Actor Adrien Brody was the one celebrity who made it clear he did not appreciate being mocked on the animated television series Family Guy, according to creator Seth MacFarlane.
- Seth MacFarlane revealed during a 2017 television appearance that Adrien Brody reacted poorly to being parodied on Family Guy.
- The animated comedy targeted Brody through specific references, including a planned 3D spoof and a murder mystery punchline.
- MacFarlane later clarified on a 2022 podcast episode that the negative interaction stemmed specifically from the earlier gag, despite his genuine admiration for Brody’s acting talent.
As reported by VICE, when Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane appeared on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen in 2017, he was questioned about whether any target of the show’s humor had reacted negatively.
“I would have to th…” MacFarlane jokingly began before immediately saying, “Adrien Brody.”
Shortly after watching his 2009 movie Splice, MacFarlane bumped into Brody at a party and decided to let him know, “Hey, I really liked Splice. I hope there’s no hard feelings.”
Brody replied, “Well, there are,” MacFarlane told VICE.
Family Guy actually took a couple of shots at Brody over the years. In the 2010 Agatha Christie parody “And Then There Were Fewer,” news anchor Tom Tucker is suspected of murder.
At one point, police officer Joe Swanson (Patrick Warburton) apprehends Tucker and tells him, “When the movie of this story comes out, I’m gonna make sure Adrien Brody plays you.”
“I guess that means you don’t want anyone to see it,” Tucker responds, to everybody’s amusement.
An exceptionally unflattering portrayal of Brody popped up in “Friends Without Benefits” a couple of years down the line, featuring a movie theater scene where an unseen voice announces the upcoming feature, Adrien Brody Doing Sit-Ups in 3D.
Audience members promptly put on their 3D glasses while an oversized nose projects forward from the screen every single time Brody performs a sit-up.
During a conversation with Rob Lowe on his podcast, MacFarlane clarified that their encounter was actually prompted by the earlier joke rather than anything else.
MacFarlane also called the situation ironic because in reality he thinks Brody’s a “terrific actor.”
The creator of The Orville added that he regretted the interaction; though apparently not enough to stop himself from poking fun at Brody again later on.
“I would still work with Adrien Brody any day of the week,” MacFarlane said, adding that he thought Brody was “fabulous” and a “talented guy.”
