I'm Joe Manganiello of True Blood, Sabotage, Magic Mike and author of 'Evolution.' Ask me anything.

Is there any more to life than being really, really ridiculously good-looking?

Sure! There's Orange mocha frappucinos silly.

Big fan of your work. I just want to say: Congrats on being sober for 11 years, you've always been such an inspiration to me. Im working on 8 years myself. Keep on keepin' on.

Wow, that is awesome. Awesome awesome awesome. Keep it up.

Can you go back on Talking Dead sometime? I've never really watched True Blood, but you showing your nerd knowledge on that show gave me a huge crush on you.

Thanks! I am a giant nerd. Tell Chris Hardwick to have me on again.

Joe, this girl I'm seeing has a massive crush on you, and I find myself competing with you for her time.

How am I supposed to handle this?

Your frequent shirtlessness isn't helping my case either.

Edit:shift/shirt

Buy my book and get to work.

Also grow an impressive beard.

Haha! It's all about the beard.

Hey I don't really have a question but I would like to say you are awesome. Also with me being comfortable with my straightness and all I can that say you are one attractive man.

Thanks bro!

Are you going to be involved in Magic Mike 2? And if so, could you please let them know that we'd like to see you in more scenes, preferably with few (or no) clothes on? Thanks.

I'm not sure how I get less clothes on than I did in Magic Mike? With that said, there's not a script yet. There's not a director or a budget. So I'm as anxiously waiting for that as everyone else is but so far there are hopes but nothing more.

What's up Joe! What do you think is the most bullshit myth about working out and dieting that everyone needs to know about?

Bullshit myth: there is no magic pill. It's all about consistency.

Don't you ever have days where you just want to lay in bed all day and eat junk food after weeks of working out and dieting? I'm sure every fit celebrity has some cheat days. Or should I just reconsider my life?

Sure it's called being human. But if you want amazing results you have to have an amazing ethic.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is a regular on /r/fitness and they'd love to have you as a contributor on there. How was it like working with the legend himself?

First of all, I would love to, that would be fantastic. Arnold lives up to EVERY BIT of hype and then some. He is the man.

I really enjoyed your appearance on the Nerdist podcast. You seem like an awesome guy. That's all. Carry on being awesome.

You're awesome!

Is your new book 'Evolution' geared solely towards guys wanting to be ripped or is there something in there for women like me who are looking for better workouts? Currently I'm doing the Insanity workout and wondering if your book would have much value for me (besides drooling at the pictures of you). I'm not aiming to be heavily muscled, just more defined.

Also, you are the reason I watch True Blood.

Thank you! Basically, chapter 6 includes first 6 weeks of workouts I used for my first shirtless scene on True Blood. The rest of the book is about my philosophy, and the psychological aspects of training as well as diet, cardio, and tips for photoshoots. Plenty of women do cross fit which is similar to the type of working out that I do. But the real strength of the book (other than the workouts) is the motivational and inspirational aspects.

Hey Joe.

Have you finished filming the final season of True Blood? Was it difficult to say goodbye to everyone and to part ways with the character you play on the show, Alcide?

We haven't started shooting yet. But now that you mention it, yes, it probably will be very sad.

Hi, Joe! Love to watch you act, and can't wait to read your book! What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

Mint chocolate chip. The white mint chocolate chip from Breyers.

Did you do any interesting/fun things to prepare for your role in Magic Mike?

Yes. As it turns out, an old friend of mine was a male stripper in the 1990s. So I sat down with him for 2 hours to interview him. At the time, I had never laughed harder than I did for those 2 hours. But I recently shot a documentary about the club that he worked at called La Bare, and I laughed even harder at the footage we got for that.

If Alcide could be a werewolf that turns into any other animal, what would it be any why?

T-Rex.

Obviously you're an author, but do you read a lot of books? Do you like fiction or non-fiction? What's your favourite?

I have to read a ton of scripts for work but I consider myself an avid reader. The next few books I'm planning on reading are American Gods by Neil Gaiman and David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell, I'm a huge fan of his stuff.

Hey fella! Always glad to see your amazing success... YEARS ago when we first talked you'd just guested on How I Met Your Mother & done Spiderman... back then had you any idea at all how your life would take off?

I think that any dreams I had at that point would have shortchanged the reality.

[deleted]

Merry Christmas Nicole!

What's one of the times you've absolutely couldn't stop laughing at something while filming True Blood? Or just maybe a memorable experience on the show.

When Alcide gets glamoured by Eric.

Joe, In a true man competition, steak eating, womanizing, cigar smoking, who would win? You or Alexander Skarsgard?

