I'm Rob Riggle! Ask Me "Absolutely Anything!"

How is your Penis these days?

Great question! It's fine thank you....

Hello, Mr. Riggle. Thank you for doing this AMA. My question is, how did you get into character to play an ice cream in the upcoming Emoji Movie? Did you do any specific research to get into the mind of the character?

I think that was an IMDB mistake cause I'm not in the upcoming emoji movie??? I do however love ice cream and I eat a lot of it, specifically Jamocha Almond Fudge!

Goddamn IMDb. Thanks

Wow this must be really embarrassing for you

So embarrassing. I hope Rob Riggle still thinks I'm cool.

Yeah, I think you're cool!

Yo Rob, what size hat do you wear? I gotta say you have a fine looking, massive melon there. Just beautiful.

What's more fun: being stationed in Kosovo or acting in a scene with Channing Tatum?

I have an 18 year old foster son I'm trying to provide guidance and drop some wisdom on before he moves out. What advice do you have for young men starting out adult life? What are the most important lessons you've focused on with your kids?

Thanks Rob!

1) Actually not that big of a head (physically) boom, nailed it! 2) Doing a scene with Channing Tatum. 3) Work hard and avoid the clap. 3a) Actually.... Decide what you want. Decide why you want it. Make a plan to attain it. Execute the plan. Review the plan. Adjust the plan. Continue the plan. Attain what you want. (If what you want changes along the way....adjust appropriately. Good luck!

What's your favorite Will Ferrell story?

I asked Will to come to Kansas City and be part of my charity event I do for Children's Mercy hospital while we were on the set of "The Other Guys" and HE DID!!!!! It was a huge ask and he did it with a smile! He's a great guy!

What was your favorite part of working with Jon Stewart on the daily show?

I loved it all! I loved the studio pieces, the field pieces.... I loved sharing an office with John Oliver for 2 years! The people at TDS made it so much fun...and having a great boss always helps!

KC resident here. Which BBQ place is a must for you when you are back in town?

That's tough...there are so many outstanding BBQ places in KC these days!!! I grew up on Gates but there are some newer places that are amazing! Just so long as you have a Boulevard Wheat with your BBQ you can't go wrong.

Do you have any interesting stories from your drill sergeant days? Do you think that time has helped you with your more intense acting scenes?

Was never a drill instructor but I would say being a Marine and leading Marines has helped with the intangibles of acting.

I'm hoping to start training at UCB soon. Have any advice for a new student?

P.S. watching you compete on @midnight changed my life. Honestly, you inspire me. Hope that doesn't sound too cheesy. 😌

Congrats!!!! You made the right choice! Stay with it...listen for "the feedback" from friends, peers, teachers and most importantly the audience. If it's going well...keep working at it...if not well you'll figure it out. Good luck! UCB is the best!!!!

Rob ... I can only imagine the fun of shooting a movie with actors that have solid comedic timing ... was there a memorable "goof" or elaborate "punk'D" on the set of "Absolutely Anything"?

I remember just being so impressed with everyone! Nothing on set really, but I was lucky enough to spend a few afternoons with Terry Jones at his Pub drink beer and listening to his amazing stories! What an absolute legend and personal comedy hero!

Hey Rob! As a Kansas Citian, really looking forward to Big Slick again this year. What’s your favorite BBQ and non-BBQ restaurant in KC?

Thanks for supporting Big Slick much appreciated!!!! Too many BBQ places that are awesome to pick just one....

I feel like every SNL alum has a quintessential "Lorne story". What's your Lorne story?

Too long to type here....but I'll put it in my book!

How'd you make the transition from military officer to actor?

Has being former military affected your interactions in the entertainment industry?

I was a theater and film major in college and I always wanted to pursue comedy and acting! I knew I was going to try, I just didn't know how or when...but that stuff always works itself out if you're committed. No problems with entertainment industry...either way.

First of all, hello Rob. I'm a huge fan, and I think you're great in everything you're in.

As for my question, what was it like filming "The World Series of Dating" for the BBC? It was one of the most weird but awesome shows I've ever seen and it's a shame it only lasted 8 episodes.

Thanks again, Rob. Hope you continue having great success.

Thanks for the kind words! I don't know? They asked, I wanted to go to the U.K. and so we did it...but that was it.

What do you consider the funniest scene you have ever been in? And, have there been any scenes that you wish were kept instead of cut out?

It's a deleted scene from Step Brothers, which I believe is on the DVD and can also be found online somewhere....

Hey Rob, thanks for doing this. What was your favorite role to date. Would you like to play any sort of role that's a departure from your typical role you're known for? Is so, explain.

