After he left USC, Judd Apatow roomed with Sandler. Apatow did some uncredited rewrites for him and co-wrote “You Don’t Mess With the Zohan” before casting him in “Funny People.” (Ethan Miller / Getty Images)
With Carell, Apatow co-wrote “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” which transformed the one-time “Daily Show” correspondent, into a major comedy superstar. Carell later made a cameo appearance in “Knocked Up.” (Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)
When Ferrell shopped “Anchorman,” comedy manager Jimmy Miller recommended Apatow, who also produced “Talladega” and “Stepbrothers.” (Richard Drew / Associated Press)
Apatow co-wrote and co-executive produced the 1992 sketch comedy show “The Ben Stiller Show.” He also produced and did an uncredited rewrite on Stiller’s directorial effort “The Cable Guy.” (Stephen Shugerman / Getty Images)
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Apatow emceed for Carrey’s comedy act and helped the comic craft his stand-up and talk show performances. He produced “Cable Guy” and co-wrote “Fun With Dick and Jane.” (Evan Agostini / Getty Images)
