Movies - TV
How Revenge Of The Nerds Landed Bradley Whitford His Role In The West Wing
By JEFF KELLY
“Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise” may not be a movie many remember fondly, if at all, but the film did have a surprising influence on one of the greatest TV series: “The West Wing.” If not for the forgettable college adventure, Bradley Whitford may not have had a chance to play Josh Lyman, a role that brought the actor an Emmy for his performance.
As the sleazy villain in “Revenge of the Nerds II,” Whitford made a connection with fellow actor Timothy Busfield that would lead to him later on meeting Aaron Sorkin. Busfield, who played Poindexter in the "Revenge of the Nerds" franchise, worked with Sorkin in his Broadway production of “A Few Good Men” several years after “Nerds II” hit theaters.
Whitford explained, “Early on in my career I got a part in ‘Revenge Of The Nerds II: Nerds In Paradise.’ If I hadn’t done that I wouldn’t have met Tim Busfield and if I hadn’t met Tim Busfield, I wouldn’t have met Aaron. So ‘Nerds II’ took me straight to the White House!” The actor and creator also worked together on the short-lived “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.”