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Move over George Clooney. There's a new contender for Oscar and it's none other than the Git-R-Done man ... Larry the Cable Guy. With a new movie ("Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector") opening we couldn't think of a better time to pin him down.
By Chris Greer
ESPN.com ProRodeo Editor
You may know Larry the Cable Guy (real name is Dan Whitney) as the Git-R-Done member of the Blue Collar Comedy group who wears redneck like a badge of honor; or as the sometimes controversial one-liner machine with a vocabulary that doesn't include the letters P or C; or even as the guy who claims to have been born in the back of an El Camino during a Foghat concert.
But what you may not know is that … well that pretty much sums it up. Lord, I apologize.
But when he's not hacking off Clay Aiken fans (he once commented that he was on the Clay Aiken diet — where you pop in a Clay Aiken CD and try to keep food down), he's selling out concerts nationwide, turning out hugely popular CDs (including 2005's The Right to Bare Arms), keeping most of us in stitches with his approachable style and putting a little coin in the pockets of cowboys and cowgirls.
Larry, who can often be seen cracking wise at rodeos including the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo or performing like he did at RodeoHouston this year, has gotten into the sponsorship business with his Git-R-Done ProRodeo Team. Among those wearing Larry's patch are 18-time Steer Roping World Champ Guy Allen; barrel racer Shali Lord, who finished third in the world in '05; tie-down roper Jerome Schneeberger, who finished fifth in the world last year; and team roper Britt Bockius, who finished fourth.
He may be busier that a one-legged pygmy standing on hot coals promoting his new film Larry The Cable Guy: Health Inspector (opening March 24) at a local Denny's or bowling alley, but he found a discarded calling card with minutes still on it and talked with us about his potential Oscar acceptance speech, his blending ability and why being a mullet bully might get you on the Lord's bad list.
1. What made you think of putting together a Git-R-Done ProRodeo team?
I have always loved rodeo. When I was a kid I was in a thing called the Little Britches Rodeo where ya rode sheep. I think now it is called Brokeback Mountain. But anyway, I am a huge fan of the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) as well as the PBR (Professional Bull Riders). My sister actually participated on a professional level but retired last November because no one could stay on her. She was pretty mean in her final three buck-outs.
But I am a comedian and not a rodeo cowboy. However, I always have wanted to be involved in some way so sponsoring cowboys and cowgirls was a great way to be involved at some level. It's really hard for some of these folks to make it from rodeo to rodeo because if you don't make it to the pay window after the rodeo then you are financing your career yourself. So every little bit helps these athletes and I'm just thankful I'm able to help them out just a little bit.
Any thoughts on making the team members cut the sleeves off their shirts?
Never thought of that however I once asked them to wear white thongs and red chaps for rodeos that took place on Valentine's Day.
Don't worry Jerome ... if you don't make the pay window dinner is on Larry. (PRCA/Kerri Tuckness)
What's next, a recreational beer league team?
It's funny you ask that. I did sponsor a popular softball team that went 1-14. We really sucked and I actually think the only reason we were popular was because we had a Hooters girl as our second baseman. She wore these little pink shorts and every time she bent down for grounders the applause was almost as if Luis Gonzalez (fielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks) hit a single with two out and bases loaded in Game 7 of the World Series.
2. If you were made commissioner of the PRCA for a day, what changes would we see in rodeo?
Actually rodeo is as popular as it's ever been so I think they are doing fine with everything. If I did anything I would work out a deal with ESPN for an hour-long rodeo show once a week during the season that would update folks on what's been happening in the world of rodeo. We'd have a guest on every week and also show the best wrecks and rides for the week. Kinda like they do the NASCAR show on SpeedVision.
3. You own a couple of horses, but have you ever tried your luck on some rank roughstock?
Have never tried rank roughstock. I have however been kicked in the groin by a hacked off Angus cow trying to feed her baby some sweet feed.
