Debra Jo Rupp Movies
A prolific television actress who has also found success on the big screen, Debra Jo Rupp has endeared herself to audiences nationwide as the lovable mother on the retro television sitcom That '70s Show, a fact that may have never been had her parents been successful in dissuading her from a career in front of the cameras. Born in Glendale, CA, and raised in Massachusetts, Rupp knew early on that she longed for a life in the limelight, though her parents sent her to the University of Rochester in New York specifically because they didn't have a drama department. Despite their best efforts, a mere month after she was enrolled Rupp received a letter stating that the school would indeed be adding drama to the course listings and fate seemed to be working in her favor. After graduating in 1974, her professors advised her to seek out work in New York, and it wasn't long before she was shining under the bright lights of Broadway and making her film debut in the 1988 Tom Hanks comedy Big.Numerous television roles were quick to follow, and in addition to such small-screen efforts as The Odd Couple: Together Again (1993) and The Invaders (1995) Rupp's feature career continued to gain momentum with roles in Death Becomes Her (1992) and Sgt. Bilko (1996). Fans of The Jeff Foxworthy Show cold catch a glimpse of Rupp during the show's first season, and bit parts in Clockwatchers (1997) and Senseless (1998) only scratched the surface of her comedic talents. Though Rupp would later appear in the acclaimed HBO production From the Earth to the Moon (1998), it was her role as the effervescent mother in That '70s Show that truly tapped into her abilities as a comedic actress and served as the true launching point of her career. Voice work in the television series Teacher's Pet followed soon thereafter, and though the series would quickly be canceled, a feature-film version was quickly put into production due to the series' loyal fan base. By the dawn of the new millennium, Rupp was cast in a feature role in the comedy Lucky 13 (2000). In 2003 she would appear in the family film Spymate. Other television work has included recurring roles on such small-screen gems as Seinfeld and Friends.
Over the next several years, Rupp would remain active in films like She's Out of My League, and on TV shows like Better with You. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
An airport security guard gets involved with a girl who's very obviously of a higher caliber than himself, and schemes to make the relationship last as his friends and family watch along in disbelief. Kirk (Jay Baruchel) was languishing in a dead-end job as an airport security agent when he somehow managed to earn the affections of the successful and drop-dead gorgeous Molly (Alice Eve). Even Kirk isn't exactly sure what Molly sees in him, though he's willing to do whatever it takes to make the relationship work. With his friends, family, and ex-girlfriend all watching stunned from the sidelines, Kirk discovers that he'll have to work overtime in order to convince Molly that he's worth hanging on to. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jay Baruchel, Alice Eve, (more)
Rendered comatose for 20 years after a freak breakdancing accident, former child dancer Justin Schumacher (Jamie Kennedy) awakens from his extended repose with no motor skills and the mental capacity of a 12-year-old. So much has changed since Justin lapsed into a coma; not only have people stopped wearing parachute pants, the Internet has connected people in a manner that no child of the 1980s could have ever imagined. Dancing, however, is the one constant that remains as popular as ever. Upon discovering that his mountainous medical bills have drained mom and dad's bank account and the love of his life (Maria Menounos) is engaged to his lifelong nemesis (Michael Rosenbaum), the breakdancing Rip Van Winkle attempts to reassemble his former dance troupe in hopes of winning back the girl and saving his parents' failing yogurt shop. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jamie Kennedy, Miguel A. Nuñez Jr., (more)
It's a litter of good, clean canine fun as Air Bud plays proud papa to five adorable puppies with a most unusual secret in this installment of the long-running film series starring Michael Clark Duncan, Richard Karn, and Don Knotts. When young pups B-Dawg, Bud-Dha, RoseBud, MudBud, and Budderball learn that their parents are in danger, they leap into action with tails wagging to rescue mom and dad and reunite the family. Of course everyone knows about their talented father, but when these precious pups with the gift of gab come together to save the family, viewers of all ages will delight at the opportunity to finally discover just what goes on in the mind of man's best friend. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Patrick Cranshaw, Richard Karn, (more)
