By Rob N. LeDonne
Jason Lee has enjoyed quite a successful career since making the unusual transition from professional skateboarder to Hollywood actor. Since his first feature film, Mallrats, he has starred in countless projects, including Vanilla Sky, Almost Famous and Stealing Harvard and has even lent his voice to 2004’s mega-popular The Incredibles. Currently, Lee can be seen every Thursday night at 8 p.m. on NBC, playing the title character in the equally popular My Name Is Earl.
The Chronicle: When you were skateboarding, did you ever think you would go on to a career in acting?Jason Lee: I had no idea, which is what I love about life. Sometimes you know, and sometimes you don’t, and there’s something great about both scenarios.
TC: One of your first film roles was the lead in Mallrats. What was it like on the set the first day and did you realize how that film would later become a cult hit?JL: When we shot it I was 24, turning 25, and the excitement of a new life beginning while out there in cold, cold Minnesota was just awesome. Being on the set was both exciting and scary. I had never had dialogue in anything, let alone a studio picture, and so my excitement was often curbed by the fear of the task at hand, which in my mind was not to screw up. And no, I had no idea that it would go on to become what it is today, but I love that an entirely new generation has embraced it.
TC: How did you get involved in My Name Is Earl and are you basing your character on the show off of anyone in particular?JL: They offered me the role of Earl and although I loved the script, I was pretty apprehensive about signing the 7-year contract. You don’t always know how things will turn out and it seemed like a big commitment, and a big responsibility, but I’m very happy I dove in. Earl isn’t really based on anyone in particular, and I’m still learning about him to this day, which is the fun of playing the same character over such a long period of time.
TC: You’ve appeared in both dramas and comedies and in both television and film. Which do you prefer working on and why? How are they different?JL: There’s a bit more concentration that goes into drama, whereas comedy tends to be lighter and with sets full of goofing off and pranks, etc., which is fun, and that’ll be a part of my career forever, I think, but I’d love to go in a totally different, and perhaps unexpected direction just to throw the whole thing off course for a bit by doing something dramatic.
TC: Any details you can share about the upcoming Alvin and the Chipmunks film? JL: I’m currently shooting AATC and it’s going really well. It’s pretty awesome, and quite a little honor, to be playing Dave Seville.
TC: What can you tell us about recording your voice for the upcoming Underdog film?JL: It’s been a long, long process (I started last April and am still recording), but a very exciting one. Voiceover work is truly an art form, and can be very difficult and trying, as the only thing you have to express and define the character is your voice, so everything has to have energy and emotion. It’s great.
TC: When people bump into on the street, what is the most common thing they say to you?JL: With the moustache, “Hey, Earl!” Without the moustache, they just look confused, or they throw out the always enjoyable “Hey, Brodie!”