4. We've seen you at the Wrangler NFR and you just did RodeoHouston on March 14. Most celebrities who show up at the high-profile rodeos stick out. Do you find you can "blend" a little easier?
Ya know what? I blend in pretty good because 75 percent of all the guys there look kinda like me. Come to think of it I was at a Wal-Mart one time at 3 a.m. and 75 percent of all the woman there looked like me! The only reason people know its me at rodeos is because of the fish hook on my hat. And also because I have a megaphone and I'm yelling "Git-r-Done!"
5. Does the mullet get a bad rap?
You will see some butt crack during Health Inspector, but no more than your quarterly trip to Jiffy Lube. It's pretty kid friendly. It's PG-13 ... pretty good for 13 minutes. (Lions Gate)
When we die and the Lord shows up at the pearly gates looking like the drummer for Blood, Sweat and Tears there's gonna be a lot of sinners taking back the mullet jokes.
6. Which catch phrase will be on more bumper stickers in 2015 — "Git-R-Done" or "Where's the Beef?"
"Git-R-Done" easily. Close second will be "Got-R-Did" followed by "Larry the Cable Guy/Ted Nugent in 2016."
7. What's the craziest thing a fan has either asked of you or sent you?
I had a fan want me to sign her boobs after a show once. I know that's not unusual but in this case it was my aunt. That ended the free tickets to family members.
Rodeo has buckle bunnies, are there Cable Guy groupies?
No groupies but I was at a meet and greet one time and met a girl who looked like a grouper. Her eyes were real close together and her head was super skinny. She looked like Don Knotts in The Incredible Mr. Limpet. That haunted me for two years.
Ever had an irate pygmy from New Guinea roll up on you?
No. I have a good relationship with the pygmies. However I had a tribesman cuss me out once for eating the last can of potted meat from a care package after I was there filming Potbellies Gone Wild for Playboy.
8. You're right up there with apple pie and the American way, so what are your thoughts on MLB players taking time off from spring training to participate in the World Baseball Classic?
I guess it is fine. I wish they would do it after the season is over so we could put our very best out there. I love baseball so I have no problem with it unless Chipper Jones gets hurt and screws up the Atlanta Braves' season. My big question that has nothing to do with baseball is, How come I always see fat homeless people? What's up with that? Are they new?
Minus his megaphone, Larry was pressing the flesh at the 2004 Wrangler NFR. (PRCA/Kerri Tuckness)
9. You're hitting the big screen this month with Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector. Have you heard any Oscar buzz yet?
No, I haven't. But neither did Smokey and the Bandit or Gator. Both of those were also American classics. One can clearly see that the Academy is full of communists.
10. In the movie you play a slob who also happens to inspect food. What real-life experiences did you draw on for the part?
Well the slob part was easy. As far as being a health inspector I winged it. Kinda like my first sexual experience. Both gave me heartburn.
Do you ever send food not prepared right, back to the kitchen?
No. I'm usually already too far away from the drive-up window.
11. Do you have any nude scenes that we need to make aware to people bringing small children or who have weak stomachs?
You will see some butt crack but no more than your quarterly trip to Jiffy Lube. It's pretty kid friendly. It's PG-13 … pretty good for 13 minutes.
Larry and his straight-arrow rookie partner Amy Butlin (Iris Bahr) have to investigate an outbreak of mysterious food poisonings at swanky restaurants in the movie. (Jon Barron Farmer/Lions Gate)
12. How much of the movie is straight dialogue and how much of it is you freelancing?
I'd say 50 percent freelance. That's almost one third of the movie so that's a lot.
13. Now that you going more mainstream, any chance we'll see you on Season 3 of Dancing With the Stars?
Probably not. I'm working on a reality show right now where ya let five guys off in the Ozarks and they have to find their way back to the car while being chased by backwoodsmen. I'm gonna call it Squeal or no Squeal.
14. Other than your buddies with the Blue Collar stuff, who cracks you up?
Dom Irrera, Lisa Lampanelli, Lewis Black, Nick DePaulo, samples, Jonathan Winters and every Al Gore speech.
