IAmA Actor named Danny Pudi from Community on NBC, AMA

Abed is one of the most unusual characters on TV, and I mean that in the best possible way. Do you worry about future typecasting?

Right now I'm just excited to be part of a tremendous cast and consistently smart as hell writing. I played 3 different 'Sanjay's in 2007, so the fact that I get to play a strange, but not one-dimensional character is pure effin' joy!

I think Community handles race awesomely, Troy and Shirley both don't ignore the fact that they're black but don't let their blackness define them. It sucks that this is so hard to find on tv still.

Thanks man. I love this aspect of our show. If you look around, I don't think there's a more diverse ensemble on television. But we don't let that define any character.

To add a similar question, what do you want to do once Community ends?

I'm interested in two types of movies quite a bit lately. Family dramas and apocalyptic stories always interest me. I'd love to act in a film like "Children of Men" or something like "The Squid and the Whale". I'd also love to direct down the road.

Danny, hit reply under each question to answer them.

Thanks! New to this.

Would you say the butt-dialing commercial launched your career?

I think it helped! When I auditioned for Community, the producers actually recognized me from that commercial. People still call me 'Butt-dialer' randomly on the street!

Who wrote the spanish rap? It's wonderful.

Dan Harmon, the creator of our show is a genius. He saw Donald and I do an improvised rap in an interview and then wrote us a beautiful, non-sensical rap a few days later. That's how the tags started!

no question here. just a HUGE thank you to you, donald, the rest of the cast and all the writers. Community is amazing and a very large source of happiness in my week. Please keep up all the good work.

THANKS SO MUCH BOBBYTO! Really love this job and happy to provide some happiness in this crazy world.

Hi Danny! You (and Donald) are my favorite part of Community. Here are a few quick questions:

1. Donald says you guys pretty much instantly gelled. How much of your banter is made up by you, improv'ed on the spot?
2. What is your favorite part about working on Community?
3. Do you have any other projects you'll be working on in the near future?
4. One final question...what's it like playing Abed? Not often are there main characters with aspergers...is it difficult? How do you approach his character and quirks?

1) We did. He's one of the smartest, nicest people I've met. As far as improv, he's also the best I've ever worked with. To give you an example of an improv we came up with, I'll use the last episode. In the scripted tag it ended with Donald saying something about "Market Price". We then added the bit about "I'm going to run" and counting down 3, 2, 1 as we exited the table. Love working with him. 2) The cast/writers/directors really make it fun, and it's truly like summer camp as a 10 year old. We get to talk, laugh and avoid Chevy Chase's gas every week, which is a beautiful dream. 3) Knights of Badassdom, an indie film I did, should be out later this summer. And now that I'm on hiatus I'm auditioning for some projects. Hopefully something fun will come out of it! 4) Playing Abed is thoroughly engaging, exhausting and challenging. It can be lonely being a blank canvas who is constantly observing and assessing each situation, but it's also fun to live in a world that is like a video game. I love it so much.

I love that your character is so different and off center.

1. What is your favorite scene?
2. Will you sneak a Reddit reference in on screen?
3. What is your passion outside of the industry?

Thanks! 1) So many to choose from! Though it's gonna be hard to top the scene at the restaurant with Joel McHale from the last episode. The fact that I got to give a long, strange monologue that ends with "pooped my pants", is a dream come true. Anything with Star-Burns in it makes me laugh. 2) I'm sure Dan Harmon is already working on it. 3) Running, trying to make my wife laugh, reading books and watching way too much sports. Go Bulls!

Abed as Don Drapper is by far my favorite.

Thanks man! That scene is one of my faves. Everyone is so funny when they're trying to change Abed. Being able to play Don Draper to Alison who is on Mad Men was a terrifying thing. Also, loved Pierce's line: "There's nothing more terrifying than a half Arab, half Polish virgin in his 30s!

What is your opinion of the mental challenges that Abed faces? Is it Aspergers (or some form of autism), as most have assumed? Have you done any research into autism and used it to inform your acting?

