From Canvas to Closet: Paul Rudd's Hilarious Take on an Absurd SNL Keepsake

From Cherished Keepsake to Closet Lament: Paul Rudd's Bizarre Tribute to Andy Samberg and the Wacky Absurdities of Hollywood

In the vibrant world of celebrity, few stories capture the funny yet bizarre nature of Hollywood like that of Paul Rudd and a rather unconventional keepsake from his time on **Saturday Night Live**. Over the years, Rudd has built quite the impressive résumé, but it seems that one prop from a 2008 sketch has made its way from his heart—where it was cherished—to a much less charming spot: his closet. The prop in question? A painting of **Andy Samberg** that features the comic star in a rather peculiar state—nude from the waist down and with hot dogs for fingers—a bizarre depiction that, out of context, leaves much to be desired in the decor department.

Rudd recently recounted the awkward tale during an episode of **The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast**, revealing his mixed feelings about the painting. Initially, the actor was thrilled to possess such a quirky reminder of his work on an iconic SNL digital short titled "Everyone's a Critic," where he played alongside Samberg during his tenure as a performer and writer for the show. Rudd humorously admitted that while he once treasured the painting, he soon realized it didn't quite belong hanging on his walls. "I took it back to my house and realized, 'I don't want this hanging on any wall,'" he noted, ultimately banishing it to his closet—a "disturbing painting," indeed.

The sketch involved a playful take on the concept of nude portraiture, with Rudd as the willing subject. Samberg, ever the comic genius, decided to turn the tables by inviting Rudd to sit for a similar portrait, attired only in a T-shirt. Their comic chemistry shines through as they both model the unorthodox paintings, leading to an unfolding chaos when the artwork is presented at auction. Rudd’s depiction serves as a comedic centerpiece, drawing aghast reactions from a room full of SNL cast members, including the likes of **Fred Armisen**, **Kristen Wiig**, **Bobby Moynihan**, and **Bill Hader**, who react with screams, vomiting, and even self-harm—proving the depth of absurdity that SNL is famous for.

Listeners on the podcast heard Rudd chuckle as he tentatively described the painting, hinting that while he might not want to showcase it, he also wouldn’t mind returning it to Samberg if he had a change of heart. Samberg, caught off-guard by Rudd's honesty, was quick to express what many listeners probably thought: why not display such a memorable piece, if only humorously? Rudd’s reluctance to admit the live auction disaster, and the strange nature of the painting itself, serves as a reminder of the wacky reality embedded in celebrity culture. It’s a world where high art and lowbrow humor intertwine, especially at a show as storied as SNL, where absurdity reigns supreme.

Fans of the duo were treated to a wealth of nostalgia when Rudd and Samberg teamed up for a second sketch titled "Stumblin'" in 2010, further solidifying their comedy partnership on the show. This short film riffed on the iconic opening lines of **Dolly Parton's** "9 to 5," following Samberg's clumsy character as he stumbles through life only to be joined by Rudd in a comedic duet of disarray. Their chemistry on-screen is palpable, and both Rudd and Samberg have cemented their places in SNL history.

Reflecting on his time with SNL, Rudd’s involvement isn’t just a side gig; he’s been a prominent figure on the show multiple times, earning a revered spot in SNL’s **Five-Timers Club**, a badge of honor shared with legends like **Steve Martin** and **Tina Fey**. After impressively hosting the show four times—his memorable lock-ins being in 2013, 2019, and 2021—Rudd has become synonymous with the fabric of SNL. Samberg, meanwhile, carved out his legacy over seven seasons as a cast member before leaving in 2012, though he made a memorable return to host in 2014, allowing fans a glimpse into the infectious humor that first made him a household name.

As Paul Rudd navigates the intricacies of celebrity life, choosing to store a notorious painting of Andy Samberg in his closet, he encapsulates the delightful absurdity that often accompanies fame. This keepsake, while cringe-worthy in its own right, serves as a humorous illustration of the eccentricities that define Hollywood, showing us that, at its core, comedy thrives on the odd and unexpected. The story of Rudd and his art from SNL is just one of many instances that remind us of the playful spirit at the heart of celebrity culture and the importance of laughter amid the glitz and glamour.