Released in 2008, The House Bunny quickly became a cult favorite, blending humor, charm, and a heartwarming underdog story. The film, directed by Fred Wolf, tells the tale of Shelley Darlingson, a former Playboy bunny who, after being ousted from the Playboy Mansion, finds a new calling as the house mother of a struggling sorority. With a unique cast that expertly combines comedy veterans with rising stars, The House Bunny showcases a range of talent that contributed to the film’s endearing legacy. This article will delve into the cast of The House Bunny, highlighting their roles in the movie and exploring their careers both before and after the film’s release The House Bunny Cast
1. Anna Faris as Shelley Darlingson
Anna Faris is no stranger to comedy, and her role as Shelley Darlingson, the bubbly and clueless former Playboy bunny, is one of her most iconic performances. In The House Bunny, Shelley embodies the quintessential ‘fish out of water’ character as she navigates life outside the Playboy Mansion and attempts to help the socially awkward Zeta Alpha Zeta sorority gain popularity and save their house.
Anna Faris: Early Career and Rise to Fame
Before The House Bunny, Faris was already well-known for her comedic chops, particularly in the Scary Movie franchise where she played Cindy Campbell. Her ability to combine slapstick comedy with an endearing sense of vulnerability made her a favorite in the parody genre. Faris’ early roles also included appearances in Lost in Translation (2003), where she portrayed a ditzy actress, and Just Friends (2005), opposite Ryan Reynolds, in which she played an exaggerated version of a pop star.
Post-House Bunny Career
After The House Bunny, Faris continued to establish herself as one of Hollywood’s go-to comedic actresses. She starred in movies like What’s Your Number? (2011) and The Dictator (2012). In 2013, she took on a lead role in the CBS sitcom Mom, where she played Christy Plunkett, a recovering alcoholic trying to get her life back on track. The show was a major success and ran for eight seasons, with Faris earning praise for her performance. Although she left Mom before its final season, Faris’ work on the show cemented her status as a versatile actress capable of tackling both comedy and drama.
2. Emma Stone as Natalie Sandler
Emma Stone played Natalie Sandler, one of the awkward and shy Zeta sisters who, under Shelley’s guidance, transforms into a confident young woman. Natalie is portrayed as the most level-headed of the group and is the sorority’s president. Her character arc, like many others in the movie, revolves around finding self-confidence and embracing individuality The House Bunny Cast
Emma Stone: Early Career and Breakthrough
Before The House Bunny, Stone was on the verge of her breakout in Hollywood. She had appeared in Superbad (2007), a hit comedy that gave her initial recognition as a comedic actress. Stone’s sarcastic humor and down-to-earth persona made her a standout, and her role in The House Bunny was another stepping stone in her rapid rise to fame.
Post-House Bunny Success
Following The House Bunny, Emma Stone’s career skyrocketed. In 2009, she starred in Zombieland alongside Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson, which was a massive box office success. However, it was her leading role in Easy A (2010) that truly established her as an A-list star. Stone’s portrayal of Olive Penderghast, a high school student navigating the rumors of her own promiscuity, earned her a Golden Globe nomination and cemented her place in the comedy genre.
From there, Stone diversified her portfolio, taking on more dramatic roles. In 2011, she starred in The Help, which was a critical and commercial success. Her performance in Birdman (2014) earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, and in 2017, she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in La La Land. Stone’s career has continued to thrive, with roles in The Favourite (2018) and Cruella (2021).
3. Kat Dennings as Mona
Kat Dennings plays Mona, the rebellious and cynical Zeta sister who is initially skeptical of Shelley’s bubbly demeanor. Mona’s journey in the film is one of embracing her softer side and learning to open up to the idea of friendship and camaraderie The House Bunny Cast
Kat Dennings: Pre-House Bunny Career
Kat Dennings began her career in the early 2000s with guest roles on TV shows like Sex and the City and Raising Dad. Her breakout role came in 2008 with Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, where she played Norah, the sardonic love interest opposite Michael Cera. Dennings’ sharp wit and deadpan delivery made her stand out in Hollywood as an actress with a unique comedic voice.
Post-House Bunny Career
After The House Bunny, Dennings continued to make a name for herself with roles in films like Defendor (2009) and Daydream Nation (2010). However, her most significant success came with the CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls, which ran from 2011 to 2017. Dennings played Max Black, a street-smart waitress who teams up with Caroline Channing (Beth Behrs) to start a cupcake business. The show was a hit, and Dennings’ portrayal of Max became one of her most recognizable roles.
In addition to her TV work, Dennings joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Darcy Lewis in Thor (2011) and reprised the role in Thor: The Dark World (2013) and the Disney+ series WandaVision (2021). Her ability to balance comedic and dramatic performances has made her a versatile actress in Hollywood.
4. Rumer Willis as Joanne
Rumer Willis, the daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, plays Joanne, the shy and introverted Zeta sister who hides behind a back brace for much of the movie. Joanne’s transformation is one of the most dramatic, as she gains confidence under Shelley’s tutelage and eventually sheds her insecurities, both metaphorically and literally The House Bunny Cast
Rumer Willis: Early Career
Rumer Willis made her film debut in Now and Then (1995), alongside her mother, Demi Moore. She continued to act in small roles throughout the early 2000s, including parts in Hostage (2005) and The House Bunny (2008). Willis was also known for her appearances on reality TV, including Dancing with the Stars, which she won in 2015.
