Recently, Ed Helms made a memorable appearance on SiriusXM’s “The Place Everyone Knows Your Name” podcast, which is skillfully hosted by Ted Danson. During the conversation, he shared his feelings of anxiety regarding his parents watching “The Hangover,” the blockbuster 2009 R-rated comedy film directed by Todd Phillips. This film notably paired Helms with Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifianakis in leading roles. Helms articulated that his upbringing made participating in a movie like “The Hangover” a completely wild and unexpected choice for his family.

Helms explained, “I grew up in a kind of repressed Southern home. Politically, very progressive, but still a very socially conservative atmosphere.” This background made the outrageous nature of “The Hangover” a stark contrast to his upbringing. He added, “That’s not what they raised me to do; to be in a film like ‘The Hangover.’” At that point, his parents had witnessed him perform in various comedic roles on shows like “The Daily Show” and “The Office,” which had already established some level of acceptance. Nevertheless, Helms admitted he felt nervous about their reaction to “The Hangover.”

By the time “The Hangover” hit theaters, Helms had already achieved significant fame as a television star due to his role as a correspondent on “The Daily Show” from 2002 to 2006, in addition to his memorable character, Andy Bernard, on “The Office,” which premiered in 2006. His established background in comedy undoubtedly contributed to the film’s success.

“I was about 35 when that film came out, and I’m still nervous about my parents,” Helms humorously remarked to Danson, highlighting the often relatable feeling of wanting parental approval, regardless of age or success in one’s career. This candidness added a layer of authenticity to his experience, resonating with many listeners who may have faced similar situations.

Ultimately, Helms decided to bring his parents to the premiere of “The Hangover,” as it marked a significant moment in his career, being his first leading role in a major studio comedy. He recounted the emotional moment: “I’m sitting next to my mom, the lights come up, and she’s crying. Tears streaming down her face, and for a second, I’m like, ‘Did I just break my poor mother’s heart?’” However, she reassured him, saying, “That was so funny,” followed by an enormous hug. Helms emphasized how unforgettable and special that experience was for him.

He concluded by stating, “The Hangover was such a pivotal moment in my career, in my life, and for my mom to be all in on it, it meant so much.” This sentiment captures not only the impact of the film on his professional trajectory but also the personal significance it held for him and his family.

“The Hangover” quickly transformed into a cultural phenomenon, grossing an impressive $469 million globally, which made it the highest-grossing R-rated film at the time of its release. Its success led to the creation of a trilogy, with Helms and his co-stars reprising their roles in the sequels: 2011’s “The Hangover Part II,” which earned $586 million, and 2013’s “The Hangover Part III,” which brought in $362 million worldwide. In a 2023 interview on The New Yorker Radio Hour, Cooper expressed his willingness to return for future installments of the series.

“I’d probably do ‘Hangover 4’ instantly,” Cooper stated enthusiastically, citing his strong affection for Todd Phillips, Zach Galifianakis, and Ed Helms. His desire to collaborate again with such talented individuals reflects the camaraderie and connection formed during their time together in the original films.

However, Cooper expressed skepticism about the likelihood of a fourth “Hangover” film being made, noting that Todd Phillips has since moved on to larger budget projects, such as the critically acclaimed “Joker” films. As Cooper put it, “I don’t think Todd’s ever going to do that.” This insight into Phillips’ evolving career emphasizes the shifting landscape of the film industry and the challenges of revisiting past successes.