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What’s the deal with Wednesdays? For us, it means one thing and one thing only: Woman Crush Wednesday time!
This week we’re honoring the star of Showtime’s new series, I’m Dying Up Here, the lovely Ari Graynor. Ari’s been one of our generation’s strongest comedic performers in both film and TV projects for over 15 years. You know that movie you like? She’s probably responsible for the funniest scene in it. And her latest show is no exception: following her character, the up-and-coming comedian Cassie Feder is the most interesting part of the whole series.
WHO’S THAT GAL: Ari Graynor
WHY WE’RE CRUSHING: We’ve been crushing on Ari’s ability to standout even amongst A+ casts. She’s kind of the new Cameron Diaz (and not just because she took over the lead role in Bad Teacher when it was adapted from a movie to a TV show). She’s able to be absolutely hilarious, and a totally fearless actress. But when it comes to showing some heart and a lot of vulnerability, she’s got no problem going there.
This is exactly what makes her casting in the Showtime drama about comedy a total no-brainer. You need someone to portray a comedian that slays her stand-up act on stage and isn’t afraid to stand up for what’s right off stage too? Ari’s your girl.
She’s a master of physical comedy (oh god, that bathroom scene in Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist is burned into our minds forever) and gives off major “good at friendship” vibes, which count as just a few of the reasons we’re crushing on Ari.
WHERE YOU’VE SEEN HER BEFORE: Ari kicked off her professional acting career with a handful of episodes as Caitlin Rucker in The Sopranos, and things only got better from there. She caught a lot of attention for her role in Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, and teamed up with co-star Michael Cera again for Youth In Revolt (a truly underrated gem!). Ari appeared in Whip It, Holy Rollers, Lucky, and 10 episodes of Fringe, before her career kicked into high-gear with 10 Years, What’s Your Number?, The Sitter, and Celeste & Jesse Forever. She starred opposite Lauren Miller Rogen in the ultra-sweet (and saucy!) For A Good Time Call… as well as pairing with the other Rogen, Seth, in The Guilt Trip. The Bad Teacher TV show didn’t last past 13 episodes, but it did open up her schedule for all the exciting stuff she’s got going on now.
WHERE YOU’LL SEE HER AGAIN: You can catch new episodes of I’m Dying Up Here Sunday nights on Showtime to watch, and root for, her character Cassie’s success in the comedy community. When it comes to real life, she’s already achieved that, and the proof lies in the fact that she’s part of The Disaster Artist cast. The film, which will tell the story of cult favorite The Room, stars both Franco bros, Dave and James, and is essentially a who’s who of the funniest damn actors working today. Our girl Ari, well, she’s right where she should be.