A guy takes one last shot at learning from his mistakes with women in this romantic comedy. Zach (Brad Hunt) has been in love with Abbey (Lauren Graham) as far back as he can remember. However, Zach is both shy and tragically inept around women, and has never had the nerve to tell her how he feels. When Zach learns that Abbey is moving away to pursue her career, he decides he has one last chance to win her over, so with the help of his even less romantically inclined buddy Bleckman (Harland Williams), Zach tracks down all of his former girlfriends to get a clearer picture of where he's gone wrong in the past, and how he might be able to win Abbey's heart. Lucky 13 also features John Doe, Debra Jo Rupp, and Brande Roderick. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Harland Williams, Lauren Graham, (more)
As season six of That '70s Show gets under way, Red Forman (Kurtwood Smith) is recovering from a heart attack, a state of affairs that has put a severe strain on his marriage to wife Kitty (Debra Jo Rupp). Meanwhile, Kitty and Red's son, Eric (Topher Grace), temporarily shelving plans to attend the University of Wisconsin, has asked "girl next door" Donna Pinciotti (Laura Prepon) to become his bride, even as Donna's divorced dad, Bob (Don Stark), terminates his relationship with his lady friend Joanne (it had been originally plan for Bob and Joanne to wed as well, but this plot development was dropped when the actress playing Joanne, Mo Gaffney, signed on to another series). Also, exchange student Fez (Wilmer Valderrama) has narrowly avoided deportation via a quickie marriage to Eric's sister, Laurie (who is now being played by Christina Moore). And in other events, Eric's pal Kelso (Ashton Kutcher) has entered the Police Academy, though his future career may be hampered by the fact that he has impregnated his current girlfriend, Brooke (Shannon Elizabeth); Kelso's former girlfriend Jackie (Mila Kunis) is not so sure about her present relationship with the moody Hyde (Danny Masterson); and Brooke Shields makes her first appearance as Jackie's mother, Pam, who has an implied "topless" scene halfway through the year. As the season draws to a close, the wedding of Donna and Eric may not come off due to an unforeseen development -- namely, the disappearance of the groom -- and Hyde is shocked to discover the identity of his real father. ~ Rovi
- Starring:
- Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, (more)
In the wacky Canadian family comedy Spymate, a superspy named Mike Muggins (Chris Potter boasts a most unusual sidekick: a gun-toting chimp in a three-piece suit named Minkey, who operates as one of the country's best undercover agents. Mike and Minkey must team-up to foil the baddies when a sinister villain, Dr. Farley (Richard Kind) kidnaps Mike's twelve-year-old daughter Amelia (Emma Roberts), a scientific wunderkind. When Farley plans to use an expanded version of Amelia's invention -- a groundbreaking chemical drill -- to take over the world, only Mike and his furry companion can thwart Farley's fiendish plot. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi
- Starring:
- Chris Potter, Richard Kind, (more)
Disney's animated feature Teacher's Pet is based on the award-winning ABC cartoon show created by artist Gary Baseman. Spot (voice of Nathan Lane) is a dog who wishes he was a real boy, like his master Leonard Helperman (voice of Shaun Flemming). He gets his wish when Leonard and his mom (voice of Debra Jo Rupp) decide to move to Florida. Spot seeks the help of Dr. Krank (voice of Kelsey Grammer), an evil scientist who experiments with turning animals into humans. Things inevitably go wrong with the procedure and Spot is turned into an old man. Leonard and his friends try to help Spot, who now goes by the name of Scott Leadready II. Teacher's Pet also features the voices of Jerry Stiller, David Ogden Stiers, and Wallace Shawn. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi
- Starring:
- Nathan Lane, Kelsey Grammer, (more)
