend/husband on Friends.

This was a defining moment in Rudd vs Livingston. Both took on romantic comedy special tv appearances on two wildly popular shows. However, the fact that Livingston wound up on Sex in the City with Rudd on Friends is of utmost importance. The Sex in the City role was funny and cute, but had a touch of the dramatic. But Rudd's role on Friends was all goofy and funny/romantic, no drama whatsoever. It is this distinction that lifts and separates these two awesome actors. Rudd is, by his very nature, funny. Livingston can act funny when given a good script, such as Office Space, however I don't think he is naturally as funny as Rudd. If I had to put money on who would be funnier at a dinner party, my money would be on Rudd. Hands down.

Rudd spend some of his time in the early 2000s taking on improv based roles, such as his character in Wet Hot American Summer and small roles in episodes of Stella and Strangers with Candy. He seemed to thrive in these goofball comic roles, andwhile he seemed to be having fun, they garnered him little attention.

By this time, both actors appeared to be neck and neck, but then it was Rudd's turn for some cinematic bitchslapping of his own. All his improv work paid off bigtime with his role of Brian Fantana in Anchorman (mmm sex panther)followed up by a strong performance in The 40 Year Old Virgin. At last he found his niche.

Livingston took another route, while still enjoying being a wise ass from time to time, he went the more dramatic route with a brilliant cameo on House and starring on his own TV show this summer Standoff - while not a well written show, Livingston is the best thing about it and I wish him all the best.

The past 2 years have been the defining point in the Livingston/Rudd battle. I think it is clear who has my undying allegiance. I'm clearly a Rudd woman. However, by no means doubt my love of all things Livingston. I consider myself like Vince Vaughn, I started out with Livingston and he means to world to me, but in the end it was Rudd who stole my heart. I ask myself, who can give me more laughs per minute and who can make me snarf a 2$ beer. Rudd. Rudd all the way.