Katelynn Johnston
It goes without saying that Andrew Rannells is undeniably talented — so much so that he was nominated for a Tony Award this year for his outstanding performance in the revival of “Falsettos” alongside fellow cast members Christian Borle, Brandon Uranowitz and Stephanie J. Block. And that’s not his first Tony nomination. He also received a nod in 2011 for his performance in the Broadway smash “The Book of Mormon.”
If his slew of Broadway credits wasn’t enough, he has popped up over and over in movies, television shows and even video games in recent years. However, his gift for storytelling, coupled with unabashed honesty and his ability to laugh at himself, has also made Rannells comedic gold.
Here are seven of Rannells’ funniest moments:
1. The Time He Met Robert De Niro
Rannells tells of the range of reactions to Robert De Niro by members of the cast and crew on the set of his recent film, “The Intern.” If the content of the story doesn’t make you laugh, Rannells’ reenactment will.
2. The Time He Did a Bit With Neil Patrick Harris at the 2013 Tony Awards
Everyone knows NPH is sure thing when it comes to award show hosts, but pair him up with Rannells, and you’ve got even more side-splitting laughs. Along with Megan Hilty and Laura Benanti, they spoof some of Broadway’s greatest hits while lamenting the struggle for Broadway actors to break into screen acting.
3. The Time He Auditioned for ‘Law & Order’
Many actors have appeared on “Law & Order” at some point in their careers. While detailing his failed audition experience, Rannells also hilariously brings to light one of the issues with police interviews on the show.
4. The Time He Shot an Intimate Scene On ‘Girls’
The anecdote detailing an awkward interaction with a co-star is priceless. Enough said.
5. The Time He Flubbed His Lyrics During ‘Hamilton’
The experience of forgetting lyrics onstage is universal among actors. But Rannells’ solution to deal with his mind blank on the Broadway stage during one of its biggest shows is both ridiculous and laughable.
6. The Time He Toured With ‘Pokémon Live’
For starters, “Pokémon” was a live show? Did anyone else not know about this? This interview finds Rannells discussing the questionable choices he made as a broke young actor. Anyone who has ever taken a terrible job for the sake of making money can relate. For further laughs, watch him read from reality star Kendra Wilkinson’s memoir using his “Pokémon” voice.
7. The Time He Was in a Basketball Musical
Rannells reps theatre kids everywhere when he talks about sports and the truth behind his character’s audition scene in “Girls.” Bonus, see his mindblowing rendition of “Let Me Be Your Star” from NBC’s “Smash.”
With all of these hilarious stories, the only question that remains is why there are no comedians around who specifically discuss theatre life. Netflix, if you’re listening please give Rannells a comedy special. That is all.