I've never seen him smoke a cigar so I can't tell.

who was your celebrity/comic book crush in your middle/high school years?

When I was young, Princess Leia for sure. Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman.

Hi Joe! I'm a big fan and have 5 questions for you: 1) Since you are a native to Pitt like myself, how does LA differ from it? 2) Do you prefer acting on television/movies or on a Broadway stage? 3) What is your favorite film you have acted in? 4) How well do you relate to your character Alcide? and 5) Loved you in Magic Mike! Would you consider doing it as a side gig? LOL sorry about all the questions!

1 People are friendlier in Pittsburgh.

2 HBO and movies are pretty much the same. I haven't acted on Broadway yet but I do love the rush of theater performing.

3 Sabotage.

4 Alcide is much more tolerant than I am.

5 I have thought about it.

Hi Joe, I read once you were a bit of a foodie (off-season at least). What is the weirdest thing you ever eaten? The worst? The best?

Weirdest thing I've ever eaten is there's a place in LA that serves rattlesnake sausages. And I love them. Worst thing is tofu. Best thing is the steak for two at the Benjamin steakhouse in New York City.

Do you ever skip leg day?

Never! There are hormones that release into your bloodstream when you work legs that don't get released by working any other body part.

Curious: How do you balance your interest in fitness w/the fact that so many of your jobs/appearances seem to get hung up on your physique and asking you to take your shirt off? I'd think it would be frustrating.

It's what happens to be paying the bills right now. I wrote a book, I directed a movie, it just depends.

how many hours per day do you work out? and how many days per week?

When I'm in training, 6 days a week. 1 hour of weights, 30-45 minutes of cardio.

When it comes to women, do you prefer a woman to make the first move or do you prefer to be the one to make the first move? Or are you good either way?

I believe that men fall in love by chasing. If a woman chases after a man, she robs him of the ability to fall in love with him.

Hi Joe, thanks for doing the AMA! Are you going to make any appearances as brad on HIMYM this season? The episode where you and Jason Segel do brunch is one of my favorites. Also, what do you use for motivation on days where you really don't feel like working out?

I sure hope Brad comes back! Brunch is for bros after all.

Anybody can work out when they feel like it. Where the REAL work is done is when you don't want to go.

If you could play one villain in any universe who would it be?

There is a comic book called Irredeemable where the world's greatest superhero becomes the world's greatest super villain. That would be who I'd want to play.

I watch True Blood and I love watching Alcide, you have a beautiful body that works perfect for the character.

We start filming the final season in January.

Did you watch Sound of Music last night? How do you feel about adding it to Vampire Bill's storyline? Your performance in Magic Mike changed my life.

I did not. Personally I think Vampire Bill should do a song and dance routine this year. Then you are going to LOVE my movie La Bare about the world's greatest male strip club which just happens to be in Dallas.

Hey Joe, how long did it take you to write Evolution? PS my copy is on the way from amazon, can't wait for it!!!!

It took 1 year.

What is your favorite memory from the set of Spider-Man?

At my screen test, there was a break where Sam Raimi and I just got to talk and I got to tell him what a big fan of his I was. So that was probably the best.

Hey Joe,my name is Gina,met you at the booksigning in NYC.I wanted to ask you your thoughts on the Paleo diet.I also wanted to let you know what a genuine and sincere person you are.Also, I would like to support any charities that are close to your heart.

I think it's great. That's pretty much the way that I eat except that I eat dairy. I am active with Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

How much of your own stunts on True Blood did you actually get to do?

99.9%

In October Charlaine Harris released a short book that covered what happened to all the characters after the series ended and Alcide had a chapter. Did you read it?

I have not! Link to it and I'll check it out. I'm super curious.

Hi Joe! Thanks for taking the time to do this AMA! I haven't read the book yet (but I happen to know it's waiting for me under the Christmas tree), so forgive me if this is something you've mentioned already.

What is your absolute favorite exercise...and what is your least favorite?

Favorite exercise is probably overhead squats. Burpees are my least favorite.

Burpees are the bane of my existence. I'd rather do double of any other exercise.

EXACTLY. Absolutely. 100%. Burpees suck.

I saw you on "Watch What Happens Live," and I recall you playing a game where you said you would be willing to bite Miley Cyrus. Just wondering - have you reconsidered that stance? By the way, I am a huge fan and I will be sad to see TB go but you will forever be the pack master!

I have. Grrrrrrr!

How is it like knowing you were the original Flash Thompson for Spiderman?

It makes me feel old.

Hey Joe! What was the best place that you've traveled to and why?

