Why Rick From Queenpins Looks So Familiar

It has been overwhelming living during such a tumultuous time. Because of this, films and television have become even more important in the past year, providing an escape for all those affected by the pandemic. Though many genres have given viewers solace, one can argue that comedies are needed now more than ever — especially ones that threaten to make us laugh out loud. 

The newly released "Queenpins" might just do the job, especially since it deals with housewives who, rather than cook and clean, swindle a great number of people. The film follows Connie (Kristen Bell) and JoJo (Kirby Howell-Baptiste) as they run the scam of a lifetime, which happens to involve millions of dollars worth of coupons. 

Though many are familiar with Bell — if you're not, what the fork? — there are other faces that you might recognize but cannot place. This includes Connie's husband, Rick, who is portrayed by Joel McHale. Here is where you might have seen the actor prior to "Queenpins."

Those who see "Queenpins" might recognize Joel McHale as being the host of the E! Network show "The Soup" from 2004 to 2015. "The Soup" focused on various pop culture trends through recaps and clips alongside sarcastic commentary from McHale himself. 

"The Soup" had some regular chunks, including "Chat Stew" — which featured clips from talk shows — and "Reality Show Clip Time." When announcing the latter segment, which would show moments from popular unscripted programs, McHale would say the title in various ways and sometimes, would just yell in gibberish. There were also recurring jokes, such as McHale making fun of Ryan Seacrest in multiple ways and Spaghetti Cat randomly appearing and interacting with the host. 

Despite its popularity, "The Soup" was canceled in 2015 after 12 seasons, though McHale had previously extended his contract to 2016. In 2018, he hosted "The Joel McHale Show with Joel McHale" on Netflix, a sort-of spiritual successor to "The Soup" that also focused on the ridiculousness of pop culture. It was canceled after one season, according to Variety. The Soup returned in 2020 with new host Jade Catta-Preta, per Entertainment Weekly.

Joel McHale's biggest and most popular role is probably that of Jeff Winger in "Community," whom he played from 2009 to 2015. Jeff is a lawyer, who after being suspended from the state bar due to his lack of a bachelor's degree, is forced to enroll in Greendale Community College. He is sarcastic, outspoken, and manipulative, but changes under the influence of his peers and through his desire to help them. 

Despite Jeff's overconfidence, he deals with a lot of anxiety, particularly when it comes to the father who abandoned him. This is explored in greater detail as the series progresses, as seen when Jeff attacks Pierce (Chevy Chase) and eventually decides to meet his dad and half-brother. 

He eventually graduates in Season 4, but he is unable to create a successful law firm, and returns to Greendale to teach law. His new career is not without troubles, however, as he develops a drinking problem that continues through the show's finale. "Community" has been well-received, and fans continue to lobby for a film. There is little news as to when that will happen, but Yvette Nicole Brown, who played Shirley, says that she and her co-stars want it to happen (via Variety). 

Some might look at Joel McHale and think that they have seen him somewhere before, even if it was only for a few minutes. It might be a surprise for them to know they're not wrong; McHale had a small role in "Spider-Man 2," which happened to be his first movie appearance. 

He portrayed Mr. Jacks, a bank agent who has a meeting with Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) and Aunt May (Rosemary Harris) when the latter hopes to refinance her home. He rejects her loan and regrets to inform her that she won't be getting the free toaster either. 

Though the part is small, McHale gets a nice one-liner — "that boy of yours is a real hero" — when Peter runs out of the bank to change into his Spider-Man suit while Doctor Octopus (Alfred Molina) causes havoc during a bank robbery. Mr. Jacks also gets admonished by Aunt May when he tries to pocket a scattered gold coin, letting out a comical "ow!" 

Now that "Spider-Man: No Way Home" has opened the multiverse and brought old and new villains together, it would be hilarious if Mr. Jacks made an appearance and had another run-in with Doc Ock.