Inside With: Rachel Tipograph, Judah Friedlander's Personal Assistant

We got an email a few weeks ago from [email protected] and the immediate reaction was, "Is she the webmaster of or something??" It turned out, she does more than lord over his website--she's Judah's personal assistant! The next reaction was, "Whoa! That's a neat gig! Tell us everything!" Meet Rachel Tipograph, assistant to actor/comedian, .
How did you get the job? Did he sense a World Champion quality about you?
I met Judah on 2nd Avenue late one night during November 2005. I'm still unsure what came over me that night, but I decided to instruct him on how to reach a younger audience through the Web. Now this was before NY Magazine's expose on blogs and the YouTube explosion, so Judah was impressed. And ever since, I've been working with him.
Describe a typical day as Judah Friedlander's personal assistant.
That's the thing; I don't follow the typical 'personal assistant' sidekick role. I don't wake him up in the morning, or travel to the 30 Rock set, or answer his cell when his mom calls. What I do, however, is primarily project based: Promote gigs he's doing, seek out interview opportunities, brainstorm innovative add-ons for his website, videotape performances, etc. But every once in awhile I wouldn't mind accompanying him to a film set or awards show (hint hint, Judah).
What is the usual reaction when you tell people what you do and who you work for?
Most people shrug it off because I'm known for finding myself in unusual situations or they react with, "Really? You serious?" But ever since
30 Rock
, the Judah Friedlander name carries a lot of clout. So that's cool. I feel empowered.
Does he ever make you organize his trucker hats? Or shop for new trucker hats?
Nah. For some reason, I think he has only a few trucker hats. And a blue knit cap. Judah is not one for extravagance. But I do know he has boxes of 'World Champion' trucker hats for sale,
If we were a celebrity, we would be concerned that our assistant is in it solely for the tell-all book deal. Is that an accurate assumption?
I'm sure it is, but that's not my intention at all. I'm a full time student at NYU and I also intern at Saturday Night Live. When I met Judah, I knew this could be my 'in' into the entertainment world. And Judah is really supportive of all my endeavors. I don't know what will come of my assistanceship with Judah--a tell-all book deal or more serious responsibilities with him--but I'm really glad I opened my mouth that night on 2nd Avenue.
You can find Rachel pulling levers behind , a site where the calendar is ALWAYS accurate. If Judah is not coming to your city, college, or rec center, shoot her an email ([email protected]) and she'll make it happen.
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