Hey man. I am not sure. We don't really discuss or diagnose the characters. I have done some research but really I just try to live/think as Abed would when I read the scripts. I just sit with it for a while and have fun imagining how he sees the world, the patterns, the movie quotes, his directness and such. Hope that makes sense. There's really not a formula to it, other than reading and thinking about it.

As someone of a similar age now who is also a high functioning aspie, can I just say that both the writing for, and your portrayal of, Abed's character is one of my favorite things in any form of media in the past few years. The complexity, humanity, and humor of that character is astonishing. I've seen plenty of 'nerds' and 'Generic Autistic Kid' characters over the years, and they've always been portrayed as one dimensional caricatures, but Abed is the first time I've ever encountered a character on TV that I genuinely identify with as a person.

One of the most powerful things about Abed in my mind is that the show plays on his strengths as much as--if not more than--his weaknesses, which really is a first. Normally they'll have the aspie kid be somehow generically Smart, but that's the extent of it, whereas Abed is presented as a genuinely insightful outsider and a subtle, complete person. Not to get all melodramatic, but it's incredibly rewarding, validating, and just damn entertaining to finally have a character that one can truly identify with. So thanks for that.

And on a completely unrelated note, all my polish friends got a huge kick out of your impersonations on the Nerdist.

PS: If you ever come by New York you should come out to the Rocky Horror Picture Show in Chelsea. A lot of the cast are huge Community fans, and it's always a good time.

Thank you for this note Unununium. And not to get all melodramatic, but that's what makes playing Abed so fulfilling. I am consistently floored by the writers in many ways, especially the ambition they have at exploring both our strengths and weaknesses. Most 22 minute comedies wouldn't have a 2 person 10 minute scene with a monologue about Cougartown, yet within that still manage to layer it with each character's vulnerabilities. I am forever thankful to Dan Harmon, the Russo Bros, Richard Ayoade and the rest of our incredible writers/directors for not settling on a one-dimensional character and easy punchlines. As someone who looks East Indian but was raised in a Polish speaking household, there were no characters I could relate to on television or film when I was a kid. And that was always frustrating. Life is much more surprising and complicated. Anyways, thank you again for these kind words. Being able to connect to people makes this so special. Btw - I'm glad your Polish friends (in Williamsburg, I presume?) enjoyed Pan Richard. He's a force that will forever remind me that I'm lazy and should always smile. And if I make it to New York sometime and it works out, would love to catch the Rocky Horror Picture show. Embarrassing fact: I've actually never seen it!

Hi Danny, big fan! I guess my question is since your character on Community is such a movie buff and likes just about everything, I was curious to know what your favorite movie is

Thanks dicepants! My favorite movie is "Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark". I can watch it any time, any place.

Thanks dicepants! My favorite movie is "Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark". I can watch it any time, any place.

Do you prefer to watch it with or without your whip?

I prefer everything with a whip.

Were you familiar with the movie My Dinner With Andre before Abed's birthday episode from a few weeks ago, and did you watch it to prepare for that episode?

I wasn't familiar with the movie. Dan Harmon told me about it and then I rented it before the episode. I'm a big fan of it now, but if I had to watch it in high school I'd probably be bored.

As a Polish Indian from Chicago, what are your favorite foods? #currydog

A Currydog sounds delicious. I love Pizza. In Chicago, Paisano's and Pequod's. I love Indian food. If you're in Chicago, Devon Avenue and Hema's Kitchen is where it's at. My mom's bigos (Polish stew) is friggin delicious. Smacznego!

If acting wasn't your career, what do you think you'd be doing? Something sports related I imagine.

When I was younger my mom and grandparents wanted me to become a priest, but then I discovered women. So after that I gained interest in becoming a sports broadcaster, like Mark Giangreco in Chicago. I never had the physique for actual sports, but I love to watch and talk about em'!

May I buy you a beer?

Fact: If I see you, yes. Like Homer Simpson, I love beer. I'm reading a book right now all about it. Guinness is probably my favorite.

Fact: If I see you, yes. Like Homer Simpson, I love beer. I'm reading a book right now all about it. Guinness is probably my favorite.

