The Hangover is a 2009 comedy film that became a massive box office hit and solidified its place in pop culture. Directed by Todd Phillips, the film tells the story of three friends who wake up after a wild bachelor party in Las Vegas with no memory of the previous night and a missing groom. The hilarious adventures and unpredictable situations that follow made The Hangover a global sensation. But beyond its unforgettable plot, the film is also known for its talented cast, who brought the unforgettable characters to life. Here’s a closer look at the cast, their ages, and some fun trivia about the movie!
The Cast of The Hangover
The Hangover features an ensemble cast of comedic actors who each brought their own unique charm to the film. Here are the main actors and their roles:
Bradley Cooper as Phil Wenneck
Bradley Cooper plays Phil, one of the three friends who tries to piece together the events of the previous night. As the most charismatic and quick-witted of the group, Phil becomes the leader in their search for the missing groom. Cooper’s performance in the film helped catapult him into Hollywood stardom.
- Age: Bradley Cooper was born on January 5, 1975, making him 49 years old.
- Trivia: Before The Hangover, Bradley Cooper was known for his roles in TV shows like Alias and films like Wedding Crashers. After the success of The Hangover, Cooper became one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors, earning nominations for Academy Awards and starring in films like Silver Linings Playbook, American Sniper, and A Star is Born.
Ed Helms as Stu Price
Ed Helms plays Stu, a dentist who is cautious, anxious, and often the voice of reason in the group. He’s the one who gets the worst of the wild night in Las Vegas, with his missing tooth becoming one of the film’s most iconic moments. Helms’s comedic timing and relatable character made him a standout in the film.
- Age: Ed Helms was born on January 24, 1974, making him 50 years old.
- Trivia: Ed Helms is best known for his role as Andy Bernard on The Office. He also starred in other successful comedy films like We’re the Millers and Vacation. Helms has a background in improv comedy and was part of the sketch comedy group The Groundlings.
Zach Galifianakis as Alan Garner
Zach Galifianakis plays Alan, the eccentric and socially awkward brother of the bride. Alan’s strange behavior and unique perspective provide much of the film’s humor. His character is one of the most beloved in The Hangover franchise, and Galifianakis’s performance was a major factor in the film’s success.
- Age: Zach Galifianakis was born on October 1, 1969, making him 55 years old.
- Trivia: Before The Hangover, Galifianakis had appeared in smaller roles in films and TV shows. His role in The Hangover helped establish him as a leading comedic actor, and he went on to star in films like Due Date, The Campaign, and Birdman. Galifianakis is also known for hosting the popular web series Between Two Ferns.
Justin Bartha as Doug Billings
Justin Bartha plays Doug, the groom who goes missing after the bachelor party. Although Doug is not as central to the action, his disappearance is the driving force of the plot. Bartha’s character adds a layer of mystery and tension, even though he is mostly absent for much of the film.
- Age: Justin Bartha was born on July 21, 1978, making him 46 years old.
- Trivia: Bartha is also known for his role as Riley Poole in the National Treasure film series. He has appeared in a range of films and TV shows, including The New Normal and The Hangover sequels.
Supporting Cast
The film also features memorable performances from several supporting actors, including:
- Heather Graham as Jade, the stripper-turned-wife of Stu, who plays a crucial role in unraveling the mystery of the night.
- Ken Jeong as Mr. Chow, a wild and unpredictable character who adds a lot of humor and chaos to the film.
- Jeffrey Tambor as Sid, Alan’s father, whose reactions to the events unfold in the film provide several comedic moments.
Fun Trivia About The Hangover
- Unscripted Moments: Many of the film’s funniest moments were improvised. Zach Galifianakis, in particular, is known for ad-libbing much of his dialogue, which helped make his character even more unpredictable and hilarious.
- The Baby: The baby in the film, who becomes a part of the group’s wild adventure, was played by a set of twins. The producers had to ensure they kept the twins comfortable and well-fed during filming, especially considering the chaotic nature of the scenes.
- Inspiration for the Script: Director Todd Phillips based the script on a personal experience, but it was largely fictionalized. The wild Las Vegas adventure that takes place in The Hangover was inspired by the idea of a bachelor party gone wrong, something Phillips had heard about from friends.
- The Iconic Tiger: The tiger in the film was a real animal and was used in the scene where the group wakes up in their hotel suite. It was brought to the set under strict supervision to ensure the safety of the actors.
- Critical and Commercial Success: The Hangover became one of the highest-grossing R-rated comedies of all time, earning over $467 million worldwide. The film also received critical acclaim and was nominated for several awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
Legacy of The Hangover
The success of The Hangover led to two sequels, The Hangover Part II (2011) and The Hangover Part III (2013), both of which continued the wild adventures of the characters. The film also cemented its place in pop culture, with numerous references and homages in other movies and TV shows.
The Hangover remains one of the most iconic comedies of the 21st century, largely due to its incredible cast, memorable characters, and unforgettable moments. It’s a film that continues to be loved by fans, making its mark as a comedy classic.