I think Venice, Italy is the most unbelievable city on earth and the reason why is it's literally like being inside of the movie Labyrinth.

How close were you to becoming the next batman?

I think that they are going for an older Batman in this storyline. But thanks for asking.

Are you involved in any new tv projects next year besides True Blood? P.S. Have you ever been to Australia?

I absolutely LOVE Australia. I was just there in July. It's one of my favorite places on earth. Once True Blood is over, I'm doing movies.

What is your favorite Marvel movie?

Torn between X-Men and Avengers.

So, when do you you wanna get married? (:

All kidding aside, how has being famous changed how you date people? Is it more of a hassle now that you are famous?

Being famous and single is a liability. In today's modern world. With that said, the right girl is the right girl.

How long did it take you to be able to do pull ups? I have been training for them for a while now as I figured it was the toughest thing for me to pull off in the gym (6'2" and female so less natural upper body strength)

Start with the workouts in my book Evolution. My website www.evolution359.com is going to publish a 6 week pull-up training program. So stay tuned.

Gonna pick up the book for friends for Christmas! Gonna start the new year off right! What is your favorite meal?

Steak. Bone-in filet mignon. Triple-trimmed filets from Omaha steaks are the best.

Joe, big fan of your work. Also, thought you were the best character in "What to Expect When You're Expecting".

My question - Is there a certain character or role in a movie that you're really wanting to play? Or even just a type of movie in general that you haven't gotten to participate in yet?

I'm a huge fan of James Cameron. I'm a huge fan of David Fincher, Darren Aronofsky, Christopher Nolan, Quentin Tarantino to name a few. I just recently met Steve McQueen who directed 12 Years a Slave and would love to work with any of them.

You've already done so many different things, whats next for you to try? What would you be doing if you weren't in your industry?

Prior to drama school, I was going to play college basketball and go into Federal Law enforcement. My production company has a full slate of projects, the first of which premieres in January.

Hi Joe, my son is studying acting at the U Wyo, what is a bit of advice you can give a young actor? Pitfalls to avoid, e.g., places/people/auditions, especially in LA. Momma is worried!

Tell him to learn how to say no. The best thing he can do is learn how to say no. That was actually the advice someone gave me when I first moved to LA and I didn't know what it meant but I sure as hell learned.

Hey Joe,

Do you think you will come to Toronto to do a book signing?

I have to get back to LA to finish editing the movie I directed. Otherwise I would love to. I love love love Toronto.

What would it take to get you to come to Nashville? We would love to have you.

Not much I hear it's awesome.

Did you have to learn to play Slamball while filming on One Tree Hill? How much fun was it? Also Alcide is my favorite character in true blood awesome job!

Thanks so much and yes, I trained to play Slamball with the professionals for that particular arc on One Tree Hill and yes it was one of the most fun things I've ever done.

do you plan on attending san diego comic con next year of if you do will that be your last one?

Hopefully I will be filming fantasy and comic book related projects for the rest of my life! Unless I'm filming something I am planning to be at True Blood's final comic con this year.

How was it working alongside the One Tree Hill cast?

I have such fond memories of that time in my life. And I also met one of my best friends in the entire world Robbie Jones.

hi Joe...I got to meet you in CT during your run of Streetcar ...made my LIFE ! anyway ...q: Do you feel your book can be helpful for women also or just men? will women benefit "in a year" also ...and any age group?

Absolutely any age group. It's not about comparing yourself to anyone else. It's about becoming the best you possible.

Hey Joe, fave song to work out to? Also forgive me for embracing my inner fan girl but ur sooooo amazing...ok back to reality Thanks so much for doing this AMA much love from a fan :) Bonus question thoughts on reddit so far?

Walk by Pantera. And right back atcha.

What is your absolute favorite cheat meal?

Rosco's fried chicken and waffles.

Hey Joe. I was at the Union Square book signing and you suggested the Isopure Java and/or Sugar Free Protein with a banana for breakfast. I'm staying away from sugar, but the Java isn't sugar-free. Will that impact the results? I commute to work everyday and I tend to forget to eat breakfast (not good I know) so a shake may be the best solution for me. I'm trying to shape up so I want to make sure I eat right.

Java Pro has 1 gram of sugar. So that's about as close as you can get. Don't skip breakfast because you need to activate your metabolism in the morning. you're teaching your body to store fat when you skip meals. You need to eat consistently throughout the day to keep your metabolism high and train your body to not store fat. With that said, 1 gram of sugar per serving in Java Pro is not going to hurt you at all especially in the morning.

