Actors Paul Rudd and Amy Poehler recently recounted an incident on the set of the 2001 film Wet Hot American Summer, where co-star David Hyde Pierce asked them to reduce noise late at night. The pair shared the memory during a discussion on Poehler's podcast, Good Hang.
Paul Rudd appeared on the podcast hosted by Amy Poehler to talk about his new movie. The conversation shifted to Wet Hot American Summer, the first project they worked on together. They described the low-budget comedy shoot, filmed at a summer camp in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, as feeling like actual camp due to minimal work schedules and a relaxed atmosphere.
The cast often gathered after filming ended for the day. Rudd recalled cast members hanging out, drinking beer, and playing loud music late into the night. Composer Craig Wedren would play guitars.
According to Poehler and Rudd, this late-night activity prompted a response from Pierce, who arrived later than much of the cast. Unlike most of the younger ensemble, Pierce was widely known at the time, primarily for his television work. Janeane Garofalo was also a recognizable name among the cast.
Rudd described sleeping in the infirmary building, where the late-night gatherings occurred in the main room. He remembered it was Pierce's first night on set when the actor came out and stopped in the doorway of the loud gathering around one in the morning. Pierce was scheduled to film the next morning.
Poehler noted Pierce's professionalism, suggesting he was likely rehearsing lines. Rudd imitated the sudden stop in noise when Pierce appeared. Cast member Ken Marino reportedly reacted by calling out, "Oh, great, it’s Frasier!"
Despite the humorous interruption, the interaction did not cause friction. Rudd and Poehler characterized Pierce as a "cool" and "lovely guy," who seemed primarily curious about the commotion.
The movie Wet Hot American Summer was not a box-office success upon its initial release and received mixed reviews, though some publications supported it. The cast included future notable actors like Bradley Cooper, Elizabeth Banks, and Christopher Meloni. It later developed a cult following and spawned prequel and sequel series on Netflix.
Poehler corrected Rudd's description of themselves as "kids" at the time of the filming, pointing out they were actually in their late 20s and 30s.