Most of the cast of That '70s Show is still intact as the series launches its fifth season; the sole defector is Tommy Chong, who'd spent much of season four cast to type in the role of overaged hippie Leo. The season begins with a three-part story arc in which Donna Pinciotti (Laura Prepon), still nursing a broken heart over her breakup with Eric Forman (Topher Grace), elects to leave California and return to Wisconsin -- just as Eric, likewise mooning over his lost love, is en route to California in hopes of a reconciliation. Even after this situation is straightened out, events conspire to keep Eric and Donna apart, just when they need each other most. Meanwhile, Michael Kelso (Ashton Kutcher) dallies in California with a girl named Annette (Jessica Simpson). In other developments, Donna's friend Jackie Burkhart (Mila Kunis) is finally forced to choose between her boyfriends Kelso and Steve Hyde (Danny Masterson). Tom Poston and Betty White are introduced as the eternally squabbling parents of Eric's mother, Kitty (Debra Jo Rupp), who for a very brief time believes herself to be pregnant (it's actually menopause). And, at long last, feckless exchange student Fez (Wilmer Valderamma) loses his virginity to Nina (Joanna Canton), his boss at the DMV; unfortunately, this proves to be the apex of their relationship, and by season's end Nina has broken up with Fez, declaring that the poor boy is too "needy" to suit her tastes. In the final season-five episode, the younger characters prepare to graduate from high school -- all except Fez, who because of his participation in a senior prank, may well be deported to his own country. ~ Rovi
- Starring:
- Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, (more)
Series regular Tanya Roberts is conspicuous by her absence during season four of That '70s Show, while Tommy Chong is equally conspicuous by his omnipresence in the role of overaged hippie Leo. It is explained that Roberts' character, Midge Pinciotti, has left her husband, Bob (Don Stark), and has filed for divorce; meanwhile, funky Leo pops up at the oddest moments, at one point imaging that he is in love with Kitty Forman (Debra Jo Rupp), mother of the series' teenaged protagonist Eric Forman (Topher Grace). The season opens with Eric down in the dumps over his breakup with his girlfriend, Bob and Midge's daughter, Donna (Laura Prepon). This plot strand begins harmlessly enough with an extended parody of It's a Wonderful Life, but takes on darker dimensions as the tension between Eric and Donna splits the sympathies of their friends right down the middle. Elsewhere, Eric's pal Steve Hyde (Danny Masterson) manages to get back in the good graces of Eric's dad, Red (Kurtwood Smith), and moves back in to the Forman's basement; Bob Pinciotti tries to get over his shattered marriage by entering into a romance with a woman named Joanne (Mo Gaffney); and hapless exchange student Fez (Wilmer Valderamma) still hasn't lost his virginity. Highlight episodes include "Class Picture," in which Eric and his friends flash back to their first meeting, when all of them were second-graders; and the series' 100th installment, a tuneful fantasy titled "That '70s Musical." In the closing episode of season four, Donna splits with her present boyfriend and runs back to Eric, who feigns indifference. Alas, by the time Eric realizes what a mistake he has made by turning his back on his true love, a tearful Donna has left Wisconsin and is on her way to California. ~ Rovi
- Starring:
- Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, (more)
Season three of That '70s Show resolves the cliffhanger ending of season two, in which Steve Hyde (Danny Masterson) was arrested for pot possession and kicked out of the Forman household by outraged paterfamilias Red Forman (Kurtwood Smith). Even after it is revealed that Hyde was gallantly covering up for Jackie Burkhart (Mila Kunis), girlfriend of the clueless Mike Kelso (Ashton Kutcher), Red remains convinced that friends like Hyde and Kelso are bad influences for his son, Eric (Topher Grace), and begins lowering the boom discipline-wise -- at least, until he is gently talked out of his stand by his wife, Kitty (Debra Jo Rupp). And there's more to come in season three, as Hyde is reunited with his long-lost father, Bud (Robert Hays); Jackie and exchange student Fez (Wilmer Valderrama) win a roller-disco contest (it's the '70s, remember?); Red gets sued for firing a dopey employee (Robert Clendenin) at Pricemart, then finds that he can't shake the suer no matter where he goes; Jackie picks up a guy who turns out to be one of her mom's former boyfriends; Kitty begins getting the urge to become a mother again; Red undergoes a profound personality change after a near-death experience -- temporarily; Eric gets a tattoo during a drunken binge; Fez takes a trip across the Canadian border and is nearly deported as a result; and Eric's girlfriend, Donna (Laura Prepon), becomes "Hot Donna" when she takes a part-time job at a radio station. Other highlights include unexpected guest appearances by Ted Nugent and Monty Hall, and an episode titled "Too Old to Trick or Treat, Too Young to Die" which evolves into an all-inclusive, and very funny, Alfred Hitchcock spoof. But it's no laughing matter when, at the very end of season three, a disillusioned Donna and Eric decide to call off their romance. ~ Rovi