Hi Joe! It's Anthony from CT! I was so glad to be there for the first signing on Long Island! What did it mean to have so many people add to the front of the book, like Matt Bomer and Max Martini? Plus, where is Max?? If you talk to him tell him I said hi!-- Anthony

THANK YOU for all of your support Anthony. It was amazing to have what I would consider to be my people show up to support me that first night. The outpouring of support from friends like Matt and Max has meant the world to me. Max isn't on twitter anymore.

Hey Joe! You're awesome. I only want to know what superhero would you love to play? Thanks!

Any superhero movie directed by David Fincher.

How do you like your DragonCon experience? I'm always curious how guests enjoy these conventions, and if they rate better than others.

Also, who is your favorite Spiderman and Batman villains, respectively.

I am constantly in shock by how many awesome fans come to see me.

Favorite Spider-Man villain is Kraven the Hunter. Batman I would say Catwoman for not so villainous reasons.

Hi Joe, I just finished reading EVOLUTION and loved it! Awesome advice and very inspiring! You're fantastic! :) My question is silly:

1. What makes you laugh & are you ticklish? If you are ticklish, where??

I wish you a wonderful Christmas-to-come! Jo X

First off, glad you liked the book. Second off, that's private, hee hee.

It is so hard to eat clean when your using to eating junk all the time. What's your advice on stayin on track and curbing the cravings??

Your body is unbelievably adaptable which is why they call it training not feeling. Bust your ass and plan 1 cheat meal per week and then go crazy.

Hey Joe, love watching you on True Blood man! Sabotage looks awesome, I can't wait to see it.

Were you intimidated working with Arnie or do you get used to it after a couple of days filming? I mean, the man is an absolute legend!

That man IS a legend. Yes I was nervous at first because I am such a huge fan. But he is one of the coolest, friendliest, funniest and most charismatic human beings on the planet and is very good at making everyone around him comfortable.

god sorry I think I posted to the wrong bit, new to Reddit as of 5 minutes a go. I work out doing Body Combat 5 times a week, what is different about your approach in Evolution?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the differences once you read my book.

If given a rematch, do you think you could kick Peter Parker's ass now?

Also, Sabotage looks awesome!

I'd like to see Alcide versus Peter Parker.

Sabotage IS awesome.

Name 1 actor and 1 actress you'd like to work with.

Also what is your favorite Christmas song?

David Bowie and Cate Blanchett.

Heat Miser Cold Miser from that Christmas special.

Hi Joe!

1) First..congrats on the book! Any more planned for the future? Maybe a Were series? 2) On that note, what's it like being a werewolf? Is True Blood's depiction accurate would you say? 3) What's your favorite classic rock song? 4) Do you have any crazy stories from the True Blood set that you haven't had a chance to share?

1 If this one does well, there are plans to make a series.Also, I just launched my website www.evolution359.com which gives you daily workouts, nutrition and fitness tips from me and my trainer Ron Mathews.

2 I haven't met any werewolves that have been offended by my performance yet.

3 Probably Ain't Talking bout Love by Van Halen.

4 Yes and once the show is long over, maybe I'll talk about it.

Joe! Big fan and fitness junkie, can't wait to read the book! Can you name your top 5 favorite excercises and 5 foods you eat the most?

top 5 favorite exercises:

Snatches Overhead squats Bench press with chains GHD situps Deadlifts

5 foods I eat the most

Steak Chicken Fish Corn Sweet potatoes

Hi Joe, what do you think of USA being in group G with Germany, Ghana and Portugal? And when will True Blood start with season 4? Love from the Netherlands (group B).

Go USA! I strongly suggest you get on the internet to catch up, we're on season 7.

Greetings Joe, thanks for doing the AMA! My go is in love with your body.

ANYWAY, what is the hardest role you have performed? Prepared for?

True Blood season 6 having to do a fight scene against a girl half my size. Every fiber in my being has been trained to never hurt a woman therefore it was extremely uncomfortable and difficult.

This 40+ woman is so out of shape! Are the workouts designed for the gym or in home? Need the motivation! Will you be in Dallas for a signing?

The workouts are for the gym. They can help anyone. I don't have plans to come to Dallas for a signing just yet but possibly in January. Possibly. I just shot a documentary about Dallas though.

Hi Joe, i once read that you like getting pedicures, so i was wondering if that's true? I know some guys are too sensitive for pedis, are you?

I'm not sure where you read that but that doesn't really sound like something I do. That must have been an article about someone else.

What do you use for your beard, trimmer wise?

I don't know what the brand is, I'm not sure. I bought it at a drugstore, it's pretty simple.