Jack Black: MSN Interview

Do you consider yourself a master of comedy, Jack?
No. No way. Why? Because comedians come and go. Comedy is a strange thing because someone can be so funny – especially with stand-up comedy – but then they can lose it very quickly. You’ll think that someone is the funniest person on the planet, but you’ll see them the next week and they’re not so funny. What happened? Where did it go? It’s a mystery. And then you’ll see them a couple of months later and they’re back to being as funny as they used to be. It’s very strange.

 

What makes you laugh?
I always find it very funny to play someone who thinks they’re a master of anything when in fact they’re just a buffoon. It’s very funny. It’s a time-honoured formula, but it works. It’s like Peter Sellers in The Pink Panther. He thought he was the best detective in the world, but he’s not. That’s so painfully funny. I love that. I can never get enough of that. In real life, when I see someone who thinks they’re an expert but they’re just a clown, it cracks me up.

 

Have you always been a bit of a joker?
When I was a kid, I was precocious. I liked to make people laugh a lot and I liked to be the centre of attention. There’s a lot of insecurity there because the class clown is always an insecure person. They need the laughs to feel good and they need the attention. I certainly did. That’s probably what got me into acting – because I needed the attention.

 

So when did you realise you’d made it as an actor?
I was working on and off all through my twenties. I felt ok about it, but it wasn’t until I started my band – Tenacious D – that I started to get a lot of work. When all those wannabe actors ask me for advice on how they can make it in this industry, I always tell them they have to write or direct something of their own. That’s definitely how I got started properly.

 

What was the worst job you’ve ever taken?
I did some telemarketing on the phone for a while. Sorry if I called you. I was selling audio tapes of whale sounds, which were supposed to have a therapeutic, soothing effect. What a load of junk! I only did it for a couple of days because I didn’t sell any. They didn’t fire me, though – I just didn’t show up. I stopped going. I figured I’d stay at home and wait for some acting jobs to come in.

 

How’s life as a father treating you?
It’s good, thank you. And I’ve got another baby on the way, too – another one in the oven who’s almost done. It’s all good. I’m missing my son Samuel right now, actually – and I’m a little nervous about the new arrival. I really hope Samuel likes the new baby. He’ll have a playmate, but I hope he’s not jealous. [Pauses] He’s so going to be jealous.

 

Kung Fu Panda Images & Clips

Did you decide to take on the role of a kung fu-loving panda so that your children could watch some of your work?
Not really. I was told the basic idea for the story, which is about a big, child-like panda called Po who has these dreams of being a kung fu master – but really he just works at a noodle house. I thought the film had real potential, so I signed on. I’m very pleased I did because Kung Fu Panda is a really good movie.

 

Have you got a favourite kung fu hero?
My favourite kung fu hero right now is Stephen Chow. I really like his movie, Kung Fu Hustle. It’s amazing.

 

What about Jackie Chan?
I haven’t had the opportunity to meet Jackie Chan, even though he also provides one of the voices in Kung Fu Panda. The only person I got to act alongside for this film was Dustin Hoffman. We had a really fun session, actually. I’ve always thought he was an incredible actor, so it was exciting to get to work with him. We had a laugh.

 

With a stellar cast including Angelina Jolie and Dustin Hoffman, you wouldn’t really need much persuasion to sign up for Kung Fu Panda…
Well, I did a voice in the animation Shark Tale and it was really fun, so I figured this would be another good experience for me. Before I signed on, an animator took a voice clip of me from the movie High Fidelity. He animated a panda walking around with the voice and I thought it was hilarious. I knew I was in safe hands.

 

Do you ever hesitate before taking on roles?
I always say no at first. In fact, I’ve always turned down every role I’ve ever done – even High Fidelity. I said, “No, no, no… I’m not right for that character.” But I’m often proven wrong. I guess I have a fear in me that stops me from taking roles, but as soon as I think about it for a little while I realise it’s just my irrational fear. I get over it quickly.

 

So are there any roles you’ve turned down that you wish you hadn’t?
No, because I usually come around and do everything. I’ve not regretted turning anything down yet. Thankfully. But watch this space…

 

Kung Fu Panda is released in cinemas on 4 July.

 

 

Kung Fu Panda Images & Clips

 

 

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