Matthew Lillard says he lived ‘in Paul Rudd’s shadow’ as Hollywood wants ‘dashing’
Matthew Lillard and Paul Rudd (Getty Images)
Matthew Lillard has said he felt he was constantly compared unfavourably with Paul Rudd regardless of his own success, adding that he is still fighting for jobs.
Speaking on the I’ve Never Said This Before podcast, the 56-year-old actor reflected on why he never became the kind of leading-man blockbuster star he once imagined, despite years of recognisable roles and a loyal fanbase.
Lillard is currently starring in a new TV adaptation of Stephen King’s Carrie from Mike Flanagan, but remains a cult favourite for playing Stu Macher in Wes Craven’s Scream (1996) and for bringing Shaggy Rogers to life in the live-action Scooby-Doo films
The star recalled living with Rudd for two years, and said the comparison followed him even as his own profile grew. “I was always in the shadow of Paul Rudd, no matter how famous I got. I’m like, ‘Oh my God, Paul Rudd is 10 times more famous than I am.’ And I have a competitive nature,” he said.
Matthew Lillard says Hollywood didn’t ‘value’ him
Asked whether he felt “valued by Hollywood”, Lillard replied: “No, not really.”
He went on to describe what he thinks the industry tends to reward, saying: “I think what Hollywood looks for is, they look for a movie star. They look for dashing.”
Lillard suggested he never quite fit the bill, adding: “I’ve always been a little quirky, a little gangly, a lot of energy. I’m funny and silly and at the same time can do drama, and they don’t really know where to slot me.”
He also questioned why he never got “a shot to be that guy on top of a $20million movie”, saying it was not because he lacked popularity or ability, but because decision-makers “didn’t get” him.
‘It was like living through your own wake’
Lillard also looked back on an outpouring of support in January 2026 after Quentin Tarantino criticised his acting and said he “didn’t care for” him.
“It was like living through your own wake,” Lillard said, describing the tributes and messages he received.
The actor, who has also voiced character across multiple animated projects, made headlines in September. when he said he felt “ashamed” and “embarrassed” that he starred in Scream 7 after Melissa Barrera was fired over comments she made about the Israel-Palestine conflict.
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