Introduction
Remember the Shiva Blast? The Sacko? The agonizing decisions of your fantasy football draft? If those phrases conjure up laughter and camaraderie, chances are you’re a fan of “The League,” the FX and FXX comedy that hilariously skewered the world of fantasy football and the chaotic friendships it forged. The show, with its razor-sharp wit and improvisational style, gave us unforgettable characters and moments. But what has the brilliant ensemble that brought these characters to life been up to since the final season? This article delves into the careers of The League Cast, highlighting their standout roles both before and after the show, and revealing what they’ve been doing in the years since the league disbanded. Get ready to catch up with Mark Duplass, Stephen Rannazzisi, Nick Kroll, Jonathan Lajoie, Katie Aselton, and Paul Scheer, as we explore their individual journeys and celebrate the lasting impact of their time on “The League.”
Before the Draft: Origins of The League Cast
Before they were battling for the Shiva, The League Cast members were already carving out their own unique paths in the entertainment industry. Their diverse backgrounds, ranging from independent film to sketch comedy, laid the foundation for the show’s distinct comedic voice.
Mark Duplass, who played the unlucky-in-love Pete Eckhart, was a prominent figure in the independent film scene long before joining “The League.” He established himself as a talented writer, director, and actor, often working alongside his brother, Jay. Films like “The Puffy Chair” and “Baghead” showcased his ability to create relatable and often awkward characters, laying the groundwork for his portrayal of the perpetually struggling Pete.
Stephen Rannazzisi, known to fans as the relatively normal (within the context of “The League,” anyway) Kevin MacArthur, honed his comedic skills through stand-up comedy. While his early TV appearances may have been smaller roles, they demonstrated his natural comedic timing and ability to play the straight man amidst the chaos, a crucial element for his character’s dynamic with the rest of the group.
Nick Kroll, the mastermind behind the hilariously awful Ruxin, had already established himself as a comedic force. He cut his teeth in the New York comedy scene, showcasing his talents through stand-up, character work, and appearances on shows like “Comedy Bang! Bang!” His ability to embody larger-than-life, often repulsive, characters made him the perfect fit for the endlessly competitive and ethically questionable Ruxin.
Jonathan Lajoie, the eccentric and unpredictable Taco MacArthur, came to “The League” with a pre-existing fanbase thanks to his musical comedy. His viral music videos, most notably “Everyday Normal Guy,” showcased his absurdist humor and ability to create catchy, albeit ridiculous, songs. This unique comedic sensibility translated perfectly to his portrayal of Taco, the character who operates on a completely different wavelength than everyone else.
Katie Aselton, who played the fiercely competitive Jenny MacArthur, brought a grounded realism to the show. Prior to “The League,” Aselton had roles in independent films and worked behind the camera as a director, showcasing her multifaceted talents and her understanding of character development, which allowed her to bring depth to Jenny, a character navigating the often-absurd world of fantasy football while also managing a family.
Paul Scheer, the fashion-challenged and socially awkward Andre Nowzick, came from a strong sketch comedy background. As a member of the sketch group Human Giant, Scheer honed his comedic timing and his ability to create memorable and often bizarre characters. This experience proved invaluable in crafting Andre, the character who is perpetually trying (and failing) to fit in with the cool crowd.
Touchdowns and Fumbles: Standout Performances on The League
While each member of The League Cast brought their unique talents to the show, there are certain moments and running gags that solidified their characters’ places in comedic history.
Mark Duplass expertly portrayed Pete’s constant misfortune, his inability to catch a break, and his surprisingly strong moral compass in a group of morally questionable friends. His reactions to the absurd situations he found himself in, and his subtle comedic timing, made Pete a relatable and endearing character.
Stephen Rannazzisi grounded the show with his portrayal of Kevin. While surrounded by over-the-top personalities, Kevin often served as the voice of reason, or at least tried to. His interactions with the eccentric group, especially his brother Taco, provided some of the show’s most hilarious moments, showcasing his ability to play the straight man with comedic precision.
Nick Kroll’s portrayal of Ruxin was nothing short of legendary. His over-the-top antics, his ruthless competitiveness, and his complete lack of empathy made him the character you loved to hate. His rivalry with Andre was a constant source of humor, and his commitment to embodying the hilariously awful Ruxin made him a standout member of The League Cast.