By Chris Greer
ESPN.com ProRodeo Editor
You may know Larry the Cable Guy (real name is Dan Whitney) as the Git-R-Done member of the Blue Collar Comedy group who wears redneck like a badge of honor; or as the sometimes controversial one-liner machine with a vocabulary that doesn't include the letters P or C; or even as the guy who claims to have been born in the back of an El Camino during a Foghat concert.
But what you may not know is that … well that pretty much sums it up. Lord, I apologize.
But when he's not hacking off Clay Aiken fans (he once commented that he was on the Clay Aiken diet — where you pop in a Clay Aiken CD and try to keep food down), he's selling out concerts nationwide, turning out hugely popular CDs (including 2005's The Right to Bare Arms), keeping most of us in stitches with his approachable style and putting a little coin in the pockets of cowboys and cowgirls.
Larry, who can often be seen cracking wise at rodeos including the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo or performing like he did at RodeoHouston this year, has gotten into the sponsorship business with his Git-R-Done ProRodeo Team. Among those wearing Larry's patch are 18-time Steer Roping World Champ Guy Allen; barrel racer Shali Lord, who finished third in the world in '05; tie-down roper Jerome Schneeberger, who finished fifth in the world last year; and team roper Britt Bockius, who finished fourth.
He may be busier that a one-legged pygmy standing on hot coals promoting his new film Larry The Cable Guy: Health Inspector (opening March 24) at a local Denny's or bowling alley, but he found a discarded calling card with minutes still on it and talked with us about his potential Oscar acceptance speech, his blending ability and why being a mullet bully might get you on the Lord's bad list.
1. What made you think of putting together a Git-R-Done ProRodeo team?
I have always loved rodeo. When I was a kid I was in a thing called the Little Britches Rodeo where ya rode sheep. I think now it is called Brokeback Mountain. But anyway, I am a huge fan of the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) as well as the PBR (Professional Bull Riders). My sister actually participated on a professional level but retired last November because no one could stay on her. She was pretty mean in her final three buck-outs.
But I am a comedian and not a rodeo cowboy. However, I always have wanted to be involved in some way so sponsoring cowboys and cowgirls was a great way to be involved at some level. It's really hard for some of these folks to make it from rodeo to rodeo because if you don't make it to the pay window after the rodeo then you are financing your career yourself. So every little bit helps these athletes and I'm just thankful I'm able to help them out just a little bit.
Any thoughts on making the team members cut the sleeves off their shirts?
Never thought of that however I once asked them to wear white thongs and red chaps for rodeos that took place on Valentine's Day.
Don't worry Jerome ... if you don't make the pay window dinner is on Larry. (PRCA/Kerri Tuckness)
What's next, a recreational beer league team?
It's funny you ask that. I did sponsor a popular softball team that went 1-14. We really sucked and I actually think the only reason we were popular was because we had a Hooters girl as our second baseman. She wore these little pink shorts and every time she bent down for grounders the applause was almost as if Luis Gonzalez (fielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks) hit a single with two out and bases loaded in Game 7 of the World Series.
2. If you were made commissioner of the PRCA for a day, what changes would we see in rodeo?
Actually rodeo is as popular as it's ever been so I think they are doing fine with everything. If I did anything I would work out a deal with ESPN for an hour-long rodeo show once a week during the season that would update folks on what's been happening in the world of rodeo. We'd have a guest on every week and also show the best wrecks and rides for the week. Kinda like they do the NASCAR show on SpeedVision.
3. You own a couple of horses, but have you ever tried your luck on some rank roughstock?
Have never tried rank roughstock. I have however been kicked in the groin by a hacked off Angus cow trying to feed her baby some sweet feed.
4. We've seen you at the Wrangler NFR and you just did RodeoHouston on March 14. Most celebrities who show up at the high-profile rodeos stick out. Do you find you can "blend" a little easier?