- Starring:
- Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, (more)
The second season of That '70s Show finds Lisa Robin Kelly becoming a regular in the heretofore recurring role of Laurie Forman, irresponsible sister of 1970s Wisconsin high schooler Eric Forman (Topher Grace). Having moved back into her parents' home after flunking out of college, Laurie has been dallying sexually with Eric's friend Michael Kelso (Ashton Kutcher), who in turn has been hiding these dalliances from his girlfriend, Jackie Burkhart (Mila Kunis). In addition to Eric, Laurie, and their parents, Red (Kurtwood Smith) and Kitty (Debra Jo Rupp), another of Eric's friends, the scruffy Steve Hyde (Danny Masterson) has been living in the Forman home ever since his mom deserted him. Throughout season two, Eric's romance with his lifelong friend (and next-door neighbor) Donna Pinciotti (Laura Prepon) waxes and wanes, then heats up considerably, causing Kitty to have a nervous breakdown when she discovers that Eric and Donna are having sex. In other developments, Laurie briefly causes her parents grief when she moves in with a married guy; Red Forman sells Eric's beloved Vista Cruiser as an indirect result of a serving of Hyde's "hash brownies"; unemployed throughout much of the season, Red lands a job as a supermarket manager, only to find himself the boss of his own son Eric; the marriage of Donna's parents, Bob (Don Stark) and Midge (Tanya Roberts), continues to disintegrate; and Eric's exchange-student pal, Fez (Wilmer Valderrama), remains a virgin, despite his most strenuous efforts to alter this condition. The season ends on a cliffhanger, as Hyde takes the rap when Jackie is caught with a stash of pot. ~ Rovi
- Starring:
- Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, (more)
The first season of That '70s Show largely took place in 1976, though references to Saturday Night Fever and Star Wars in the course of the season's 25 episodes indicated that there had been some incursion into 1977 territory (the series also quietly moved from a Sunday- to a Monday-night slot in mid-season). The action occurred in Point Place, WI, not far from Green Bay. The plots revolved around the exploits of a group of high-school juniors, led by the impulsive Eric Forman (Topher Grace). Usually found hanging out in the Forman basement, Eric's cohorts included his next-door-neighbor, childhood friend, and latterly sweetheart, foxy redhead Donna Pinciotti (Laura Prepon); his best buds Michael Kelso (Ashton Kutcher), the archetypal "dumb hunk," and Steven Hyde (Danny Masterson), conspiracy theorist supreme; Kelso's spoiled-brat girlfriend, Jackie Burkhart (Mila Kunis); and Fez (Wilmer Valderrama), a naïve and extremely pliable foreign-exchange student. There was also a full complement of grown-ups, foremost among them Eric's dad, Red Forman (Kurtwood Smith), who had a very low opinion of his son's friends and lifestyle, and Eric's mom, Kitty (Debra Jo Rupp), who wasn't quite as ditzy as she seemed (no one could be!). Both of the Formans worked: Red had a factory job which was downsized early in the season, while Kitty was a nurse. Next door to the Formans were Donna's parents, Bob and Midge Pinciotti (Don Stark, Tanya Roberts). Bob owned an appliance store where the semi-laid-off Red was occasionally employed as a clerk, while Midge was a stay-at-home wife and mother who was bored out of her gourd. Seen on a recurring basis was another "older" character, Eric's sister, Laurie (Lisa Robin Kelly), a freshman at the University of Wisconsin. As the season progressed, Bob and Midge Pinciotti drifted toward separation and divorce; Hyde's single mom (played in one episode by Katey Sagal) deserted him, prompting the boy to move in with Eric; and Laurie flunked out of school, came home, and tentatively began a sexual relationship with doltish Kelso. Although That '70s Show did not crack the Top 20 ratings-wise during its maiden season, the series was one of the most popular offerings of the Fox network. It also earned an Outstanding Costume Design Emmy award for the entry titled "That Disco Episode." ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, (more)
