Where Are They Now? A Look Back at the ‘Mall Cop’ Cast

Introduction

The year was twenty-aught-nine. The world was introduced to Paul Blart, a security guard with a heart of gold and a Segway that could barely keep up. “Mall Cop” wasn’t just another comedy; it was a phenomenon. Its unexpected box office success and enduring charm cemented its place in pop culture history. But what happened to the actors who brought this quirky world to life? Where are they now, and what have they been up to since patrolling the West Orange Pavilion Mall? This article revisits the cast of “Mall Cop” to explore their post-“Mall Cop” careers, highlighting their diverse projects and showcasing the impact the film had on their lives.

Main Cast Profiles

The Man on the Segway: Kevin James

Of course, we have to start with the face of “Mall Cop,” Kevin James. As Paul Blart, he captured hearts with his earnestness and physical comedy. Blart wasn’t just a mall cop; he was an everyman, a relatable hero trying his best. Before “Mall Cop”, Kevin James was already well known for his starring role in the incredibly successful sitcom “King of Queens.” While he already had a fanbase, the film solidified him as a major comedic force in Hollywood. Since then, James has maintained a steady presence on both the big and small screens.

After successfully patrolling the mall, James starred in a string of commercially viable comedy films, including “Grown Ups,” “Zookeeper,” and “Here Comes the Boom.” These films showcased his ability to blend physical comedy with heartwarming stories, endearing him to audiences of all ages. His partnership with Adam Sandler in the “Grown Ups” franchise, in particular, proved to be a massive success, highlighting his knack for ensemble comedies.

Beyond movies, Kevin James returned to television, starring in the sitcom “Kevin Can Wait,” where he played a newly retired police officer navigating family life. This role allowed him to further explore his comedic talents while also showcasing his ability to portray relatable family dynamics. While “Kevin Can Wait” did not last as long as “King of Queens,” it demonstrated James’ continued appeal to television audiences.

And the fans of his stand-up are not forgotten. James has also remained active in the world of stand-up comedy, touring extensively and showcasing his observational humor to live audiences. His stand-up performances offer a more personal and unfiltered glimpse into his comedic sensibilities. Always working, James continues to develop new projects, solidifying his position as a leading figure in the world of comedy. His commitment to his craft and his ability to connect with audiences have ensured his continued success long after his days as the “Mall Cop.”

The Object of Affection: Jayma Mays

Jayma Mays brought a sweet and charming presence to “Mall Cop” as Amy Anderson, Paul Blart’s love interest. Her character added a touch of romance and lightheartedness to the film. While she’s also known for her early career roles in “Red Eye” and “Epic Movie,” since her time navigating the mall, Jayma Mays has carved out a successful career in television and film.

One of her most notable roles following “Mall Cop” was in the hit musical series “Glee,” where she played guidance counselor Emma Pillsbury. As Emma, Mays showcased her comedic timing, her singing abilities, and her ability to portray a character with both vulnerability and strength. “Glee” provided her with a platform to reach a wider audience and solidify her status as a versatile actress.

After “Glee,” Mays continued to work steadily in television, appearing in series such as “The Millers” and “Trial & Error.” In “Trial & Error,” she played a quirky and eccentric character, highlighting her ability to tackle comedic roles with aplomb. Her performance in “Trial & Error” earned her critical acclaim and further demonstrated her range as an actress.

In addition to her on-screen work, Mays has also lent her voice to animated projects. She voiced characters in “The Smurfs” and “American Dad!,” showcasing her versatility as a performer. Her voice acting work has allowed her to explore different aspects of her creativity and reach new audiences. Jayma Mays continues to be a sought-after actress in Hollywood, known for her talent, her versatility, and her ability to bring warmth and charm to every role she plays.

The Segway Saboteur: Keir O’Donnell

Keir O’Donnell played the role of Veck Simms, the primary antagonist in “Mall Cop.” Simms was a criminal mastermind. O’Donnell played Simms with a mischievous gleam, adding a vital dimension to the film. He was great at being bad.

Since plotting against Paul Blart, Keir O’Donnell has continued to build a diverse and impressive career in both film and television. O’Donnell already had roles in “Wedding Crashers” and “The Break-Up”. He’s kept himself busy ever since. He’s become a regular on FX Network’s “Fargo”. His chameleon-like ability to disappear into roles has made him an interesting character actor.

O’Donnell has appeared in a wide range of projects, from independent films to major studio productions. His versatility as an actor has allowed him to tackle diverse roles, showcasing his ability to portray both comedic and dramatic characters. He has also appeared in several television series. Keir O’Donnell continues to be a working actor, consistently delivering compelling performances and solidifying his reputation as a talented and versatile performer.