Ya know what? I blend in pretty good because 75 percent of all the guys there look kinda like me. Come to think of it I was at a Wal-Mart one time at 3 a.m. and 75 percent of all the woman there looked like me! The only reason people know its me at rodeos is because of the fish hook on my hat. And also because I have a megaphone and I'm yelling "Git-r-Done!"
5. Does the mullet get a bad rap?
You will see some butt crack during Health Inspector, but no more than your quarterly trip to Jiffy Lube. It's pretty kid friendly. It's PG-13 ... pretty good for 13 minutes. (Lions Gate)
When we die and the Lord shows up at the pearly gates looking like the drummer for Blood, Sweat and Tears there's gonna be a lot of sinners taking back the mullet jokes.
6. Which catch phrase will be on more bumper stickers in 2015 — "Git-R-Done" or "Where's the Beef?"
"Git-R-Done" easily. Close second will be "Got-R-Did" followed by "Larry the Cable Guy/Ted Nugent in 2016."
7. What's the craziest thing a fan has either asked of you or sent you?
I had a fan want me to sign her boobs after a show once. I know that's not unusual but in this case it was my aunt. That ended the free tickets to family members.
Rodeo has buckle bunnies, are there Cable Guy groupies?
No groupies but I was at a meet and greet one time and met a girl who looked like a grouper. Her eyes were real close together and her head was super skinny. She looked like Don Knotts in The Incredible Mr. Limpet. That haunted me for two years.
Ever had an irate pygmy from New Guinea roll up on you?
No. I have a good relationship with the pygmies. However I had a tribesman cuss me out once for eating the last can of potted meat from a care package after I was there filming Potbellies Gone Wild for Playboy.
8. You're right up there with apple pie and the American way, so what are your thoughts on MLB players taking time off from spring training to participate in the World Baseball Classic?
I guess it is fine. I wish they would do it after the season is over so we could put our very best out there. I love baseball so I have no problem with it unless Chipper Jones gets hurt and screws up the Atlanta Braves' season. My big question that has nothing to do with baseball is, How come I always see fat homeless people? What's up with that? Are they new?
Minus his megaphone, Larry was pressing the flesh at the 2004 Wrangler NFR. (PRCA/Kerri Tuckness)
9. You're hitting the big screen this month with Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector. Have you heard any Oscar buzz yet?
No, I haven't. But neither did Smokey and the Bandit or Gator. Both of those were also American classics. One can clearly see that the Academy is full of communists.
10. In the movie you play a slob who also happens to inspect food. What real-life experiences did you draw on for the part?
Well the slob part was easy. As far as being a health inspector I winged it. Kinda like my first sexual experience. Both gave me heartburn.
Do you ever send food not prepared right, back to the kitchen?
No. I'm usually already too far away from the drive-up window.
11. Do you have any nude scenes that we need to make aware to people bringing small children or who have weak stomachs?
You will see some butt crack but no more than your quarterly trip to Jiffy Lube. It's pretty kid friendly. It's PG-13 … pretty good for 13 minutes.
Larry and his straight-arrow rookie partner Amy Butlin (Iris Bahr) have to investigate an outbreak of mysterious food poisonings at swanky restaurants in the movie. (Jon Barron Farmer/Lions Gate)
12. How much of the movie is straight dialogue and how much of it is you freelancing?
I'd say 50 percent freelance. That's almost one third of the movie so that's a lot.
13. Now that you going more mainstream, any chance we'll see you on Season 3 of Dancing With the Stars?
Probably not. I'm working on a reality show right now where ya let five guys off in the Ozarks and they have to find their way back to the car while being chased by backwoodsmen. I'm gonna call it Squeal or no Squeal.
14. Other than your buddies with the Blue Collar stuff, who cracks you up?
Dom Irrera, Lisa Lampanelli, Lewis Black, Nick DePaulo, samples, Jonathan Winters and every Al Gore speech.
