The 40-Year-Old Virgin drew in audiences following its release. It helped continue to rise the careers of its stars like Seth Rogan and Steve Carell, as well as director Judd Apatow. Some fans love The 40-Year-Old Virgin for its funny quotes, while others perhaps find the story heartwarming.
Like many cult movies that find themselves on repeat on major cable networks, The 40-Year-Old Virgin has been watched over and over by its followers. Devotees might be surprised by these behind-the-scenes about the making of the movie.
It Is Judd Apatow's First Movie
Judd Apatow is now a household name, and the director has been involved in several projects in both film and TV. His brand of humor is recognizable to fans.
Furthermore, his success is reflected in his family's work, with his wife Leslie Mann's career, as well as his daughter Maude, who plays one of the most likable characters in HBO's Euphoria. Fans might be surprised to know The 40-Year-Old Virgin is Apatow's directorial debut. He would follow up with another hit, Knocked Up, two years later.
Steve Carell Co-Wrote The Screenplay
Comedy fans perhaps only know Steve Carell as an actor. He stars in the movie as Andy Stitzer. However, he also helped create the character's story.
Carell and Judd Apatow wrote the movie together. The two had previously worked together on Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgundy, which Apatow helped produce and in which Steve Carell has a supporting role.
Over A Million Feet Of Film Was Used
It is no secret that Judd Apatow is a fan of improvisation. The use of a loose script has become a trademark of his movies, from Knocked Up to Funny People. It appears his actions on the set of The 40-Year-Old Virgin laid the foundation for his career.
Movieweb revealed that over a million feet of film were used in the film, presumably from hours of actors trying out funny lines. Paul Rudd is quoted saying the film company treated the cast and crew to champagne after hitting the million mark.
Fish Died On Set
Animal lovers are often relieved to see the iconic phrase "no animals were harmed during the making of this movie," from the American Humane Association following a movie's credits. Unfortunately, The 40-Year-Old Virgin was barred from this privilege.
However, it isn't because of the goldfish in Jonah Hill's set of platform shoes (those are fake). The American Humane Association says it has to do with an accident in a shot of fish in an aquarium. After the shot was filmed, electricity to the tank was improperly shut off and the fish met an untimely end.
It's Mindy Kaling's First Movie
Many fans know Mindy Kaling from her role as Kelly Kapoor in The Office. However, she has appeared in dozens of projects on both TV and film. Fans might not know The 40-Year-Old Virgin features her first film role.
Kaling plays Amy, David's ex-girlfriend. Audiences see her when Andy and the guys go to a speed-dating event. The 40-Year-Old Virgin gives Mindy Kaling one of her highest-rated roles.
Romany Malco Wanted His Scenes Cut Down
Romany Malco plays Jay, Andy's friend and coworker at Smart Tech. Some might say he gives The 40-Year-Old Virgin some of its funniest scenes. However, he tried to take back some of his performance.
After the film was finished, production saw just how raunchy it was, especially from the first cut. Romany told Yahoo! he begged Apatow to cut down his appearance in the movie, fearing his conservative mother's reaction. To his surprise, his mom and her friends loved the movie and saw it more than once.
The Waxing Scene Is Real
Perhaps the most widely known behind-the-scenes fact from the movie is that Steve Carell's waxing scene is real. It's hard to miss upon seeing the scene as no camera tricks appear to be involved.
Carell told Dotdash that doing the scene for real was his idea. He said he insisted on actually being waxed, saying the scene wouldn't be funny if special effects were used. As a result, five cameras were set up to capture the one take.
Steve Carell's Wife Has A Role
Fans might remember the scene in The 40-Year-Old Virgin where Andy takes his girlfriend Trish Piedmont's daughter Marla to an educational event at a sexual health clinic. At the clinic, the seminar is run by a counselor.
Both Andy and Marla ask her questions about sexual health as the other attendees spout one-liners. The actress who plays the counselor is Nancy Walls, Carell's wife and longtime partner. The two can also be seen working together in The Office.