It received positive reviews from critics, with Carell being highlighted for his performance, and grossed over $177 million worldwide on a $26 million budget. The film was released theatrically in the United States on August 19, 2005, through Universal Pictures. Filming took place in Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley, California, from January to April 2005. It was based on a sketch Carell created with The Second City where a man aged 40 hides a secret. Watching Carell's performance in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) inspired Apatow to cast him in the lead role for the film, and they wrote The 40-Year-Old Virgin together. Paul Rudd, Romany Malco, and Seth Rogen play co-workers who resolve to help him lose his virginity, and Catherine Keener stars as Andy's love interest, Trish. It features Steve Carell as the titular 40-year-old virgin Andy, an employee at an electronics store. The 40-Year-Old Virgin is a 2005 American romantic comedy film directed by Judd Apatow, who produced the film with Clayton Townsend and Shauna Robertson.
