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RENAISSANCE MAN

June 16, 2003

Ernie O’Donnell is enjoying himself today. He’s been standing on a hardwood floor for close to six hours with nary a break. His is one face in a crowd of some two hundred sweaty, crabby extras who have gathered at Philadelphia’s Hard Rock Café’. The experience is akin to standing at the center of slightly more courteous version of a mosh pit that’s happening in very, very, slow motion. People standing in the back of the sizable crowd begin to push their way forward, afraid they will not get a chance to be on camera. Those who stand up front, by Ernie, subtly push back. They have no intention of giving up their spots on screen. As the day wears on, many toes are mashed, and several subtle elbows fly as tempers flare in the crowd.

Yet Ernie O’Donnell is all smiles. He laughs and jokes with those around him, enjoying his brief moment in the spotlight. Today’s the day he performs his lines. O’Donnell plays a reporter in Kevin Smith’s JERSEY GIRL, but you’ve seen Ernie Before, too. He was a cop in JAY AND SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK, appeared briefly in CHASING AMY, and holds the distinguished pop-cult title of the man who is Rick Derris. So…

What Makes Rick Tick?
An Interview With Ernie O’Donnell
By Antony Teofilo

Antony Teofilo: What is your role in JERSEY GIRL?

Ernie O’Donnell: I play a reporter.

AT: How did this opportunity come about for you?

EO’D: I visited Kevin in California, reviewed the script, and Kevin gave me the character.

AT: You are an actor, but you also have a day job…what is it you do to get by while you work on your acting career?

EO’D: I’m a carpenter.

AT: Some people have broken into the movie business because they had a practical skill that a production needed. Have you ever used your skills as a carpenter to cross over into the entertainment industry?

EO’D: Yes. The closest I ever got was I auditioned, and got a screen test for, one of those home improvement shows. I was close, I was in the final two, but I didn’t get it.

AT: Tell me a little about what its like to be chasing the acting dream, while still participating in the day to day world of paying bills and going to work…

EO’D: It’s pretty brutal. If you don’t come to Los Angeles prepared, and with an agent, it’s a hard game. If you don’t know somebody, it’s even harder. Thankfully, Kevin opened a couple of doors for me, and gave me some opportunities, which was very nice of him. The only thing I can say to other actors is to stick to your guns, take a lot of classes, do some independent feature films, whatever you can get your hands on, get a reel together, and don’t give up.

AT: In Kevin’s previous movies, you show up as Rick Derris, the legendary lothario whose reputation with the ladies is somewhat legendary. Is there any Ernie O’Donnell in Rick Derris? Is that character based on you?

EO’D: I wouldn’t say Rick Derris was based on me, but perhaps it was a subconscious choice on Kevin’s part to choose me for the role. I was a bit of a womanizer when I was younger.

AT: Not any more though?

EO’D: [Laughs] Uh, no. You’ll notice I have my wedding ring on.

AT: Actually, I didn’t…but I don’t normally check for those sorts of things when a man is involved. Back to Rick Derris…

EO’D: I had always had a girlfriend I was younger, when Kevin and I went to school together. I was probably the first of our list of friends to make the big leap. So I guess I started the trend. [Laughs]

AT: What would you say is the most enjoyable aspect of working with Kevin Smith, and doing this kind of work?

EO’D: I’d have to say that being Kevin’s friend, the respect I get from him, and give back are the best things. We have a friendship, that’s been there for a long time. I appreciate everything he’s given to me.

AT: I’m getting teary here. We’d better end the interview. Anything more you’d like to say?

EO’D: [Laughs] Kevin Smith is the man.

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