Judd Apatow has praised rapper Eminem's cameo in his new movie Funny People.
Eminem, real name Marshall Mathers, makes an appearance in the movie as himself alongside a string of comedy talent including Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen and Leslie Mann.
The rapper won critical acclaim for his role in autobiographical movie 8 Mile in 2002, but he put his budding acting career on hold to focus on his music.
Speaking to MTV the director said: "He was a fantastic actor, and the best moments ever in my career were pitching him new jokes to say and making him laugh really hard.
"He came early and well prepared. I think he felt like, 'I'm entering a world of comedy here. I got to be on my game'. He was really funny, willing to say anything. I thought if I pitched him certain jokes, he'd say, 'No, no, that's too far'.
"Apparently, you can't shock Eminem with anything you have to say. To make him laugh super hard was really, really fun, and he's great in the movie. I'm glad that his scene kills, and so it's really exciting."
The movie follows George, a very successful stand up comedian who learns that he has an untreatable blood disorder and is given less than a year to live.
Ira is a struggling up-and-coming stand up comedian who works at a deli and has yet to figure out his onstage persona.
Funny People is released 28th August.
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