Behind the Scenes of the Aughts Comedy Boom: A Book Reveals Wild Moments

The early 2000s witnessed a boom in R-rated comedies, a period marked by audacious humor and, behind the scenes, equally memorable antics. A new book, "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" by Matt Singer, delves into the making of these films, recounting anecdotes involving stars like Snoop Dogg, Steve Carell, and directors Judd Apatow and Todd Phillips.

During the filming of the 2003 comedy "Old School," Snoop Dogg reportedly hosted a lively gathering in his trailer, inviting attractive extras to listen to his DJing. The situation became so packed that a security guard had to prevent an assistant from entering to bring the rapper back to set, according to "Funny Business."

The book also explores the challenges faced by Judd Apatow during the production of "The 40-Year-Old Virgin." Universal Pictures initially halted the shoot due to concerns over Steve Carell's appearance, with studio executives reportedly questioning if the actor looked like a "serial killer." Following a haircut for Carell, production resumed, but not without further incident. The film's infamous chest-waxing scene, intended to capture Carell's genuine reactions, nearly resulted in a mishap. Apatow recounted that the waxing professional, despite experience, struggled to avoid Carell's nipples, leading to an agonizingly realistic performance from the actor.

Other notable productions from the era also encountered significant hurdles. "Tropic Thunder," directed by Ben Stiller, faced a barrage of problems in Hawaii, including relentless rain, insect bites, and illnesses among the cast and crew, earning it the nickname "Ben Stiller's Comedy Death Camp" from Robert Downey Jr. Meanwhile, the filming of "The Hangover" in Las Vegas nearly led to police intervention when actor Ken Jeong was spotted emerging naked from a car trunk in plain view of the Mandalay Bay casino.

Director Todd Phillips's penchant for dark humor also presented challenges on "The Hangover." For a scene involving actors being tased, Phillips reportedly attempted to persuade Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis to be subjected to real tasings, a move that was ultimately blocked by Warner Brothers lawyers. Despite these production difficulties, "The Hangover" achieved significant box office success.

Singer's book positions these comedies within a broader tradition of male-centric humor, comparing them to the works of the Marx Brothers and films like "Animal House" and "Stripes." However, the era of these "bro comedies" eventually waned, influenced by the rise of superhero films, the expansion of streaming services, and changing industry economics and demographics.