Hollywood Discovers Mendy Pellin

By COLlive reporter

While some may call him controversial, Mendy Pellin has a strong internet fan base for videos he has produced or acted in.

But the 3 x 5 inch YouTube screen may be too small to contain Mendy’s talent.

Recently, he’s been working behind and in front of the camera for various TV shows and movies.

Last week he could be spotted on set with Brad Pitt filming for a big sports movie (Moneyball – Columbia Pictures/Sony) to be released next year.

Ironically, Pitt has shaved his recently-grown beard for his role, although Mendy’s role required a beard.

Pellin, who was given his own trailer, filmed in the past weeks, with the schedule set up to to accommodate his observance of Succot and Simchat Torah.

When Pellin first met Pitt on the set of the movie, Pellin told COLlive, Pitt introduced himself to Pellin and told him, “I really enjoy your work.”

Pellin was also consulted for the movie, giving advice on Jewish custom and Chassidic dress to producers, for a more authentic feel.

“At least my beard is real,” quipped Pellin. “It should look authentic.”

While on set, Pellin, a born-and-bred Lubavitcher who has smicha from Rabbi Yeruslavsky in Israel, did Mivtzoim and wrapped Tefilin on some of the Jewish actors and production crew between takes. The art director put on tefilin for the very first time.

Pellin is currently acting in the independent film ‘A Modest Suggestion,’ filming in Baltimore for the next few weeks.

While a Lubavitcher comedian in a movie is a strange sight, an even more interesting sight just might be a Lubavitcher at a big-time Hollywood movie premiere.