Seth Rogen's Congressional Alzheimer's Testimony Is Goddamn Delightful

Yesterday, Seth Rogen testified before a Senate subcommittee, pleading for more awareness of and support for Alzheimer’s research. It was — like most things Rogen does — endearing as hell. But unlike the characters Rogen typically plays, it was also brave, altruistic, and kind of badass.

Rogen says during the testimony that before Alzheimer’s affected him personally, he didn’t really think about it. But that all changed when his then-girlfriend, actress Lauren Miller (she’s now his wife; they’ve been together for 9 years which is so adorable) told him that her mother, in her mid-50’s, was suffering from early onset Alzheimer’s. The pair founded a charity that aims to raise awareness and reduce stigma of the disease, and now, here he is, just a regular old guy who looks like he doesn’t know how to iron shirts charming the pants off of Senators with jokes about House of Cards and Taco Bell. What a country.

In fact, I found Rogen’s testimony so compelling — passionate yet accessible, welcoming rather than alienating — that I started imagining him running for public office. Imagine Seth Rogen delivering a weekly Presidential address.

My fellow Americans: Um, hey guys. I… (fumbles with notes)… I can’t believe I’m here today addressing the 30% of the country who actually voted for me. I had no idea I had that many relatives and people who owe me money. (takes drink of water during laugh break) As you can tell, this country’s a little fucked up. And I don’t know if I’m the guy to fix it, but I’m going to try. Or I’m going to blame my Vice President, who we all know is plotting something. Come on. A guy with ties that perfect has to be a cyborg. (shifts in seat, glances down shyly) Anyway. Keep on keepin’ on, and thanks for being so cool to me.

But Rogen didn’t stop with producing six of the most entertaining minutes about a debilitating brain disease ever aired on C-SPAN; today, he began shaming Senators who skipped his hearing, remarking on Twitter and on CNN that poor attendance from subcommittee members indicated that Alzheimer’s research and support was a low priority. Only two Senators attended.