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I'm comedian Kevin Pollak and I'm in the middle of directing a documentary about famous funny fuckers called Misery Loves Comedy. AMA!
You may know me from movies like "A Few Good Men," "The Usual Suspects," or from my podcasts Kevin Pollak's Chat Show or Talkin Walkin, in which I ramble as Christopher Walken for an hour... !
I love doing impersonations, playing poker, and answering your questions!
I'm directing a movie about the dark side of comedy called "Misery Loves Comedy" I'm interviewing famous funny fuckers like, Lewis Black, Kumail Nanjiani, Jim Gaffigan, Christopher Guest, Janeane Garofalo, Jimmy Fallon, Bob Saget, Liza Kudrow, Marty Short, Judd Apatow and a shit ton more. Check out our kickstarter campaign here:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hereticfilms/misery-loves-comedy-with-kevin-pollak
I've done some interviews and already have some hilarious and heartbreaking stories to share.
Proof: Check out this tweet @KevinPollak! https://twitter.com/kevinpollak/status/380515816564719616
IggysGlove48 karma
Love you on o&a. But what do you have against broadcasting legend primetime sam roberts. I hear there is tension
Kevin_Pollak69 karma
There's no tension. I love o&a and Jimmy, I just can't stand the fucking sound of Sam Roberts' voice. O&A and Jimmy are both in the documentary I'm filming. They talk about it for about 15 minutes and it's fucking amazing.
Kevin_Pollak43 karma
UPDATE:
Alright everybody, thanks for the mostly great questions. That's it for today. For those of you that sucked, the rest of us now know. Thanks so much.
jvreeland35 karma
On the set of Grumpy Old Men who was funnier Walter Matthau or Jack Lemmon?
Kevin_Pollak130 karma
Matthau. He said on the sequel, when he met Sophia Loren for the very first time, "Great to meet you, love to eat you."
qbertwasradical32 karma
Hello, Mr. Pollak! Thanks for doing this! I don't have a question sir, but I am donating $5 to your Kickstarter because of this gem: "Fuck your father in the shower and then have a snack? Are you going to charge me dickhead?" Best of luck and take care!
Deja_Vu_For_You24 karma
My dad went to school with you. He made the whole family watch willow when I was a kid just to tell us that he knew you. Oh and that you were one of the funniest guys in high school. I still fucking love willow..... Edit: How awesome is Lewis Black to talk to?
Kevin_Pollak39 karma
Weird, because I think your dad beat me up. Once. And Lewis Black is by far one of my favorites thus far. Genius.
wundabredd16 karma
If you had imitate one of the following for a full week, Arkin, Walken or Shatner, who would you choose? In my opinion, all Shatner imitations are imitations of your Shatner!
Kevin_Pollak33 karma
Walken. I could dance in those shoes and no other shoes for a couple of months...before they take me away. If you're in LA, I'll be doing a live, on-stage recording of my podcast (where I ramble as Christopher Walken for an hour...also available on iTunes...) "The talkin' Walkin'" at the Westside comedy theater. Say "Pollak sucks" at the box office...
Salacious-15 karma
Which single comedian do you really dislike (as a person).
As a follow up, which comedian do you just find not funny at all?
STRINGALING13 karma
How hard was it to understand Benecio Del Toro on the usual suspects? I still have a hard time, every time I watch it.
Kevin_Pollak56 karma
In the lockup scene, when my character says "What the fuck did he just say?", I wasn't acting and the director chose to leave it in the film. Not kidding.
Kevin_Pollak66 karma
The Usual Suspects. When I met Stephen Baldwin, he was wearing leather pants. He hadn't arrived on a motorcycle...or a horse. He was just wearing leather pants.
Sifu-tz13 karma
just wanted to say thanks for all the laughs and fantastic parts you've played. means a lot.
Kevin_Pollak30 karma
Finally. I've been waiting to hear from you, you son of a bitch. You're the one.
masturbatingmonkeys11 karma
Making this documentary, and talking to so many comedians, what are some interesting things you've learned that you can share with us? Whether it be about the process of making the documentary, or something about stand up comedy that you weren't aware of before.
Kevin_Pollak19 karma
We've filmed over 25 hours with over 20 comedians thus far. One of the most surprising things was Freddy Prinze Jr. talking about his father on camera for the very first time...he was absolutely hilarious while doing so.
