The cult classic two-season series Party Down seemed doomed from the start, premiering on the network channel STARZ instead of a more widely-known cable TV station. Though it seemed to have the perfect mix of actors and producers, Party Down was still canceled after just two seasons and twenty episodes. Rob Thomas, showrunner for both Veronica Mars and Party Down, has since created the CW hit series iZombie, and also developed the 90210 remake.
In celebration of Party Down being available to stream on Hulu, let's explore the eleven best guest-stars throughout Party Down's two seasons.
Ken Jeong As Alan Duck
Asian-American actor Ken Jeong, known best for his comedic chops, guest stars in two episodes of Party Down's first season as the catering company's owner, Alan Duk, responsible for financing Ron's hopeful "Soup 'R Crackers" franchise. In "Sin Say Sun Awards Afterparty" Ron tries pitching his new business ideas to Alan Duk, who bursts Ron's bubble by saying it's "too early" to invest.
Alan Duk also appears in the season one finale "Stennheiser-Pong Wedding Reception," where he finally offers Ron an investment in "Soup 'R Crackers." Jeong has also played several huge roles in popular titles, like Crazy Rich Asians (2018), The Hangover (2008), and The Office.
Brecklin Meyer As Michael
Brecklin Meyer guest stars in Party Down's classic season one episode "Taylor Stiltskin Sweet Sixteen" as Michael, an old friend of Henry's from his acting class days. Michael has landed himself a part in an upcoming Leonard Stiltskin (J.K. Simmons) film, and the Party Down catering company happens to be throwing his daughter the ultimate sweet sixteen. After Michael unwittingly promises Henry a small part in the movie, Leonard's wife Diandra (Joey Lauren Adams) ends up giving the role to Kyle, much to Henry's chagrin.
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Brecklin Meyer is known for his role in Clueless (1995) as Brittany Murphy's stoner love interest, Travis. Meyer also stars in Road Trip (2000) and Rat Race (2001).
Christopher Mintz-Plasse As Kent
The nerd collaboration linking Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Martin Starr together in "Steve Guttenberg's Birthday" caused uber-geeks around the world to rejoice, bridging the gap between Superbad (2007) and Freaks and Geeks. Known for his nasally-sounding voice, Christopher Mintz-Plasse is unforgettable in every role he plays, always delivering comedic gold.
In Party Down, he plays sci-fi nerd Kent, friend and writing partner of Roman, who argue over semantics and their co-collaboration, which sparks Steve Guttenberg to host a writing workshop (see below). Christopher Mintz-Plasse is also remembered for his parts in Role Models (2008), Year One (2009), and, of course, Kick-Ass (2010).
Kevin Hart As Dro Grizzle
As another guest star in "Taylor Stiltskin Sweet Sixteen," Kevin Hart portrays musical artist "Dro Grizzle" who smokes a doobie with Ron at the sweet sixteen, beside his homie Grapeape (Fatso Fasano, Weeds). These three have a lively conversation about food, specifically, the all-you-can-eat-soup franchise Ron aspires to invest in called "Soup 'R Crackers."
Kevin Hart also plays a guest role in one of Martin Starr's other main TV shows, Undeclared-- the early '00s Judd Apatow college comedy which stars Jay Baruchel, Seth Rogen, and Jason Segel.
J.K. Simmons As Leonard Stiltskin
As mentioned above, the season one episode "Taylor Stiltskin Sweet Sixteen" features a prominent movie producer named Leonard Stiltkin, played by the esteemed actor J.K. Simmons. Playing the part of the overworked Hollywood family man, Simmons packs a strong punch by delivering humor while also knocking the lid off the stereotypes of rude movie producers.
Simmons boasts over 200 acting credits on IMDb, with roles in notable films like La La Land (2016) and Juno (2007). He also played an integral part in the Veronica Mars revival which was released last year on Hulu, another show led by Rob Thomas.
Rick Fox As Rick Fox
Rick Fox plays himself in the hilarious episode "Brandix Corporate Retreat," where Casey helps him write a speech he needs to deliver, spicing it up with jokes since she's a stand-up comic. After Rick Fox invites Casey up to his room to continue their collaboration, Henry and Roman both suspect she's sleeping with him, which ultimately exposes Henry and Casey's secret affair.
Rick Fox has also guest-starred in several other hit TV shows such as Shameless, Oz, and One Tree Hill.
Steve Guttenberg As Steve Guttenberg
Steve Guttenberg stars as himself in the second season episode of Party Down, fittingly titled "Steve Guttenberg's Birthday." The crew begins to set up a party at Steve Guttenberg's house when the guest of honor overhears Roman debating with his writing partner Kent (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), which sparks Steve Guttenberg to create an impromptu writing workshop in place of his birthday party.
Steve Guttenberg also plays a role in Rob Thomas' first distinguished TV series, Veronica Mars. He's best known for his roles in movies such as Three Men and a Baby (1987), Cocoon (1985), and Police Academy (1985).
George Takei As George Takei
Star Trek visionary George Takei stars as himself in the season one finale of Party Down, "Stennheiser-Pong Wedding Reception." Roman, a true sci-fi nerd, is asked to direct guests towards the bathroom at a high brow wedding the catering company is working and meets George Takei.
Instead of properly directing him towards the bathroom and giving him his space, Roman overwhelms Mr. Takei, asking him questions about Star Trek that leaves the actor exasperated.
Daniel Franzese As Ziggy Chorofsky
Daniel Franzese, best known for his role of "too gay to function" Damian in Mean Girls (2004), plays college football player Ziggy Chorofsky in the season two episode "Cole Landry's Draft Day Party," who slashes stereotypes of athletes by also being interested in sci-fi and literature, much to Roman's chagrin. Roman tries to school Ziggy on what irony means, and Ziggy facetiously retorts back with a witty jab that goes over Roman's head.
Ziggy then uses his pre-med knowledge for the greater good when he pranks Ron on behalf of Kyle, which ends up getting blamed on Henry. Daniel Franzese gained popularity after Mean Girls, but his debut performance was in Larry Clark's film Bully back in 2001.
Jennifer Coolidge As Bobbie St. Brown
Jennifer Coolidge plays the wacky character Bobbie St. Brown, who replaces Constance (Jane Lynch), featured in two episodes of Party Down. Coolidge, known for her roles in Legally Blonde (2001) and American Pie (1999) does excellent comedy work, holding no exceptions for her role in Party Down.
Bobbie St. Brown works for the catering company at the tail-end of season one and ends up taking magic mushrooms during the "Stennheiser-Pong Wedding Reception," where she invites herself onto the floor of the wedding reception and interrupts the two gay grooms, interjecting about her own sex life while making inappropriate comments about questioning her partner's sexuality.
Kristen Bell As Uda Bengt
Kristen Bell plays Uda Bengt-- the tightly-wound manager of Party Down's rival catering company, Valhalla Catering, who ends up dating protagonist Henry for some time. Uda is upfront with her feelings and comes off robotic, constantly talking to someone through her earpiece while seemingly partaking in the present conversation.
Kristen Bell got her start as the badass crime fighter Veronica Mars, where showrunner Rob Thomas first proved his chops in producing a top-notch TV show. She's since starred in major flicks such as Frozen (2013), Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008), and Bad Moms (2016).