Filmmaker Judd Apatow to Be Featured Guest at Jung Center’s Virtual Benefit

Filmmaker Judd Apatow to Be Featured Guest at Jung Center’s Virtual Benefit

THE JUNG CENTER will hold later this month what will perhaps among the last virtual benefits of the year before local fundraising soon returns to its more analog, in-person roots — hopefully, at least. "The Fine Line Between Humor and Heartbreak: The Power of Storytelling," which will be held on Tuesday, April 20 at 6pm, will feature a revealing conversation with acclaimed writer, director and producer Judd Apatow, whose famous comedy projects have included films like This Is 40, The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Trainwreck.


Judd, who is married to the actress Leslie Mann and is the author of New York Times bestseller Sick In the Head: Conversations About Life and Comedy, will spend the evening sharing his thoughts on comedy, therapy and why it's vital to laugh even during hard times, the Jung Center said in a release.

The filmmaker's next big project is the Netflix pandemic comedy, The Bubble. "The film," as the website Deadline has reported, "follows a group of actors and actresses stuck inside a pandemic bubble at a hotel attempting to complete a film." He is also said to be working on a biopic of the late comedian and actor Gary Shandling, who gave Apatow his first big break, as a writer on an awards show Shandling was hosting.

Judd Apatow

Apatow, who has come to be known mostly for his true-to-life depictions of likable everymen swimming upstream in an tough world, came to notoriety as the co-creator of The Ben Stiller Show and executive producer of Freaks and Geeks, the quirky teen dramedy that launched the careers of James Franco, Seth Rogen and others. "I'm the guy who gets uncomfortable," he once told a reporter. "That's why I was able to write The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up. I believe in those guys."

His other producer credits include the Will Ferrell blockbuster comedies Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, its sequel and Talladega Nights.

This year's Spring Benefit, the Jung Center's primary fundraiser each year, is co-chaired by Genna and Jon Evans and Nevine and Aaron Webster. The night will honor the contributions of noted philanthropists Susan and Lee Hancock. Lee, the founder of the architecture and construction company Synchro, has spent more than 15 years on the Board of Trustees of the Jung Center. Susan, who is the owner of boutique Tres Chic, served as the executive director of the nonprofit Trees of Hope.

At 7:30pm., after the completion of the event's program, The Jung Center's Director Emeritus Jim Hollis and Executive Director Sean Fitzpatrick will host a virtual wrap party.

Individual tickets for the virtual fete start at $150 and group tickets scale up in price (with perks, of course) from $500 to $50,000.

People + Places
Timeless Appeal at The Village: Sophisticated Retirement Living

THE STANDARD BEARER FOR LUXURY

We built The Village communities to exemplify sophisticated retirement living in Houston, surrounded by the heritage neighborhood of River Oaks, Tanglewood and Southampton. Each offers impeccable designer finishes and Aspenwood service detail with dining and resortstyle amenities making them premier locations for discerning Houstonians and their families. Impressive, spacious residential floor plans, generous natural light, and expansive terraces allow a new level of indoor-outdoor living. Beautiful spaces are designed for entertaining, fitness, and relaxation with a dedicated team to provide a secure lock and leave lifestyle for our members.

Keep Reading Show less

Lauren Anderson and Fady Armanious

EVER A GLAMOROUS event, the Houston Ballet's annual black-tie ball was a glimmering affair at the Wortham, where 500 guests joined event chairs Kristy and Chris Bradshaw and Melissa Juneau.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment

Gayla Gardner, Jacquie Baly and Julie Baker Finck

THE DOCTOR IS in! One of Houston’s most engaged civic leaders, Jacquie Baly, has a new title after earning her Doctorate in Education and Organizational Change & Leadership from USC. And some of the city’s heavy hitters turned up for a swanky reception at Tony’s to congratulate her. “Education and community leadership go hand in hand,” said Dr. Baly. “This honor fuels my continued mission to create meaningful change.”

And they weren’t alone in their admiration. Both the City of Houston and the State of Texas declared the day of the to-do “Dr. Jacquie Baly Day,” complete with official proclamations.

Keep Reading Show less
Style+Culture