Meet the Cast of the 2011 Comedy the Sitter

Released in December 2011, the black comedy The Sitter brought a raunchy, R-rated twist to the classic "babysitting gone wrong" subgenre. Directed by David Gordon Green, the film relies heavily on the comedic timing and unexpected chemistry of its diverse cast. At the center of the chaos is Jonah Hill, playing a suspended college student who finds himself escorting three eccentric children through the dangerous streets of New York City during a single wild night.

The ensemble features a mix of established comedic heavyweights, rising child stars, and respected character actors who elevate the film's absurdity. This is a detailed look at the cast of The Sitter and the characters that made the movie a memorable entry in early 2010s comedy.

The Leading Man: Jonah Hill as Noah Griffith

In 2011, Jonah Hill was at a pivotal moment in his career. While he was already a household name due to Superbad, The Sitter saw him navigating a character that was both cynical and surprisingly protective. Jonah Hill stars as Noah Griffith, a slacker living with his mother in New Jersey after being suspended from college.

Noah is not a typical hero. He is unmotivated, stuck in a dead-end relationship with a girl who clearly uses him, and reluctant to take on any responsibility. When his mother asks him to babysit for the neighbors, the Pedullas, he only agrees out of a sense of obligation and a lack of better options.

Hill’s performance in The Sitter is characterized by his signature deadpan delivery and his ability to handle physical comedy. Throughout the night, Noah evolves from a man who views the children as a burden to someone who actually listens to their problems—albeit while running from drug lords and dodging explosions. This role serves as a bridge between Hill’s earlier raunchy comedies and the more nuanced performances he would later deliver in films like Moneyball (released the same year) and The Wolf of Wall Street.

The Pedulla Children: A Trio of Chaotic Energy

The heart of the film's conflict and humor comes from the three children Noah is tasked with watching. Each child represents a different, exaggerated neurosis that Noah must manage.

Max Records as Slater Pedulla

Max Records portrays Slater, the oldest of the three children. At the time, Records was well-known for his lead role in Spike Jonze’s Where the Wild Things Are. In The Sitter, his character is far more grounded but deeply troubled. Slater suffers from severe anxiety and spends much of the film clutching a fanny pack filled with medication.

The dynamic between Hill and Records provides some of the film's few genuinely emotional moments. As the night progresses, Noah helps Slater confront the source of his anxiety and encourages him to accept his true self. Records plays the role with a vulnerability that balances out the film's more aggressive comedic beats.

Landry Bender as Blithe Pedulla

Landry Bender stars as Blithe, the middle child who is disturbingly obsessed with pop culture, celebrity gossip, and wearing excessive makeup. Blithe’s character is a satire of the way young children are influenced by modern media.

Bender, who would later go on to star in several Disney Channel and Netflix productions, displays impressive comedic chops for her age. Her character’s demands for "pretty" things and her precocious attitude towards night clubs and partying provide a constant source of frustration for Noah. Her transformation by the end of the film—hinted at during the credits—shows a shift from vanity to actual creative ambition.

Kevin Hernandez as Rodrigo Pedulla

Kevin Hernandez plays Rodrigo, the youngest and most unpredictable of the trio. Adopted from El Salvador, Rodrigo is a pyromaniac who communicates primarily through destruction and running away.

Hernandez’s performance is almost entirely physical. Whether he is smashing expensive vases at the beginning of the movie or planting cherry bombs in jewelry store bathrooms, Rodrigo is the catalyst for much of the film's escalating danger. In our observation of the film's pacing, Rodrigo serves as the "wild card" that prevents the plot from ever slowing down.

The Eccentric Villains: Sam Rockwell and J.B. Smoove

A comedy like The Sitter requires antagonists who are just as absurd as the protagonists. The film delivers this through Karl and Julio.

Sam Rockwell as Karl Fairhurst

Sam Rockwell is widely considered one of the most versatile actors of his generation, and his role as Karl is a testament to his ability to find humor in darkness. Karl is an eccentric, volatile drug lord who operates out of a gym filled with bodybuilders.

Rockwell brings a manic energy to the role, making Karl feel genuinely dangerous yet hilariously out of touch. His obsession with his "babies" (which turn out to be dinosaur eggs filled with cocaine) and his bizarre conversational tangents make him a standout in every scene. Rockwell’s performance elevates the third act, turning a standard chase into something much more surreal.

J.B. Smoove as Julio Murphy

Acting as Karl’s right-hand man is J.B. Smoove as Julio. Known for his legendary role as Leon Black on Curb Your Enthusiasm, Smoove brings that same high-energy, fast-talking persona to The Sitter.

Julio serves as the "muscle" who is often just as confused by Karl’s behavior as Noah is. The chemistry between Rockwell and Smoove is a highlight of the film’s villainous sub-plot, providing a comedic counterpoint to Noah’s struggles with the children.

The Supporting Women: Relationships and Family

The women in Noah’s life provide the motivation for his journey, even if those motivations are often misguided.

Ari Graynor as Marisa Lewis

Ari Graynor plays Marisa, Noah’s "sex buddy" and the primary reason he leaves the safety of the Pedulla house. Marisa is self-absorbed and treats Noah poorly, yet he is desperate to impress her. It is her request for drugs that drives Noah to take the children into the city. Graynor excels at playing characters who are simultaneously unlikable and fascinating to watch, a skill she has demonstrated across numerous indie comedies.