Ryno363911 karma
What movie/project do you regret doing the most? Which one was your favorite?
Kevin_Pollak47 karma
I said yes to a movie called Juwanna Mann with Will Smith as the lead. When I started the movie, Will Smith was no longer the lead. That sucked pretty hard.
Cadrid11 karma
Did you ever have the privilege of meeting/talking to/sucking the dick of George Carlin?
If so, was it pre- or post-mortem?
Kevin_Pollak32 karma
I met him in a hotel elevator. I told him he was a hero and he acknowledged me as a stand-up, but was much more impressed with me as an actor. It didn't come up, but I probably would have given him a handy.
joeahchay10 karma
Mr. Pollak! Thanks for doing this AMA.
Podcasting has obviously seen a huge influx of comedic talent lately, with many of your peers starting their own shows. As a medium, what are the perks and drawbacks to hosting your own show? Do you feel it has opened up doors or created new opportunities for you, in terms of getting offered roles or other projects? If you stopped acting all together, do you feel that podcasting would be a viable option for you as a sustaining career option?
That was a ton of questions. Apologies! Huge fan of your work. Thanks again!
Kevin_Pollak18 karma
The one great thing about doing a podcast as a comedian is that it affords you the same amount of control and ownership both creatively and the content that I've never had as an actor.
Kevin_Pollak34 karma
We've interviewed over 20 so far. The answer seems to be this: Everyone is miserable. Only a few of us have turned it in to a profession.
idiosyncrassy10 karma
Are there any actors you've worked with that are secretly hilarious, but aren't publicly known for it?
MickCollins8 karma
Kevin, what was it like working with James Woods on "Shark"? Also, did you try to hit on Jeri Ryan (and if so, how did it go?)
Kevin_Pollak10 karma
Woods is a genius. If you don't believe me, ask him. I had dreams about Jeri Ryan...the one that got away.
fliggugiggu7 karma
Hi Kevin. Just wanted to say that you were hilarious when I saw you in San Fran in April and that our group appreciated you taking the time to take pictures with us all after the show. Also, I'm sorry my Grandma grabbed your ass.
refOree1777 karma
Kevin F'n Pollack, the man, the myth, the original "That Guy! From That Thing!"
I'm an aspiring voice actor [apparently not all that I'm cracked up to be], and I know you are one of the Kings of Impressions.
What advice can you give to those out there looking for work both as original as well as impression voice acting jobs out there?
Kevin_Pollak11 karma
Just don't get frustrated by rejection. Never give up and you'll be fine.
Kevin_Pollak10 karma
They fucked us. You can get it with Apple TV or Roku...or earwolf.com!
gzafiris6 karma
I loved you in The Whole Nine Yards. How much fun was it to work on that movie, considering the amazing cast? I imagine much joking around happened off camera
Also, "Don't be-long" has stuck with me forever, and everytime I hear somebody say it, that phrase immediately springs to mind.
Kevin_Pollak13 karma
One of the best times ever. Matthew Perry gave me "Don't be-long" to try on the seventh take and it has been quoted back to me more than anything I've ever said in a movie. Michael Clark Duncan, although he sadly died far too young, was a complete and total dick.
Kevin_Pollak11 karma
There's always a bunch that you'll never get no matter how hard you try.
murfmurphy6 karma
Hi Chat Show!
Thanks for the AMA! How did you end up with such a great sidekick for your podcast as Samm "The Ma'am" Levine (AKA Lil' Wolverine)?
masteractor5 karma
What is your favourite movie character?
One that you've played, and one that you wish you'd played?
Kevin_Pollak11 karma
Walter Emerson from Deterrence...which nobody saw. I've always wanted to play the real-life story of Houdini.
SpinDocktor5 karma
Loved your stand-up special on Netflix.
When has one of your impressions landed you in hot water?
2jstone15 karma
Hi Kevin. I'm a big fan. I looked into your documentary, and it sounds like it'll be great, but I'm surprised that Mitch Hedberg isn't on the list of comedians you'll cover. Was he ever considered as a subject for the documentary? If so, why won't he be a part of it? I'm excited to see this documentary. Thanks!
Kevin_Pollak12 karma
A.) He's dead. B.) I've reached out to his widow, who I would love to talk to. C.) His brilliance will be covered in the film, one way or the other.
