With five comedy albums under his belt and credited with a slew of movie credits (including Mystery Men, Waiting…, Employee of the Month, Good Luck Chuck, Dan in Real Life, Mr. Brooks, and My Best Friend’s Girl), he has also done voicework (Planes) and he’s embarking on yet another cross-Canada comedy tour. Here’s what he had to say about his latest project, and why he loved performing for Canadian audiences.
CraveOnline: Tell us about us your tour.
Dane Cook: It starts on November 2nd, and I’m excited to come to Canada. I love being cold, and I never get to wear my winter jackets up in LA.
Do you like performing in Canada?
It’s an easy answer – Canadians are great comedy fans. I would know this because my dad’s side of the family is from PEI so it’s in my blood. It’s a bit of a homecoming, and when I’m getting ready for a new special there’s no better place to figure out what works and what doesn’t. Canadians want the best show from you and that’s what you want to deliver.
Any other projects in the pipeline?
I’m directing my next special afterward in the beginning of next year. I just finished the movie American Exit with Levi Miller, who plays my son. This kid is going to be a major star – he’s 14 and he’s one of the most gifted performers. This is a drama and it’s dark, different from anything you’ve seen me do recently.
And then there’s something else that starts in February, and all I can say is, it’s a personal labour of love project.
What are your thoughts on the Canadian comedy landscape?
I grew up watching SCTV, which had some of my favourite sketch performers. I started in Boston as a sketch guy, and did improv and always loved that forte. Those dynamics have always been a part of my routine – spontaneity and going off the book.
The thing that I love about Canadian performers is I appreciate randomness, and I love that people have brands and get in their lane and know their fans, but there’s something about a performer where I have no idea what he’s going to do. And that still remains in Canada. Humour down here is a little more showcasey and straight edge, and up north lately, it’s still very silly and I like that – that’s what makes me laugh.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
Last year was the first time I ever made an entire thanksgiving dinner myself. I literally cooked every single thing alone. I got my iPad and watched YouTube videos. I was 43 and I’d never cooked a dinner for that many people. I did the entire spread: crescent rolls, gravy, desserts, I buttered the inside of the skin of the turkey, and I wore a f*ckin apron and answered my phone “gobble gobble.” I became that. And for the rest of my life, no matter where I go, I will always look at that moment and go, “I don’t care what people say about me, I made an entire thanksgiving dinner for 10 people…” Drop the mic.