Penelope Spheeris directed this Marlon Wayans comedy, scripted by the Rocket Man team of Greg Erb and Craig Mazin. Saddled with several on and off-campus jobs, hard-working college student Darryl Witherspoon (Marlon Wayans) is aiming for a position with the Smythe-Bates brokerage firm, but twit Scott Thorpe has the right resumé and connections. A frat failure, Darryl also doesn't score at ice hockey. For extra cash, Darryl becomes a test subject for an experimental drug that heightens the senses by five times. The initial effect is a rectal irritation, but then Darryl finds his enhanced hearing enables him to pick up distant conversations, and his upgraded coordination improves his hockey game. However, an overdose literally leaves Darryl senseless, as he discovers only four of his five senses operative at any given time. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi
- Starring:
- Marlon Wayans, David Spade, (more)
- 1998
In this TV series, Boston police detective Sean McGrail (Jason Beghe) and public defender Annie Cornell (Moira Kelly) are an odd couple caught in a passionate love affair, and they're just as passionate when they clash. In their close-knit Irish neighborhood, they get plenty of advice, including caustic comments from Sean's mom Fiona (Fionnula Flanagan), his firefighter brother (Stephen Lee), and his other brothers (Jason Wiles, Stephen Largay), also cops. The opening episode sets up an improbable situation that has Annie in the courtroom grilling her hubby-to-be about thong underwear and strippers. Filmed in L.A., this romantic comedy-drama premiered September 30, 1998 on CBS. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi
- Starring:
- Moira Kelly, Jason Beghe, (more)
- 1998
As indicated by its title, this is the 100th episode of Friends. It is also the episode in which Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) finally gives birth to the triplets she has been carrying on behalf of Frank Jr. (Giovanni Ribisi) and his wife, Alice (Debra Jo Rupp). While the gang anxiously awaits the arrival of the "replacement" obstetrician, Joey (Matt LeBlanc) experiences sympathy pains (or is it pangs?) along with Phoebe. As the big moment arrives, Phoebe makes a momentous decision. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1998
Pregnant Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) is unprepared to pick names for the unborn triplets -- not even one of them. She finally comes up with a name that is bound to please one of her friends and upset another. Meanwhile, Emily (Helen Baxendale) offers to take Susan (Jessica Hecht) on a tour of London, driving Ross (David Schwimmer) to distraction because Susan originally stole his ex-wife, Carol, away from him. But what does this all have to do with Rachel's (Jennifer Aniston) new dress -- or with her boyfriend Joshua's (Tate Donovan) fear of barnyard birds? ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1998
Chandler (Matthew Perry) and Joey (Matt LeBlanc) have trouble divesting themselves of the free porno channel that has popped up on their TV. When Ross (David Schwimmer) tells Emily (Helen Baxendale) that he loves her, the result is a round-robin of international plane flights and missed connections. And the artificially inseminated Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) discovers that she is carrying triplets -- news that nearly sends the babies' real parents Frank Jr. (Giovanni Ribisi) and Alice (Debra Jo Rupp) into a state of shock (after all, Frank Jr. may now have to drop out of refrigerator college). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1998
Launching a story thread that would ultimately dominate most of Friends' fourth season, Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) contemplates granting the wishes of her half-brother, Frank Jr. (Giovanni Ribisi), and his wife, Alice (Debra Jo Rupp) -- namely, that Phoebe carry their child in her uterus. In other developments, Joey (Matt LeBlanc) is subjected to class discrimination while working as a tour guide at Ross' (David Schwimmer) museum. And Chandler (Matthew Perry) wonders if he will be able to measure up to Joey in his relationship with Joey's former girlfriend Kathy (Paget Brewster). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1997
