Cast and Crew of The Hangover

The Hangover

"The Hangover" was released in 2009 and quickly became a commercial and critical success. Audiences praised its sharp humor, unpredictable plot, and the dynamic performances from Bradley Cooper as Phil Wenneck and Ed Helms as Stu Price. The film's raucous depiction of a wild bachelor party in Las Vegas resonated with viewers, making it a standout comedy of its time. Over the years, "The Hangover" has maintained a positive reputation and is often regarded as a comedy classic of the 2000s. While some of its humor might feel a bit dated in the context of contemporary sensibilities, its influence on the genre and memorable moments keep it fondly remembered. It is best described as a cult classic that continues to enjoy popularity among fans of adult comedy.

Main Cast of The Hangover

Bradley Cooper as Phil Wenneck

Bradley Cooper

Phil Wenneck
Bradley Cooper played the role of Phil Wenneck in the 2009 comedy 'The Hangover.' His performance was widely praised for its comedic timing and charm, bringing a blend of cool confidence and hilarious vulnerability to the character. What made his portrayal unique was his ability to balance the wild, party-going bachelor vibe with moments of genuine concern and leadership within the chaotic group dynamics. A lesser-known fact about Cooper's involvement is that during filming, he and the cast actually visited Las Vegas to soak up the city's atmosphere, which helped them bring authenticity to their roles. Additionally, Cooper's chemistry with co-stars Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms was crucial in elevating the film's humor and making the ensemble cast so memorable.
Ed Helms as Stu Price

Ed Helms

Stu Price
In 'The Hangover,' Ed Helms plays Stu Price, a mild-mannered dentist who unexpectedly becomes embroiled in the wild and chaotic aftermath of a bachelor party in Las Vegas. This role marked a significant shift in Helms's career, showcasing his ability to blend physical comedy with a neurotic charm, contrasting with his earlier more subdued or supporting roles, such as his work on 'The Office.' Helms's performance stood out for its balance of humor and vulnerability, contributing to the film's dynamic ensemble and propelling him into the spotlight as a leading comedic actor. Compared to his previous work, Stu Price allowed Helms to explore a broader comedic range and solidify his place in mainstream comedy cinema.
Zach Galifianakis as Alan Garner

Zach Galifianakis

Alan Garner
Zach Galifianakis played the character Alan Garner in the 2009 comedy film 'The Hangover.' His performance was widely praised for its quirky and deadpan humor, which brought a unique charm to the film. Galifianakis's portrayal of Alan, a socially awkward and unpredictable character, stood out as one of the most memorable aspects of the movie, contributing significantly to its success. One lesser-known fact about his involvement is that much of his dialogue was improvised; Galifianakis enjoyed adding spontaneous, offbeat lines that enhanced the authenticity and unpredictability of his character, which delighted both the cast and crew on set.
Justin Bartha as Doug Billings

Justin Bartha

Doug Billings
Fans of Justin Bartha might enjoy his role as Doug Billings in 'The Hangover' because he portrays the relatable and often comically exasperated friend whose disappearance sparks the movie's chaotic adventure. Unlike his more iconic performance as Riley Poole in 'National Treasure,' where he plays a tech-savvy and witty sidekick, Doug's character is more grounded and serves as the catalyst around which the wild story unfolds. An interesting detail about his casting is that Bartha was originally considered for a more comedic, less straight-laced role, but he advocated to portray Doug as the 'everyman,' which added a fresh dynamic to the ensemble and helped balance the film's humor with heart.
Heather Graham as Jade

Heather Graham

Jade
Heather Graham delivers a vibrant and memorable performance as Jade in 'The Hangover,' bringing a mix of allure and humor that perfectly complements the film's chaotic and comedic tone. Compared to her roles in more dramatic films like 'Boogie Nights' or romantic comedies such as 'Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me,' Graham's portrayal in 'The Hangover' showcases her comedic timing and ability to engage audiences in a lighthearted ensemble cast. An interesting trivia fact: Heather Graham actually dyed her hair blonde specifically for the role of Jade, marking a distinct look from her usual appearances.
Sasha Barrese as Tracy Garner

Sasha Barrese

Tracy Garner
In the movie 'The Hangover,' Sasha Barrese played the role of Tracy Billings, who is the fiancée of Ed Helms' character, Stu Price. Her character serves as a grounding force and a source of emotional stability amidst the chaos of the film's wild bachelor party storyline. This role stands out in Barrese's career as it placed her in a major, widely successful comedy that gained significant cultural popularity. Compared to her earlier work, which often included smaller parts or roles in less mainstream projects, her performance in 'The Hangover' brought her greater visibility and showcased her comedic timing in a high-profile ensemble cast.
Jeffrey Tambor as Sid Garner

Jeffrey Tambor

Sid Garner

Crew of The Hangover

Full backstage crew list →