Actor Paul Rudd revels in Royals’ American League championship
The movie star was star-struck on Wednesday.
Paul Rudd, who grew up in Overland Park and attended Shawnee Mission West High School, was wide-eyed as he watched the Royals celebrate their American League Championship Series clinching victory over the Orioles.
“I can’t believe it,” Rudd said with a smile. “This is incredible.”
Rudd, who was in “Anchorman,” “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” and many other films, was 16 years old when attended games two and six of the 1985 World Series. After that, he suffered through 28 years without the playoffs for the Royals.
That’s why Wednesday was special.
“It makes it sweet,” Rudd said. “It does. It’s pretty great.
“We still have the World Series to go, and even to say that sentence, ‘We still have the World Series to go,’ is amazing.”
Rudd has been glued to the television during the playoffs.
“But wow, what a postseason it’s been,” he said. “After that Wild Card Game, it’s just been a rollercoaster.”
If nothing else, the Royals’ success could make more celebrities want to join in the annual Big Slick Celebrity Weekend in Kansas City. Rudd, Jason Sudekis and Rob Riggle invite other celebrities to Kansas City for a weekend of fun, including a stop at Kauffman Stadium.
That event raises money for Children’s Mercy Hospital.
“I hope so, maybe our numbers will jump,” Rudd said.
Rudd is filming the movie “Ant-Man,” based on the Marvel comic-book hero, in Georgia. Rudd was given permission to leave the set and he arrived Tuesday in Kansas City, catching games three and four of the ALCS. He will head back Thursday.
“Now I’m going to pray that they can somehow let me go,” Rudd said with a smile.
Rudd has the lead role. Can’t he call in sick?
“The higher powers make those decisions,” Rudd said. “I’d love to. We’ll see. I hope so. Even if it’s just one, I’m going to try and get here.”
To reach Pete Grathoff, call 816-234-4330 or send email to pgrathoff@kcstar.com. Follow him at Twitter: @pgrathoff.
This story was originally published October 15, 2014 at 8:49 PM with the headline "Actor Paul Rudd revels in Royals’ American League championship."