How dissimilar is Abed from your normal life? Does having a character so "out there" make it easier to get fully involved in the role?

Thanks for doing this, LOVE the show!

Sometimes I wish I could be as direct, and have the ability to assess situations as quickly as Abed. But that's what makes the role so fun to play. For instance, in reality it would take me 5 minutes to count how many bagels fell on the ground. Abed knows there were 13 almost instantly. This is one of my favorite lines ever written for Abed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmFwD2n7Ojg

Hi, Danny! I lived in McCormick Hall with you at Marquette from 97-98. I remember seeing you in the elevator and you were always really nice to everyone. Do you have any of your own college hijinks that you'd like to share?

What up! McCormick Hall was one of the best years of my life. Tiny rooms, and lots of adventures. As far as hijinks, I got stripped naked once on the corner of 16th and Wisconsin. A woman tried helping me and hit some of my friends with her cane. That was fun. And the worst moment was when I was dared to poop in a box at Marquette One apartments. That didn't work out so well. Good to hear from ya!

can you and donald make a custom rap for reddit?

Subquestion: Any chance you'll ever guest on a Childish Gambino track?

If Donald asks me, I'd be open to it. I've been thinking of doing something in the Polish language. We'll see if he can make it work. Do Gory Kolega!

How was the sudden work/fame,etc affected your personal life?

The job is a wonderful gift. Challenges include, lack of sleep, forced to shower more often because we get recognized and asked to take pictures, and less time with my wife and family. It's a tough adjustment, but worth it.

Are there any plans for your character Abed to have any long-term love interests on the show?

Seriously. I was disappoint when the secret service lady had to leave.

Eliza Coupe was great and it was fun to explore an Abed love interest. Her directness and factual manner was a nice match. I can see Abed taking direction very well from a woman who knows what she wants. She's on Happy Endings on ABC btw

Is Abed going to get any happy endings?

Pop pop!

What other future projects do you have planned?

I've done a few Funny or Die videos lately and have an unwritten partnership with them that will probably lead to more. And I have a movie called "Knights of Badassdom" that should be out later this year. Great cast, about LARPERS, and some good ol' fashioned horror. I've also been writing a bit more and will see where that leads me.

Weren't you in a McDonald's commercial?

Good eye! Yep, it was for Snack wraps. I did about 10-15 commercials prior to Community.

Hey again, Danny! You may not remember, but we met briefly at SxSW after the Jones Street Station show. My friends and I were beyond thrilled, so thanks for taking the time to chat. How was the rest of your South by experience? Any crazy stories?

Wassup! SXSW was incredible. I'm a big fan of music so seeing TV on the Radio, Kanye West/John Legend/Jay-Z and others was a treat. Weirdest moment was meeting Wu-Tang Clan, specifically GZA. Donald and I were introduced as "These guys are funny man, they do bits and shit". Nice to meet you GZA was my response.

I asked Donald, so I figure I better ask you to make sure it's not unrequited:

Does the bromance extend off screen? I hope it works both ways....

Also, I caused a disturbance in a small Spanish town doing the Spanish rap at 7.30am while drunk off my ass. Thanks for that, best thing I forgot the whole weekend.

Donald and I hang out. Just went to SXSW to see him perform and hang out and that's where we celebrated our pickup for Season 3. Also, happy that you are alive after causing a biblioteca disturbance. It's 2011.

Is there any chance for a Childish Gambino/ Eight-Legged DJ collaboration in the future?

edit: well since this seems to have been a popular question I wanted to tack on something new.

• Is the "Araña discoteca" line from Troy and Abed's rap a reference to the Wu-Tang name generator?
• Your bromance with Donald is well established, but what other actors on the show are you close with? Is it the big happy family I'd like to imagine.

Thanks for making such an awesome show and for giving up some of your time to answer all of these questions!

Maybe. If he allows it...

Danny Pudi aka Misunderstood Bastard

Do you prefer cake or pie?

Good, important question. Pie. Apple and Pecan all day, every day.

