Steve O
Stuart Rolt
Nov 07
|13:12
Interview with Steve O
Adored by millions of impressionable kids and loathed by their horrified parents, Steve-O is the living embodiment of the all-American anti-hero. After rising to global fame, through his fool-hardy exploits on the hit show Jackass, he’s lived his life hard and dangerously.
With a string of notorious TV appearances, scores of self-inflicted injuries, a well-publicised battle with substance abuse and numerous unfortunate interactions with the law, he’s now astutely embarking upon a career as a stand-up comedian. Since he’s due to stop off in Brighton during his current tour, to offer us a glimpse into his colourful and chaotic life, we simply couldn’t resist digging a little deeper.
What can we all expect from your comedy show? I’m bringing my mum, so I hope it’s too racy.
You can expect dirty jokes and silly stunts and tricks. My comedy is absolutely filthy, but I see old people having a blast at my shows all the time. I think you should bring your mom, for sure.
Why have you entered a career in stand-up?
At first it was just because I was terrified to try it. I considered it a stunt that first time, but when I got laughs I was hooked right away. I've always been an attention whore, and I think stand up is the best remedy for that. Plus, one day I'd like to be able to make a living without hurting myself.
Do you get tired of people expecting you to be outrageous 24/7?
I don't much mind what people expect of me, I've always been ready to be outrageous when duty calls, and it doesn't look like that's going to change.
Is there any other amateur stunts on Youtube that have made you gasp in disbelief?
Sure, and now there are television shows devoted to showing nothing but Internet clips that do exactly that. The world is de-evolving at an alarming rate.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Always under-promise, and over-deliver.
Did you listen to that?
I do my best to apply that motto to my life and work, yes.
How do you spend your downtime now?
At home with my dogs.
Is there anything you want to do whilst you’re over here in the UK?
I'd like to ride a skateboard through London, for old time's sake.
How’s your nose? Why did it seem like a good idea to run headlong into Mike Tyson’s fist?
My nose was badly broken, but a strange guy set it straight for me within a couple minutes of that happening. I had a feeling that it would generate a great deal of publicity, and I think I was right.
Would you ever do a TV show with Charlie Sheen? Something like a male version of Cagney and Lacey would be awesome.
I would be happy to work with Charlie again.
Who is the last famous person you saw naked?
Weeman.
…and who is going to be the next?
Probably Weeman, he's always naked these days.
Have you got any advice on how to get girls? I don’t want to die a virgin.
Showing up on television makes people more physically attractive, regardless of whether they are covered in faeces at the time.
Which Jim Henson puppet would you most like to be?
Considering how many Miss Piggies I've had sex with, I'd have to say Kermit the Frog.
Have you any sage advice for concerned parents that have uncontrollable children?
Become educated about co-dependency issues, stop contributing to the problem, and start contributing to the solution.
Steve-O brings his Entirely Too Much Information tour to the Coalition on Monday 7th November.
www.steveo.com
