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The 40-Year-Old Virgin

Directed by Judd Apatow in his directorial debut, The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005) is a landmark R-rated comedy that balanced raunchy humor with genuine heart. Steve Carell stars as Andy Stitzer, a kind-hearted but socially awkward stock supervisor at a big-box electronics store who has reached the age of 40 without ever having sex. After his co-workers (Paul Rudd, Seth Rogen, and Romany Malco) discover his secret, they make it their mission to help him lose his virginity.

The film is famous for its heavy use of improvisation and the iconic, real-life chest-waxing scene. It launched Steve Carell into superstardom and established the "Apatow style" of character-driven, improvisational comedy.

Locations

The production was filmed almost entirely in the San Fernando Valley and various neighborhoods in Los Angeles, capturing the everyday suburban life of the characters.

Smart & Final (The Electronics Store), Encino

The "Smart Tech" electronics store where Andy and his friends work was filmed at a Smart & Final located at 17000 Ventura Boulevard in Encino. The interior was completely transformed into a fictional electronics retailer for the duration of the shoot. Map Location

Andy’s Apartment, Studio City

Andy’s bachelor pad, filled with his extensive collection of action figures and memorabilia, is located at 12011 Hoffman Street in Studio City. Many of the film's most memorable moments, including the "Age of Aquarius" finale and the various attempts to "prep" Andy for dates, take place in this residential complex. Map Location

Trish’s Shop (We Sell Your Stuff), Studio City

The "eBay store" owned by Trish (Catherine Keener), where she and Andy first begin their slow-burn romance, was a real storefront located at 12330 Ventura Boulevard. The location served as the perfect thematic backdrop for a relationship built on honesty and "no-sex" rules. Map Location

The Waxing Salon, West Hollywood

The infamous chest-waxing scene was filmed at a salon on Santa Monica Boulevard. To ensure the most authentic reaction, Steve Carell actually had his chest hair waxed for the camera in one continuous take, with his co-workers' horrified reactions being completely genuine.

Benihana, Encino

The scene where the guys take Andy out for a "manly" dinner to discuss his progress was filmed at the Benihana at 16226 Ventura Boulevard. The restaurant's communal dining style provided the perfect awkward setting for the group's loud and inappropriate conversations about Andy’s personal life. Map Location

The Bike Ride Path, Lake Balboa

Andy’s primary mode of transportation is his bicycle. Many of the transitional shots of him cycling to and from work were filmed around Lake Balboa Park (specifically the Anthony C. Beilenson Park area) and the surrounding residential streets of the San Fernando Valley. Map Location

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Director

Judd Apatow

Cast

Steve Carell

Catherine Keener

Paul Rudd

Romany Malco

Seth Rogen

Elizabeth Banks

Leslie Mann

Jane Lynch

Full Cast

IMDB

View the official IMDB page

Contact Us

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