Have you come up with an obscene portmanteau of your first and last names to beat donglover?

Apparently "Pudi" is already obscene and complements donglover well. http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=pudi

Love Community and I really enjoyed you on The Nerdist.

What are your plans for the summer, any projects or are you just going to relax and enjoy your time off? Favorite memory from Second City? Any crazy stories you can share with us from your time at Second City?

GO EAGLES! :)

Forgot to ask this the first time... what kind of cereal were you eating in the T-Mobile commercial?

Thanks man! Crazy, I actually just ran into the director of that T-mobile commercial (Matt Aselton). He and I worked on another commercial for Cars.com that never aired. In it, I made a diorama where I decapitated the salesmen's head. Apparently, it was too gruesome to air! Anyway, I was actually eating a cantaloupe, which we decided would be funny to eat while arguing with your wife. As far as summer, I hope to travel and hang out with my wife and friends. I just visited Denver/Boulder for a comedy show and got to stay with my college buds.
Favorite memory from Second City...so many. I went to the 50th anniversary last year and seeing Steve Carrell and Stephen Colbert perform a scene together live for the first time in years was a treat. I once did a scene with my friend Carissa where we played "Tree elves" and our teacher Tim O'Malley yelled at me to play the scene and just be funnier. All the while I was worried that nothing made sense, and he just said do it. I'll always remember that being a moment that clicked for me.

Thank you for doing this Mr. Pudi. I love Community in general and your portrayal of Abed in particular. Just a few random question, feel free to ignore what you like. Thanks for participating! Good luck with Community.

• Will you ever appear on a Childish Gambino song?
• Abed acknowledges that character growth "isn't really his jam"; are you comfortable with him remaining a static, self-aware character or would you prefer that he change a little?
• Are you ever tempted to mess your Wikipedia page, i.e. that Danny Pudi is the greatest actor ever and lives in a Cloud Palace?

You got it Eric! *Childish Gambino rules and I told people if Donald asked me to guest on a track, a Polish-themed cameo would probably be my contribution. My mom and grandparents are from Poland and their folk music is underrated. *As far as Abed, that's an interesting question. I think I find the earnestness of that statement sad but also true. I know many people in my life who pretty much are the same as they've always been, except for different titles and more clothing options. There's a sense that characters must change in film/television, but it's interesting and refreshing when a character doesn't change that much and just is that person. I can't really predict where Abed will go (especially because I'm not the writer), but it's fun to be open to whatever adventures are next, just like in real life. I have no idea what I'm doing tomorrow! *Wikipedia note taken! A cloud palace sounds comfy yo...

Desert Island: Top 5 Movies? TV Shows? Albums? Books?

This will be incomplete/insufficient but I'll give it a whirl...

Shaun of the Dead Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Indiana Jones Jesus Christ Superstar the Movie Blue/White/Red (Polish Film trilogy) - sorry but I'm taking all of em.

Arrested Development Battlestar Galactica Tom and Jerry cartoons (I'll need something to keep me from facing reality) Cosby Show Lost (of course)

The Roots: Things Fall Apart New Order: Power corruption and lies Notorious BIG: Ready to Die TV on the Radio: Desperate youth, blood thirsty babes The last one would probably be something polish to remind me of family and childhood...Jacek Karczmarski maybe, or something with piano/instrumental jazz music without lyrics

The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe To Kill a Mockingbird Harry Potter Guns, Germs and Steel Pillars of the Earth Essential Rumi (under the category of since I'm on an island might as well try to be smarter and more spiritual)

Just thought of another album I love: Fugees, The Score

What are your favorite TV shows currently on the air?

I'm into Treme, 30 Rock and Parks and Rec right now. Looking forward to Game of Thrones and I heard Archer is good

Having gone to Marquette, where is your favorite place in Milwaukee? Follow up question, Pizza Shuttle or Toppers?

Hmm...I loved, and will continue to hold Real Chili close to my heart. Saz's bbq is good. We used to hang out at Up and Under and Harpo's quite a bit. I miss that town. Toppers.