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There's something very endearing about the Hollywood actor Paul Rudd. Whether it's his boyish good looks, or the oft-goofy characters he represents, he just seems very likeable.
So it was no surprise that the father of two stepped in to offer some support to a young 12-year-old boy called Brody who had an empty yearbook when only two friends and one teacher signed it.
His mom, Cassandra Ridder, was understandably upset for her son, who had already experienced bullying at school, and took to social media to share his story and shine a light on this sort of harassment. After all, the way kids are bullied comes in so many different forms, and being excluded can be so painful.
As Ridder shared with The Washington Post, "That people would tell him no and deny him a signature, it just hurt my heart."
And it was equally heart-breaking that the 6th grader wrote in his own yearbook, "I hope you make more friends -- Brody Ridder."
At first the story was shared among small parenting groups. Then a 17-year-old student, Joanna Cooper, found out about Brody's empty yearbook. "I’m going to get people and we’re going to sign his yearbook. No kid deserves to feel like that," shared the 11th grader.
So she gathered friends to go to Brody's school and fill the pages of his yearbook with their signatures. Thankfully, older students in Brody's school also decided to take action and sign the youngster's book.
With all the older children offering their help, the news quickly caught the eye of Rudd. The Ant-Man star sent a package of Marvel goodies to the bullied youngster, as well as a letter, as Ridder shared on her Facebook account.
It was great talking to you the other day. It’s important to remember that even when life is tough that things get better. There are so many people that love you and think you’re the coolest kid there is ― me being one of them! I can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’re going to accomplish. Your pal Paul"
Rudd also wrote in a helmet he sent to the young boy, "To my good friend Brody, for when he takes on the world!" Adorably, the two texted each other: Brody shared with Rudd that he was his favorite superhero. and in true Rudd style, he simple answered: "And you're mine."
It is always lovely when stars take time out to lend their support and encouragement. And while Rudd may have been awarded with People's "Sexiest Man Alive" title in 2021, it is more his caring heart that makes him so attractive.
Yet, it doesn't come as a surprise that the Marvel hero would help young Brody. The family man is also an advocate of the Stuttering Association for the Young, having taken on the role of a person with a stutter in a play. And he also is founder of The Big Slick charity, which sponsors an annual sporting event to raise money for Kansas City's Children's Mercy Hospital.
Hopefully, with Rudd as his new friend, Brody will start the next school year a little less lonely, and hopefully his classmates can learn from their mistakes and embrace those who are on the sidelines.
