Judd Apatow’s brilliant creation Undeclared hosted some of the best comedy actors out there; from Seth Rogen appearing in every episode as college freshman Ron, to Amy Poehler’s three-episode arc as Top Floor R.A. Hilary, and Jason Segel’s perfect portrayal as “crazed boyfriend” Eric, there was never a shortage of hilarious headliners amongst the eighteen episodes of Undeclared.
Much like its Freaks and Geeks counterpart, this 2001 cult classic features some surprising guest stars throughout its one season. Let’s have a look at the ten best cameos in Undeclared, delivered by very famous actors and actresses.
Adam Sandler
Adam Sandler plays himself in the Undeclared episode “The Assistant,” which centers around the aftermath of an Adam Sandler concert, also attended by Steven’s FOMO-based father Hal (Loudon Wainwright III).
Sandler ends up making his way back to the dorms after flirting with Lizzie and Rachel (Monica Keena), where the group of freshmen can’t seem to keep cool around him. His assistant ends up sleeping with Rachel, who’s unaffected by Sandler’s fame.
Tom Welling
In the pilot episode, Tom Welling (Smallville) plays a character fittingly named “Tom,” the attractive undergrad that causes Ron (Seth Rogen) to lose his cool.
As protagonist Steven goes around campus inviting people to their dorm party, he incorrectly invites Tom, who responds with, “Hey man that sounds great, I’ll be there. I’ll bring some of my fraternity brothers,” then Ron comes up and warns the clueless Steve: “you’re supposed to invite ugly guys. Hot girls, ugly guys. Okay? Ugly!” feeling threatened Tom will steal their prospective options.
Jenna Fischer
Jenna Fischer was first utilized in Undeclared as a small cameo in “Prototype” playing the “Sorority Girl” but producers had Fischer return for a second part as Lloyd’s girlfriend “Betty” in the classic episode, “Sick in the Head.”
After Steven’s roommate Lloyd (Charlie Hunnam) forces him to sleep on the couch due to their room being, well, preoccupied, Betty appears in the morning to comment on Steven’s apparent lament, revealing Lloyd’s told her a lie about being afraid to sleep alone.
Ted Nugent
Ted Nugent, the second-amendment supporting larger-than-life rockstar, plays himself in the episode “So You Have a Boyfriend” when he acts as a guest speaker at UNEC. Lizzy (Carla Gallo) and Steven attend his presentation, during which he refers to hunting as a “spiritual orgasm” and makes a funny joke: “I never went to college, I was too busy learning stuff.”
Kyle Gass
Kyle Gass, known for being the second half of Jack Black’s hilarious comedy band Tenacious D, plays Jason Segel’s sidekick Eugene in two episodes of Undeclared.
Eugene tries to cheer up recently dumped Eric (Segel) by inviting his psychotic girlfriend and her single friend to their place of work, a photocopy store. David Krumholtz plays Greg, their third amigo– these three have some hilarious scenes together, including a scream-rap version of Mystikal’s hit “Danger (Been So Long).”
Gret Mottola
Greg Mottola’s name might not sound familiar, but the movies he’s directed will surely ring a bell. From Superbad (2007) to Adventureland (2009), Mottola has directed some heavy-hitters in the industry, as well as several episodes of Undeclared. Mottola appears in the episode “The Assistant” as the “Young Professor,” though it’s just a small cameo.
Lizzy Caplan
In the pilot episode, Lizzy Caplan is briefly featured as the “Beautiful Girl.” Caplan has established herself as a chameleon able to play many different roles, from Janis Ian in Mean Girls (2004) to the lead in Showtime’s popular series Masters of Sex.
Lizzy Caplan has acted alongside Martin Starr on two separate occasions, in Freaks and Geeks and the underrated Rob Thomas/Paul Rudd creation Party Down.
Mike White
Mike White, best known for his role as the stuffy teacher Ned Schneebly in School of Rock (2003), a movie he also wrote, plays a small part as the pet shop employee featured in the episode “Eric Visits.”
After Lizzy convinces Marshall that getting a pet to carry around campus will up his “cool” factor, the two make a trip to the pet store, where Mike White brings out a variety of different animals, including a ferret with an uncanny resemblance to him! White wrote multiple episodes of Freaks and Geeks, Orange County (2002), and Nacho Libre (2006). He was also the runner-up of Survivor’s 37th season, David vs. Goliath.
Mary Kay Place
The popular actress Mary Kay Place (Big Love, Being John Malkovich) can be seen in the episode “Parents Weekend” as Mrs. Lindquist, who directs the talent show that takes place at the end of parent’s weekend, a big stressor for each character on Undeclared.
Mary Kay Place has also been featured in Girl, Interrupted (1999), The Big Chill (1983), and the coming-of-age Claire Dane’s classic My So-Called Life (1994).
Busy Phillipps
Busy Phillipps, who also stars in Freaks and Geeks, plays a small role in Undeclared as Ron’s (Seth Rogen) girlfriend Kelly, highlighted in two episodes.
Kelly is the intimidating sophomore who keeps ball-busting Marshall during the around-the-world party featured in “Truth or Dare”, an episode which also features Martin Starr, one of the main characters in Freaks and Geeks– bringing things full circle!
Ben Stiller
Who could forget Ben Stiller’s role as Eric’s (Jason Segel) ex-stepfather Rex?
A recovering addict with a serious mullet, Rex has inspirational tattoos scattered across his body and seems to disturb Eric’s friends when they come to visit, accusing them of smoking pot and getting him a contact high. He’s always looking for a ride to a meeting and always seems intoxicated.
Fred Willard
The hilarious actor Fred Willard, known for his roles in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) and Best in Show (2000) plays Professor Duggan, who acts like his life goal is to make students hate history.
After Marshall (Timm Sharp) tries to clue in Professor Duggan that he has no idea how to handle freshmen in the 21st century, the professor comes to class with a whole new attitude, outfit changes and all!
Kevin Hart
Comedy giant Kevin Hart plays Luke, a student with strong Christian morals that convinces Steven (Jay Baruchel) to devote his faith to God.
After Steven begins to believe the hype Luke has been selling him, Luke fails his newfound student when he dumps all of his convictions for a girl. Hart is featured throughout three episodes; Undeclared was one of his first-ever gigs.
Will Ferrell
Will Ferrell contributes another hysterical performance to Undeclared in the episode “Addicts” as Dave, the college-essay writing townie who gets himself involved with Steven and the gang after Steven receives a “D” on his recent term paper.
Dave promises “A” grade material and delivers at first, but eventually slips up when he forgets about the due dates amidst a full-fledged speed psychosis and video game marathon.