Kylie Bunbury as Roxanne

Kylie Bunbury appears as Roxanne, a former classmate of Noah’s whom he runs into during his chaotic night. Roxanne represents the life Noah could have had if he hadn't been suspended—she is focused, kind, and clearly out of his league at his current low point. Bunbury provides a grounded, realistic presence that contrasts sharply with the cartoonish characters surrounding Noah.

Jessica Hecht and Erin Daniels

The maternal figures in the film are played by veteran actresses. Jessica Hecht portrays Sandy Griffith, Noah’s mother, whose desire for a night out is what forces Noah into the babysitting gig. Erin Daniels plays Amy Pedulla, the mother of the three children, who is oblivious to the madness her children are about to endure. Both actresses provide the necessary "normalcy" that establishes the stakes before the night descends into chaos.

Recognizable Faces in Supporting Roles

Looking back at The Sitter, one of its most interesting aspects is the presence of several actors who would later become major stars or are icons in their own right.

• Samira Wiley as Tina: Before her breakout role in Orange Is the New Black, Samira Wiley appeared as Tina, a girl Noah had wronged in high school. Her character’s gang provides a surprise intervention in the film's climax.
• Alex Wolff as Clayton: Now a major star in films like Hereditary and Pig, a young Alex Wolff appears as Clayton, Slater’s best friend.
• Method Man as Jacolby: The Wu-Tang Clan legend makes a memorable appearance, adding to the film’s New York street credibility.
• D.W. Moffett as Dr. Pedulla: The veteran actor plays the children’s father, whose return home at the end of the night serves as the final ticking clock for Noah.

The Creative Vision of David Gordon Green

To understand why the cast of The Sitter works, one must look at the director. David Gordon Green initially made a name for himself with poetic, indie dramas like George Washington and All the Real Girls. However, with Pineapple Express, he shifted into the world of stoner comedies.

In The Sitter, Green applies a gritty, cinematic look to a raunchy script. He encourages improvisation, which is evident in the banter between Hill and the children. During our analysis of his filmography, The Sitter stands out as his attempt to blend the "one wild night" formula of Adventures in Babysitting with the R-rated sensibilities of the Apatow era.

The Unrated Version: Additional Cast and Scenes

The home media release of The Sitter included an "Unrated Version" that runs approximately six minutes longer than the theatrical cut. This version features more profanity and extended sequences involving the children.

Notably, the unrated version includes brief appearances by:

• Dreama Walker as Stephanie
• Ron Phippen and Jessica DiGiovanni (in minor roles during party scenes)

These additions don't change the plot significantly but offer more of the improvisational comedy that Jonah Hill is known for.

Why the Ensemble Cast Works

The success of a film like The Sitter hinges on the audience’s willingness to believe that a slacker like Noah would actually care about these three "freakish" children. The casting is the key to this belief.

1. The Contrast: Putting a comedic powerhouse like Hill against a serious young actor like Max Records creates a natural friction that turns into a bond.
2. The Villainous Absurdity: By casting Sam Rockwell—an actor capable of intense drama—as a drug lord obsessed with fitness, the film avoids the clichés of typical action-comedies.
3. The Child Actors’ Range: Each of the three children has a specific "job" in the script (anxiety, vanity, destruction), and the young actors lean into these traits without making them feel like mere caricatures.

What is the plot of The Sitter?

The movie follows Noah Griffith, a college student on suspension who agrees to babysit his neighbor's three children. When his girlfriend calls him to bring her drugs to a party in the city, Noah takes the kids along for a ride that involves drug dealers, stolen cars, and police chases.

Who played the kids in The Sitter?

The three children were played by Max Records (Slater), Landry Bender (Blithe), and Kevin Hernandez (Rodrigo).

Is The Sitter related to Adventures in Babysitting?

While not a direct remake or sequel, The Sitter is heavily inspired by the premise of the 1987 film Adventures in Babysitting, updating the concept for a modern, R-rated audience.

Conclusion

The cast of The Sitter is a testament to the strength of early 2010s comedy ensembles. By pairing the rising stardom of Jonah Hill with veteran actors like Sam Rockwell and a talented group of child performers, the film manages to deliver a chaotic, foul-mouthed, yet ultimately sweet story about responsibility. Whether it's the pyrotechnics of Rodrigo or the neurotic outbursts of Slater, every member of the cast plays a vital role in making this "one wild night" a cult favorite for fans of the genre.

Summary of Key Cast Members

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the main actor in The Sitter?
Jonah Hill is the primary lead, playing the character Noah Griffith.

Was Samira Wiley in The Sitter?
Yes, Samira Wiley played the role of Tina. This was one of her notable early roles before she gained widespread fame in Orange Is the New Black.

What happened to the actor who played Rodrigo?
Kevin Hernandez, who played Rodrigo, continued to act in various television and film projects, including appearances in shows like The Middle and films like Get the Gringo.

Who directed The Sitter?
The film was directed by David Gordon Green, who is also known for Pineapple Express and the recent Halloween trilogy.

Is there an unrated version of the cast?
The cast remains largely the same, but the unrated version includes more scenes with the main cast and minor appearances by actors like Dreama Walker.