Jonathan Lajoie’s Taco was a force of nature. Operating on a completely different plane of existence than the rest of the characters, Taco’s eccentric schemes and unpredictable behavior provided endless comedic fodder. From his bizarre inventions to his outlandish pronouncements, Taco was the embodiment of comedic chaos, and Lajoie played him to perfection.
Katie Aselton’s Jenny brought a much-needed dose of realism and heart to the show. As the only woman in the league, she had to navigate the often-chauvinistic and ridiculous world of fantasy football while also juggling her responsibilities as a wife and mother. Aselton expertly balanced these competing roles, creating a character that was both relatable and fiercely competitive.
Paul Scheer’s Andre was the lovable loser of “The League.” His fashion disasters, his social awkwardness, and his naive attempts to be cool made him a character that audiences couldn’t help but root for. Scheer’s commitment to the character’s eccentricities and his willingness to embrace the absurd made Andre a comedic highlight.
Life After the Shiva: What The League Cast Did Next
The end of “The League” didn’t spell the end for its talented cast. Each member has continued to thrive in the entertainment industry, taking on diverse and challenging roles.
Mark Duplass has remained a prolific force in both independent film and mainstream television. He’s starred in acclaimed shows like “The Morning Show” and films like “Creep” and “Safety Not Guaranteed.” He continues to write, direct, and produce, consistently pushing the boundaries of storytelling and earning critical acclaim for his work.
Stephen Rannazzisi has continued to perform stand-up comedy, connecting with audiences through his relatable humor. He has also appeared in various television shows, showcasing his versatility as a comedic actor.
Nick Kroll has become a comedy superstar. His “Kroll Show” further cemented his reputation as a master of character work, and his voice acting on the hit animated series “Big Mouth” has introduced him to a whole new generation of fans. He continues to perform stand-up, write, and act in films, solidifying his place as one of the leading comedic voices of his generation.
Jonathan Lajoie has continued to pursue his musical comedy career, releasing new songs and albums that showcase his unique brand of humor. He has also taken on acting roles in various projects, proving his ability to translate his comedic talents to different mediums.
Katie Aselton has continued to excel as both an actress and a director. She has starred in films like “The Gift” and television shows like “Legion,” showcasing her range and versatility. She has also directed several projects, solidifying her reputation as a multifaceted talent.
Paul Scheer has continued to work steadily in television and film, appearing in shows like “Black Monday” and “Veep.” He also co-hosts the popular podcast “How Did This Get Made?,” where he and his co-hosts dissect and humorously critique bad movies. His passion for comedy and his insightful commentary have made him a beloved figure in the comedy world.
Beyond the Core: Memorable Friends of The League
While The League Cast consisted of these core players, the show wouldn’t have been the same without its incredible roster of guest stars and recurring characters. Actors like Jason Mantzoukas as Rafi, with his utterly depraved antics, Seth Rogen as Dirty Randy, bringing his signature raunchy humor, and Ike Barinholtz as Dr. Armonda, providing utterly useless (but hilarious) medical advice, all contributed to the show’s unique and unforgettable comedic landscape. These recurring characters, alongside the consistent stream of guest stars, enriched the world of “The League” and enhanced the performances of the core cast.
The Enduring Legacy of The League
“The League” was more than just a sitcom about fantasy football; it was a cultural phenomenon. The show’s unique blend of humor, improvisation, and relatable characters resonated with audiences who appreciated its irreverent and honest portrayal of friendship and competition. The show’s success also helped to popularize fantasy football, further blurring the lines between sports and entertainment.
The show’s legacy lies in its ability to capture the essence of male camaraderie, the obsessive nature of fantasy sports, and the lengths people will go to for bragging rights. Its improvisational style and willingness to push the boundaries of comedy made it a truly unique and unforgettable show. And the talent of The League Cast is undeniable; they were able to take potentially niche material and create something broadly appealing and laugh-out-loud funny.
Conclusion
The members of The League Cast have gone on to achieve great success in their respective careers, proving their talent and versatility as performers. From independent film to mainstream television, stand-up comedy to podcasting, they have continued to entertain and inspire audiences around the world. While “The League” may be over, the show’s legacy lives on through its memorable characters, its unique comedic style, and the enduring talent of its cast. The show’s cast showed the world that they could take the niche world of fantasy football and make it universally hilarious, launching the cast into bigger and better roles, cementing their status as comedic geniuses. As we continue to follow their individual journeys, we can’t help but look back fondly on the time when they were all just a group of friends battling for the Shiva in “The League.”
