I've always been one to support the underdog, which was made easy growing up with Chicago sports teams. But I haven't just supported the underdog in sports, but also in life – and comedy. That's probably why I was instantly a fan of Jamie Kennedy…
I've always been one to support the underdog, which was made easy growing up with Chicago sports teams. But I haven't just supported the underdog in sports, but also in life – and comedy.
That's probably why I was instantly a fan of Jamie Kennedy, the host of the WB's "Jamie Kennedy Experience" and star of "Son of Mask," opening in theaters nationwide Feb. 18.
Sure, both of those projects seem status securing, but it has taken Kennedy a long time to get up to this level.
"I've worked very hard to get to this level," he says. "I have worked my way up to the top. It feels great to finally get some great gigs."
The 34-year-old Upper Darby, Pa., native has been battling the difficulty of Hollywood ever since he got a small uncredited roll in "Dead Poet's Society." He saw brief success throughout the '90s with the "Scream" trilogy, but other than dips of fame, Kennedy seemed never to have enough mojo to lift him to greatness.
"There are A-list actors and B-list actors. What are you?" I ask.
"I'm C-list," he laughs.
"Do you think you will ever move out of those ranks?"
"Maybe someday, who knows."
Depending on the success of "Son of Mask," Kennedy might finally be inches away from scoring some decent comedic roles in the coming years.
On paper, there is no Jim Carrey or Cameron Diaz to highlight the film, but Kennedy seems ready for the challenge of filling the very big shoes left behind by Carrey.
JAMIE KENNEDY – THE COMEDIAN
The first time I met Jamie Kennedy was in Schaumburg, IL, at the Prairie Rock Brewery, in 2002. He was booked for a few stand up shows at the Brewery's downstairs club, and in fact, was able to sell out the up-and-coming comedy spot.
"Scham burg? Where the fuck am I?" he poked as he made his way onto the stage. And then he paused.
"I'm just kidding. I love this place."
Our first meeting was kind of symbolic of where we were in our lives. Here I was trying to get a few decent actors involved in my magazine, and here he was trying to build a solid fan base for some stand up shows. I pat his back, he pats mine.
At the time, Kennedy wasn't a huge star. He was certainly recognizable, but not someone who could walk down the street and get mauled by fans. In fact, he even made a stop at the casino in Elgin without even being bugged.
"It's nice to be able to walk around here and not be noticed. It kind of takes away the celebrity of everything," he said.
After the show, we had a few beers and talked as tons of show patrons came up to him and asked for his autograph while telling him just how funny he was.
"This is pretty cool," he said. "I just hope it maintains."
After our interview, we exchanged e-mail addresses and promised to keep in touch.
FAST FORWARD
We e-mailed back and forth, but now, Kennedy's publicist is a little stricter on who can interview him, and let alone chat with him, which is justified considering he is continuing to take steps closer to being on that A-list. However, I was able to snag another interview with Kennedy.
"You seem to keep on getting bigger man, what's working?"
"I don't know, I just got the show and everything has been falling into place," he says.
Even with another year of celebrity status in the bag, and some fairly good success from his show, Kennedy has continued to stay true to his laidback style – either that, or he was just really sleepy when we chatted - which is definitely a turn on to anyone he talks to.
"It's pretty early man," I say, as our 7:30 a.m. interview heats up. "Are you tired?"
"I've been X'd!" he laughs.
If "Son of Mask" does as well with young kids as expected, then Kennedy should be able to sleep in before having to talk to the next journalist. And if it doesn't, Kennedy has a back up plan.
"Deep down, I think I have always wanted to be a rapper. If I didn't goof off so much, maybe I would have," he jokes.
No matter what comes next, Kennedy is ready to work his ass off to secure the next role or gig. That's some inspirational desire. That's why we should all cheer for the underdog.
Photos courtesy of Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema
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