Post-House Bunny Career
After The House Bunny, Rumer Willis continued to act in both film and television. She appeared in movies like Sorority Row (2009) and had guest spots on popular TV shows like 90210 and Pretty Little Liars. In addition to her acting career, Willis pursued a career in music, showcasing her singing abilities on Dancing with the Stars and in various live performances.
Willis also took on a recurring role in Empire (2017), where she played Tory Ash, a musician battling addiction. Her work on Empire allowed her to showcase both her acting and singing talents, proving that she could handle more serious, dramatic roles The House Bunny Cast
5. Katharine McPhee as Harmony
Katharine McPhee, best known for her musical talents, plays Harmony, one of the Zeta sisters who is reserved and insecure. McPhee’s character in the movie, like the others, undergoes a transformation, gaining self-confidence with the help of Shelley and the other Zetas.
Katharine McPhee: Rise to Fame
McPhee first gained fame as a contestant on American Idol, where she finished as the runner-up in the fifth season in 2006. Her powerful voice and stage presence made her a fan favorite, and she quickly transitioned into a recording career. McPhee released her self-titled debut album in 2007, which featured the hit single “Over It.”
Post-House Bunny Career
After The House Bunny, McPhee continued to pursue both music and acting. In 2012, she starred in the NBC musical drama Smash, where she played Karen Cartwright, a young actress competing for the lead role in a Broadway musical. The show was a success, and McPhee’s performance earned her critical acclaim for her vocal and acting abilities.
In addition to her work on Smash, McPhee has released several albums, including Hysteria (2015) and I Fall in Love Too Easily (2017). She also starred in the CBS drama Scorpion from 2014 to 2018, playing Paige Dineen, a single mother who works with a team of genius problem-solvers The House Bunny Cast
6. Colin Hanks as Oliver
Colin Hanks, the son of Hollywood icon Tom Hanks, plays Oliver, Shelley’s love interest in The House Bunny. Oliver is a kind-hearted and socially conscious guy who works at a retirement home, and his grounded personality contrasts with Shelley’s over-the-top demeanor.
Colin Hanks: Early Career
Colin Hanks began his career in the late 1990s with roles in TV shows like Roswell and films like Orange County (2002). He quickly established himself as a talented actor capable of both comedic and dramatic roles, though he often played the “nice guy” archetype, as seen in The House Bunny.
Post-House Bunny Career
After The House Bunny, Hanks continued to build a successful career in both film and television. He appeared in movies like The Great Buck Howard (2008) and High School (2010), as well as TV shows like Mad Men, where he had a recurring role as Father John Gill.
Hanks’ most notable work post-House Bunny came in the form of his television roles. He starred in the critically acclaimed Fargo series (2014), where he played Gus Grimly, a small-town cop caught up in a criminal conspiracy. His performance earned him widespread praise and an Emmy nomination. Hanks has continued to take on diverse roles in both comedy and drama, showing his range as an actor.
7. Hugh Hefner as Himself
One of the most iconic cameos in The House Bunny is Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy, playing himself. In the film, Hefner plays a key role in Shelley’s life, as she views the Playboy Mansion as her home and Hefner as a father figure.
Hugh Hefner: A Cultural Icon
Hugh Hefner founded Playboy magazine in 1953 and built it into a global empire. He became known for his luxurious lifestyle and the Playboy Mansion, which became synonymous with the brand. Throughout his life, Hefner was a controversial figure, celebrated for promoting sexual freedom but also criticized for objectifying women.
Legacy
Hefner’s cameo in The House Bunny is one of many pop culture appearances he made throughout his life. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 91, leaving behind a complex legacy that continues to be debated.
Supporting Cast
While the main cast of The House Bunny are the driving forces of the film, there are several supporting characters who add to the charm and humor of the movie.
- Beverly D’Angelo as Mrs. Hagstrom: D’Angelo plays the house director of a rival sorority, Phi Iota Mu, and serves as the primary antagonist in the film. Her character is determined to see the Zetas fail.
- Tyson Ritter as Colby: Ritter, the lead singer of the band The All-American Rejects, plays Colby, a college student who is one of the love interests for the Zeta girls.
- Christopher McDonald as Dean Simmons: McDonald plays the dean of the university, who ultimately helps Shelley and the Zetas in their fight to keep their house.
Conclusion
The House Bunny stands out not only for its comedic plot and heartfelt moments but also for its exceptional cast, who brought the quirky characters to life. From Anna Faris’ iconic portrayal of Shelley to the breakout performances of Emma Stone and Kat Dennings, the ensemble cast played a crucial role in the film’s success. Each actor, whether a seasoned star or an up-and-coming talent at the time, contributed to the film’s unique blend of humor, charm, and heart. Today, The House Bunny remains a beloved comedy, and the careers of its cast continue to thrive in Hollywood.
