Paul Rudd calls New York 'greatest city in the world'
Synopsis
Paul Rudd didn’t just compliment New York — he declared it the greatest city on earth, citing its history, its diversity, and an ‘energy and attitude’ that clicks with him personally. Add a Knicks NBA Finals run to the mix, and the Ant-Man star is having a very New York moment.
Key Takeaways
Paul Rudd called New York City the ‘greatest city in the world’ in an interview with Variety .
The 57-year-old actor said he is obsessed with the city’s history and recently finished a book about the Brooklyn Bridge .
Rudd praised New York’s diversity, saying it creates an ‘energy and attitude’ that ‘clicks’ with him.
He is a self-declared New York Knicks fan and expressed excitement over the team’s run to the NBA Finals .
Rudd said a Knicks championship would make New York ‘go crazy’ in a way distinct from any other local sports title.
Hollywood actor Paul Rudd has declared New York City the ‘greatest city in the world,’ citing its history, energy, and its unique ability to bring people from every corner of the globe together. The 57-year-old Ant-Man star made the remarks in an interview with Variety, offering a heartfelt tribute to the city he calls home.
What Rudd Said About New York
Speaking to Variety, Rudd was unequivocal in his admiration. “Well, it’s the greatest city in the world. I mean, God, if you know you know, right?” he said. The actor revealed a deep fascination with the city’s past, adding, “I’m a sucker for New York City history. Anytime there’s a documentary about New York or any book about New York history, I read it. When the Ken Burns documentary came out, I consumed it voraciously.”
Rudd also noted he recently finished reading a book about the Brooklyn Bridge. “The city itself puts all of us in our proper place,” he said. “The city is bigger than all of us. It’s good to live your life and feel a part of it and experience it but never feel bigger than it.”
The Energy That 'Clicks' With Him
Rudd described New York’s diversity as central to its appeal. “This is a place where people from all parts of the globe from different backgrounds can come and do different things and be smushed together and somehow make it work,” he said. “It creates an energy and attitude that really just clicks with me.”
The remarks reflect a long-standing affection for the city that goes beyond celebrity sentiment — Rudd’s enthusiasm for its history and street-level culture suggests a genuine connection rather than a promotional talking point.
Rooting for the New York Knicks
Rudd, a well-known fan of the New York Knicks, also spoke about the team’s remarkable run to the NBA Finals. “This run that they’ve been on has just been incredible, the point differential and how dominant they’ve been playing,” he said. “It’s so exciting that they’re here in the Finals.”
The actor said a Knicks championship would trigger a celebration unlike anything the city has seen in recent sports history. “I’ve always wondered for decades, if the Knicks were to ever really win the whole thing, this place would go crazy,” Rudd said. He added that the Knicks hold a special emotional place in New York’s sporting identity — distinct even from the Yankees, Giants, Mets, or Jets.
Rudd’s New York Identity
Best known globally for playing Ant-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Rudd has increasingly been associated with New York both on and off screen. His candid enthusiasm for the city’s history and its sports teams underscores an identity that extends well beyond Hollywood. With the Knicks in the Finals and his love for the city on full display, Rudd appears as invested in New York’s cultural moment as any lifelong resident.
Point of View
The Brooklyn Bridge, and the Knicks’ point differential signal genuine engagement rather than a press-tour soundbite. In an era when celebrity city endorsements are often performative, Rudd’s granular enthusiasm is notably specific. The Knicks angle is well-timed: a championship run gives the interview a news hook that lifts it above a standard profile. Whether that translates into lasting cultural cachet for New York’s sports identity remains to be seen.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Paul Rudd say about New York City?
Paul Rudd called New York City the ‘greatest city in the world’ in an interview with Variety, praising its history, diversity, and unique energy. He said the city ‘puts all of us in our proper place’ and creates an attitude that ‘clicks’ with him.
Why is Paul Rudd talking about the New York Knicks?
Rudd is a long-time Knicks fan and commented on the team’s run to the NBA Finals, calling it ‘incredible.’ He said a Knicks championship would make New York ‘go crazy’ in a way unlike any other local sports victory.
What New York history content has Paul Rudd consumed?
Rudd said he reads any book or watches any documentary about New York City history. He specifically mentioned consuming the Ken Burns documentary on New York ‘voraciously’ and recently finishing a book about the Brooklyn Bridge.
What is Paul Rudd known for in Hollywood?
Paul Rudd is best known for playing Ant-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The 57-year-old actor has had a long career spanning comedy, drama, and superhero films.
Where did Paul Rudd make these comments?
Rudd made the remarks in an interview with Variety. The comments were also reported by Female First UK on 9 June.