Having gone back to smoking, Chandler (Matthew Perry) tries all sorts of things to quit, including a hypnosis tape (from the episode of the same title). Meanwhile, Monica's (Courteney Cox) date yields unexpected results. And Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) finds out that her half-brother Frank Jr. (Giovanni Ribisi) is in love -- and she's none too pleased with the woman in his life. Jon Favreau and Debra Jo Rupp make their first series appearances as Pete and Alice, respectively. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1997
Tess (Della Reese) serves as counsel for the defense when farmer Justinian Jones (John DeLancie) brings about a class-action lawsuit--against God. Speaking on behalf of his neighbors in a dying, drought-stricken South Dakota community, Jones holds the Almighty totally responsible for their plight, and demands immediate "payment" for their undue suffering. Perhaps inevitably, Monica (Roma Downey) is called in as an expert witness, but even this does not resolve the crisis. In the end, it looks as if God Himself will have to take a hand in matters...but will He? ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Four women reflect on their lowly place in the corporate caste system in this dryly satiric comedy. Iris (Toni Collette) is a college graduate who hasn't decided what she wants to do with her life, except that she doesn't want the job her father has lined up for her at a frozen food company. While pretending to look for other work, she signs on with a temp agency, which sends her out to do office work for Global Credit, a particularly faceless corporation where the permanent employees go out of their way to avoid the temps. Iris is very much aware that she's at the bottom rung at Global, and she bonds with three other women in the temp pool. Paula (Lisa Kudrow) talks about her career as an actress and insists that she will only temp until one of her auditions pans out. Jane (Alanna Ubach) prattles on about her wealthy fiancé, although her friends are convinced that he's cheating on her. And Margaret (Parker Posey) is at once the rebel of the group, regarding her job and general office procedure with a barely disguised contempt, and the one who most desperately wants a "real" job with Global. When office supplies and various personal items start to disappear, all signs point to one of the temp workers (most likely Margaret), though none will own up to any wrongdoing. Clockwatchers was the directorial debut for filmmaker Jill Sprecher, who co-wrote the screenplay with her sister Karen Sprecher. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Toni Collette, Parker Posey, (more)
- 1996
Ordered to abstain from sex during the six weeks that his girlfriend is recovering from mono, George (Jason Alexander) finds that he has developed hyper-intelligence. Conversely, Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) grows progressively stupider while helping out her boyfriend, an aspiring doctor. Jerry (Jerry Seinfeld) has to develop a two-hour act for an appearance at a junior high school. And Kramer (Michael Richards) transforms his apartment into a non-PC smoking lounge -- and ultimately seeks out the counsel of Jackie Chiles (Phil Morris) when the tobacco has an adverse effect on his looks. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The classic 1955-59 sitcom The Phil Silvers Show (also known as "You'll Never Get Rich" in its first few episodes) became this high concept comedy with an all-star cast. Steve Martin stars as U.S. Army Master Sergeant Ernest G. Bilko, a conniving motor pool supervisor who uses his position to finance various get-rich-quick schemes, including illegal gambling, at a Kansas military base. His commanding officer, Colonel Hall (Dan Aykroyd) is mostly oblivious to Bilko's antics. Trouble arrives when the master sergeant's old rival, Major Thorn (Phil Hartman), appears. It seems that Thorn, the butt of several past Bilko capers, is eager to settle the score by spearheading a review of Bilko's records and stealing away his fiancée Rita (Glenne Headley), who may have been left at the altar one too many times. At the same time, military engineer Major Ebersole (Austin Pendleton) is testing a new high-tech "hover tank" that may not be quite ready for deployment. Directed by light comedy specialist Jonathan Lynn, who brought a similar touch to My Cousin Vinny (1992) and Greedy (1994), the updated Sgt. Bilko costarred Cathy Silvers, daughter of the TV show's late star, as Lieutenant Monday. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi
- Starring:
- Steve Martin, Dan Aykroyd, (more)
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