Derggy5 karma
Kevin! When are you anticipating releasing 'Misery Loves Company'? How wide will the release be?
Kevin_Pollak10 karma
The plan is a feature-film documentary, which usually means festivals. I'm gonna end up with about eighty hours of film. Two-time academy award winner Robert Logato is editing with me and so far his only advice is "Don't rush this one."
badf1nger5 karma
Kevin. Great to see your AMA going well.
Thanks for the memories. What is your heritage? You always play different roles with awesome accents, and I've always wondered where your family is actually from?
Kevin_Pollak4 karma
My parents were first generation Americans. My dad's father is from Russia, my mom's father is from England.
thejenneral4 karma
So many comedians get their inspiration from the mundane, sad or dramatic. As a would-be writer, I can relate. I feel more inspired when I'm not 100 percent happy with my life. Do you think happiness or contentment is comedy kryptonite? Do you think happy writers/comedians exist?
Kevin_Pollak6 karma
Happy writers/comedians do exist, but only towards the end of their lives. And yes, it can be kryptonite for most.
Ryno36394 karma
You were the voice of Mr. Bell on the early episodes of The Drew Carey Show?!?!?!
Kevin_Pollak13 karma
The ENTIRE first season! Yes, I was. Thank you. Craig Ferguson owes me his career. It was really fun walking out on stage and letting the audience see me for the first time to see Mr. Bell was really fun.
SmokeyCloud3 karma
Years ago I wrote a piece entitled KEVIN POLLAK IS A NATIONAL TREASURE for a website. Sadly, it doesn't look like it's still out there in ether.
Regardless, the human race should really appreciate you more.
My question: I'm headed to Vegas this weekend. Should I bet on black?
Kevin_Pollak13 karma
Always bet on black baby. Oh wait... That's what Samuel L. Jackson says. Fuck him. Bet on red.
Kevin_Pollak3 karma
Workin' on this documentary through the end of the year. More dates comin. Be there, see ya soon.
microsoftpretzel3 karma
What's the biggest amount of bullshit you have to deal with as a director?
Kevin_Pollak4 karma
It seems like it's easier to find stage time in more cities than ever, which is the only way you'll get the chance to make a living. So I'd say easier.
DementeDemon3 karma
Are there going to be any highlighted Internationally Famous Funny Fuckers? Other than European countries?
Poetlaurehate3 karma
Can you hit us with a text-based entry into the Larry King game? The impression won't come through, but I think we'd all appreciate that the spirit of the thing remains.
Cthulusuppe3 karma
How long do you think it will take for the internet to replace traditional television and film as a vehicle for content distribution? Do you think consumer demand for Video On Demand will outpace Hollywood's transition into monetizing the internet and if so, what will be the consequences of that?
Finally, how are you doing? Is life treatin' ya well?
Kevin_Pollak6 karma
It's cut in to the numbers faster than people thought it would. The networks are posting download numbers and piracy internet numbers. The end is imminent but still not near.
schwoogiejoe243 karma
SLOBBO! I noticed you listed your profession as "comedian" and not "actor." Is that because you still feel like a fraud on a movie set or do you truly prefer stand up?
Kevin_Pollak8 karma
You are correct. It's because I still feel like a fraud. I started as a stand-up comedian with no formal training. I will always prefer stand-up comedy.
Kevin_Pollak29 karma
My answer is this:
Spacey's impression of William Hurt is one of the best I've ever heard. Ever. But his Christopher Walken sucks so bad it makes me cry and pee at the same time.
endoflevelbaddy2 karma
Hi from Liverpool UK, Kevin. :D
Love your work.
Now you're directing, who would be your ideal cast, and where would the location be?
Kevin_Pollak8 karma
Emilia Clarke from Game of Thrones. Trying to get her to star in my next film which I would love to shoot in my home town of San Francisco, or my grandfather's hometown outside of London.
downneck2 karma
would you rather fight 100 duck-sized christopher walkens or 1 christopher walken sized duck?
Kevin_Pollak14 karma
The 100 duck-sized Christopher Walken's because that is a hilarious visual vs. one GIANT-ASS fucking duck.
Kevin_Pollak100 karma
Mornin', fuckers! Hope this coffee works...
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