The Head of Security: Bobby Cannavale

Bobby Cannavale played Commander James Kent, the head of security. The antagonist from the first installment of “Mall Cop”, Cannavale has since gone on to do bigger and better things.

Cannavale is no stranger to the screen, he has starred in a number of acclaimed television shows, including “Boardwalk Empire,” “Mr. Robot,” and “Nurse Jackie.” In these series, he showcased his ability to portray complex and compelling characters, earning him critical acclaim and multiple awards. His performances in “Boardwalk Empire” and “Mr. Robot,” in particular, solidified his status as one of the leading actors of his generation.

In addition to his television work, Cannavale has also appeared in a number of successful films, including “The Irishman,” “Ant-Man,” and “I, Tonya.” His film roles have allowed him to work with some of the most respected directors and actors in the industry. Cannavale has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career, including Emmy Awards, Tony Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. His talent, his versatility, and his dedication to his craft have made him one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood.

Blart’s Daughter: Raini Rodriguez

Raini Rodriguez played Maya Blart, Paul’s supportive and loving daughter. Her character provided a grounding element to the story, adding heart and warmth to the film. Since charming audiences as Maya, Raini Rodriguez has continued to pursue her acting career, primarily focusing on television roles.

She is well known for her role on Disney Channel’s “Austin & Ally,” where she played Trish De la Rosa, Ally’s supportive best friend and manager. “Austin & Ally” provided her with a platform to reach a younger audience and showcase her comedic talents. The show became a huge hit with kids and teenagers, helping Raini establish herself as a rising star in the entertainment industry.

In addition to “Austin & Ally,” Rodriguez has also voiced characters in animated projects such as “Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness” and “Vampirina.” Her voice acting work has allowed her to explore different aspects of her creativity and reach new audiences.

She is active on social media, connecting with her fans and sharing updates about her life and career. Her engaging personality and her positive attitude have made her a popular figure online. Raini Rodriguez continues to pursue her acting career, exploring new opportunities and solidifying her position as a talented and versatile performer.

The Newest Addition: David Henrie

In the sequel, “Mall Cop Two”, David Henrie joined the cast. Henrie is most notably known for his role in Disney’s “Wizards of Waverly Place.” He has also been in other major works like, “How I Met Your Mother.”

After “Mall Cop Two” he did not add many other works to his resume. David Henrie is known for being a family man and spending time with his loved ones.

Supporting Cast

While the aforementioned actors formed the core of the “Mall Cop” universe, several other talented individuals contributed to its success. Shirley Knight, a veteran actress with a long and distinguished career, brought her gravitas to the role. Stephen Rannazzisi, known for his comedic timing, provided memorable moments. Gary Valentine, Kevin James’s real-life brother, added a familiar presence to the ensemble. Ana Gasteyer added her own comedic spice to “Mall Cop 2.” These actors, and many others, helped to create the memorable and quirky world of “Mall Cop.”

The Legacy of Mall Cop

“Mall Cop” wasn’t a critical darling, but it wasn’t trying to be. What it *was* was a crowd-pleaser. It tapped into a desire for lighthearted entertainment and underdog stories. The film resonated with audiences who appreciated its simple humor and its heartwarming message. Despite the lack of critical acclaim, it was a box office hit. “Mall Cop” grossed nearly one hundred and fifty million dollars worldwide. The movie proved to be a commercial success, solidifying Kevin James’s status as a box office draw and launching the careers of several other actors.

Perhaps part of the film’s enduring appeal lies in its relatable characters and its themes of self-acceptance and finding purpose in unexpected places. Paul Blart wasn’t a superhero; he was just an ordinary guy trying to do his best. And that’s a message that continues to resonate with audiences today. The film’s success also spawned a sequel, “Mall Cop 2,” which further expanded the world of Paul Blart and introduced new characters and storylines.

Conclusion

The cast of “Mall Cop” has gone on to achieve varying degrees of success since their time patrolling the West Orange Pavilion Mall. Some have become household names, while others have continued to work steadily in film and television. What unites them all is their contribution to a film that has become a beloved part of pop culture history. “Mall Cop” might not have been an award-winning masterpiece, but it touched people. Its cast gave the film its charm and heart. Their hard work and dedication have helped to make it a memorable and enduring film. Whether they are now headlining television series, starring in major motion pictures, or pursuing other creative endeavors, the “Mall Cop” cast has proven their talent and versatility. And for that, they deserve a tip of the hat – or perhaps, a respectful nod from a passing Segway.