BRIAN DUNKLEMAN
After cohosting the first "American Idol,” what's next for you?
You know what? I actually just signed on to be the new host of “Star Search.”
No way.
No, I'm just kidding. I'm actually going to focus on acting, that's what I've always wanted to do. I'm doing stand-up again and I'm having a blast doing that. It's really fun to go out and have people actually come and see me because they know me from the show, and then to be very surprised that I'm a lot different on stage than I was on the show.
Is your stage act raunchy? How is it different?
It's not raunchy but it's pretty edgy and, I don't know, I dare say funny.
That's different for a stand-up comedian.
Exactly. I'm a pioneer.
Who do you think should have won the first “American Idol?”
Kelly Clarkson, no question about it. I'm very happy that she won. I think they really picked the person with the most talent.
Is Simon Cowell really as mean as he seems?
You know what? Off camera Simon is the funniest, most charming, nicest guy you will ever meet - just ask him. He'll tell you. He's actually a great guy; he's very cool. It was all an act.
What kind of films are you hoping to be a part of? Are you looking at comedies?
I don't know. I would like to start off there like my acting idol, Greg Kinnear. [Kinnear] is somebody who went from a hosting job to being very successful and now he's really taking a lot of chances, which I think is what it's all about. Michael Keaton is another guy who is finally making a comeback; he went away for a few years. He started out doing stand-up. Those are the people that I always try to follow their path.
Do you see yourself as the next Greg Kinnear?
I would only hope and pray that I could be half as successful as he is.
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