2012 Emmy preview: Paul Rudd, ‘Glee’s’ Max Adler lead Guest Actors

If there are some categories that are incredibly hard to predict for the Emmy Awards, it’s the guest-star fields. Unless you are a big star, it’s pretty hard to be assured of much of anything. With that in mind, these categories are the first in our series where we are focusing solely on who should be nominated for lead Guest Actors — it’s simply too hard to speculate who will win since the criteria is so varied.
Let’s dive right in and get to the fun part here — the debate for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series.
The deserving nominees
Michael J. Fox, “Curb Your Enthusiasm” – You could make an argument that Michael J. Fox doesn’t have room for any more awards — but the man turns any role he touches into gold. With just a small part of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” the former “Family Ties” and “Spin City” actor created one of the best episodes in the series’ history.
Justin Long, “New Girl” – Justin had a few episodes to shine as Paul, and he may be the closest thing this category has to a lock. After watching his awkward Jimmy Stewart bedroom impression, it’s hard to imagine anyone else being able to play this part as effectively.
Paul Rudd, “Parks and Recreation“ – If there was anyone capable of going up against Amy Poehler, it was Paul Rudd — and he delivered. This has to be a surefire nomination, but more importantly than that we are psyched about possible chances to see Rudd show up on this show again in the future.
Max Adler, “Glee” – Unfortunately, we’re not sure if Adler’s Karofsky will be given any screen time on “Glee” moving forward, but out of these nominees he’s the only one to get to us in an emotional way. There may be some bigger names who guest starred on the show this year, but few brought the power and the weight to their parts that Adler did. For the suicide-attempt episode alone, Adler’s devastating and heart-wrenching performance should merit a nod.
John Goodman, “Community” – At a community college full of so many hapless people, it was interesting to see someone legitimately be able to strike fear into students — and Goodman’s Vice-Dean Laybourne was just that. While we wish that the character had been given more to do at times, the scenes he were included in were over-the-top gems — especially the monologue to Dean Pelton during the season 3 premiere.
Jimmy Fallon, “Saturday Night Live” – There were a few solid “SNL” hosts this year, but this is really the one that shined the brightest out of the guys. Fallon’s return to the show was marked with not only strong comedy, but also some great silly moments — including a random song-and-dance number and the return of some great old sketches.
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Who do you think is the most deserving winner for this category? Be sure to share your thoughts in the poll and comment box below!
Photo: Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
Beth
June 19, 2012 @ 11:33 am
I hope that Max gets nominated, his career seems to be picking up and it would do wonders. There is no way in hell he’s going to win. Glee didn’t submit Goldblum (I’m guessing his choice) but if anyone has a chance to beat Fox or Rudd it’s Matt Bomer.
Candy Sherwood
June 19, 2012 @ 5:58 am
He has brought so much to that character. Dave Karofsky’s story essentially became the heart of the show.
Carmen
June 19, 2012 @ 4:29 am
Max Adler gave Karofsky life and he did it in a terrific way. Since 2×06 Never Been Kissed episode, he represented us – closeted gay kids who can’t come out and/or embrace themselves due to the pressure from society or not-supporting environment. In my opinion, the suicide attempt scene was the most heart breaking scene in Glee history and it hit too close to home, and I’m pretty sure everyone regardless of their “ships” felt his pain and struggle. Mr. Adler definitely deserves an Emmy, at least a nomination.
Suu
June 18, 2012 @ 7:20 pm
Where we… I should go to sign for a “Max Adler wining an Emmy” (or getting a nomination)?
Emme
June 18, 2012 @ 7:13 pm
Max Adler is the most deserving of an Emmy. His performance was nothing short of a miracle. He was one of a very few shining points in a mediocre season.
David Watson
June 18, 2012 @ 6:59 pm
I hope Max Adler gets nominated at least. He has brought so much to that character. Dave Karofsky’s story essentially became the heart of the show. There are so many more closeted gays that can’t figure out how to fit and some go to a dark place before things get better. Mr. Adler’s performance of a guy who is literally at the end of his rope was heartbreaking, and everyone (regardless of shipping) felt Dave’s pain.
MAwin
June 18, 2012 @ 6:54 pm
Just give the emmy to Max Adler now, the guy is a lock to win.