Thanks for your time!

I love comedy and comedy roles! Gil Thorpe is always a blast for me. I did my first "heavy" dramatic role this past year in a film called "Midnight Sun" with Bella Thorne and it's coming out July 14th!!! Very excited for that one!

Hey, Rob! You seem like a great guy and I've enjoyed a lot of your work. With actors who have done many projects, I'm always curious -- when fans meet you, which of your roles do people mention the most? I bet you probably hear "In the face! In the face!" every day.

P.S. You should be nicer to Phil Dunphy.

1) Gil is a jerk...sorry. 2) The Hanover, Step Brothers, 21 Jump Street are the movies most quoted back to me... "In the Face!" "Not up in here!" " I like the intensity...don't be afraid to ride the lightening!" " Pow!" "Fuck you Doug!"

Do you still fly? How often? Rent or own? How does that work? Thinking about getting my pilot's license...

I don't fly anymore. It's expensive and you need to do it a lot to stay proficient...

What is one of your favorite bits that never made the cut on the Daily Show?

I did a piece on small business owners in Nevada (specifically a brothel) and how the coming Presidential election would affect them and their customers. Never aired....

Love your comedy, thanks for all the laughs. Do you have a charity, or work closely with any?

I'm involved with children and veterans. I've been doing the Big Slick in Kansas City for the past 8 years www.bigslickkc.org and I work with several veterans organizations. I also have my own golf tournament in California for Vets!

Rob,

What's the coolest and/or strangest fan interaction you've experienced?

A few years ago you, Jake Johnson, and Damon Wayans Jr. were enjoying a quiet meal at an Atlanta restaurant. I cautiously approached the 3 of you for a photo op. A weird, drunk friend of mine bragged that he was also a TV star. You guys left immediately following this altercation.

I would like to apologize on behalf of my weird, drunk friend. My wife will never forgive me as she was on her way and missed out. Congrats on your success -- you were amazing on the Daily Show and it has been wonderful watching your continued success.

Unfortunately there are several "weird" interactions that happen every week. If it helps I don't remember this so it couldn't have been that bad. Thanks for the kind words though!

Do the Fox NFL guys ever get their feelings hurt over Riggle's Picks? Like Terry and his shingles or Howie's career in acting?

Not at all! I wouldn't do it if it hurt their feelings, I love those guys. They love it too!

How's it going Mr. Riggle!? Question for you, were you considered the the funniest guy in your unit when you were in the military?

ehhh...among my peers I was humorous. In front of my Marines not so much... I mean, I was always myself, but I tried not to screw around too much. I would usually do some goofy shit though just to self entertain....

I watched you open up for Bo Burnham 6 years ago and you were absolutely hilarious! Do you have any current plans to come back and do more stand up in the area?

Was that at K-State? Bo is an amazing stand up...fun show if I recall? I don't know if I'll ever get back to stand up? I wouldn't be opposed to it...it just takes a while to build a new set.

Are you... sure you spell your last name correctly? Not trying to be a dick-hole here, but I'm pretty sure it's "Wriggle"

Not "trying to be a "dickhole" but..... It's Riggle.

What movie scene was the most difficult for you to film just because it was so damn funny?

Where I want to punch Will Ferrell in the face at the Catalina Wine Mixer.....

Rob, I work at Texas' oldest craft brewery in Houston. Would you do me the pleasure of stopping by one time when you're in Houston? We'd love to fill you with beer and food for free and show you our brewery. Thanks!

That sounds great! Thanks!

Hi Rob! Thanks so much for coming to do the ama!

During and after your tenure as a Daily Show Correspondent, what were some of the most common reactions you encountered from your fellow marines in regards to your work?

Nothing but positive. I did a story once on the Marines at Berkeley that a lot of Marines appreciated.

Hey Rob! What was the transition like going from the military to comedy?

Not hard in the sense that I love comedy and have always been a fan and always wanted to work in comedy. I also always wanted to serve! This country is so great because you can have more than one dream...and you can pursue whatever dreams you may have!

Hey Rob, I'm a veteran looking to get into improv and film. How did the military help or hinder your start in entertainment? Can't wait to see How to be a Latin Lover by the way! Are you friends with Ken Marino?

Ken and I are friends. He's an amazing writer, director, actor and comedian. The military didn't necessarily help or hurt my career in comedy. If you choose a life in the arts you can count on having two or three jobs for a while.... I wish you the best!

Who is the most like Schmidt, you or Max?

Well... I am "Big Schmidt" so I'll let you decide