Digital Dish Diva says: Good evening! Tonight we begin our series of chats with the stars of "Mystery Men." Our first guest is the very funny Janeane Garofalo, "The Bowler."
Janeane Garofalo says: Good evening. My name is Janeane Garofalo. If you are in the wrong chat room, should leave now.
Digital Dish Diva says: Janeane, welcome to MSN! Great to have you here! Your new film is really fabulous! Congratulations!
Janeane Garofalo says: Thanks.
Digital Dish Diva says: We have lots of fans here tonight! Let's get started!
Digital Dish Diva says: Trinity says: First I think that, Janeane, you rock!! But besides that, how does it feel to be the only women superhero amongst the likes of Hank, and Ben etc?
Janeane Garofalo says: Well, thank you for saying I rock, others have told me that I rule, but rocking is good too.
Janeane Garofalo says: I actually was not a super hero, per se. My super power is in my bowling ball not within myself. Be that as it may, it was a pleasure working with the entire cast.
Digital Dish Diva says: sorry says: Janeane, do you really bowl? And where is that cool bowl with the skull in it now? Did you get to keep it?
Janeane Garofalo says: The bowling ball is in my kitchen. I have only bowled four times in my entire life. After the first set I lose interest and I don't care enough to continue.
Digital Dish Diva says: MysteryMen says: Did you have to audition for the part?
Janeane Garofalo says: No, thank God. This was one of those occasions when it was a straight out offer.
Digital Dish Diva says: janeane_fan says: Just wondering if you got to keep your groovy costumes from "Mystery Men"?
Janeane Garofalo says: Yes, I did but I forgot to take them, which was fortuitous. They used my costumes on the woman who was in the Smash Mouth Video.
Digital Dish Diva says: sungirl33 says: Is your bowling ball heavy?
Janeane Garofalo says: Yes. There was a real bowling ball weighing about twenty-five pounds and then a fake lighter one, but for the most part I had to carry the really heavy one.
Digital Dish Diva says: kid says: Why isn't the movie called "Mystery People"?
Janeane Garofalo says: Because the real Mystery Men are Hank Ben and Bill and they recruit me to help them defeat Casanova Frankenstein.
Janeane Garofalo says: Mystery People sounds too 70's rock album by the New Seekers.
Digital Dish Diva says: ~Smileystuff~ says: You know, you are extremely witty. Is your attitude and humor the same in person as it is in the characters you portray? BTW, you're my idol. :)
Janeane Garofalo says: Thank you and thank you. The characters I portray are hopefully somewhat different than myself but I have been known to be witty in real life, but maybe people are just lying to me
Digital Dish Diva says: borboletaQY says: Do you ever get used to so many complete strangers worshiping you without even knowing you? Or does it not faze you?
Janeane Garofalo says: Well, I am not really aware of it. I am more aware of my enemies and they are more vocal.
Digital Dish Diva says: Millennium says: Hi, Janeane! What was it like working with the cast, especially with Paul Reubens?
Janeane Garofalo says: Paul Rubens is a wonderful man. The kinda guy who will always send a holiday card and birthday card. He is very mellow and creative and an all around good guy.
Digital Dish Diva says: serendipity says: Did you get to ad lib a lot of your scenes in "Mystery Men"?
Janeane Garofalo says: Yes, I did. The director, Kinka Usher, was extremely interested in having the actors improvise when they felt it was a good idea. Thankfully Kinka felt the way he did, there were spots where the script needed help.
Digital Dish Diva says: deranged says: Janeane, you've got to be the coolest person I've ever seen, you're my hero and I loved your book. How was writing it with Ben?
Janeane Garofalo says: I actually wrote my part in Ireland. Ben wrote his part in LA while filming "Permanent Midnight." Then we compared notes. But we did the book tour together and that was fun.
Digital Dish Diva says: Bugabu says: Which do you like doing better: TV or movies?
Janeane Garofalo says: It depends on the script. I have really enjoyed TV. It totally depends on the project. I don't care about the medium.
Digital Dish Diva says: wnnablieve says: What would you say has been your most interesting project that you have worked on?
Janeane Garofalo says: A bio-pic about the life of Abby Hoffman. That was the most interesting project I have ever worked on. It is yet to be released.
Digital Dish Diva says: tocleora says: Hey, Janeane, when will you have your own show?
Janeane Garofalo says: I don't know. I guess when an idea pops into my head that I feel needs to be shared with the audience of TV. I haven't come up with that yet.
Digital Dish Diva says: joeycub says: Hi Janeane, I have been a big fan for some time. Any plans for a comedy tour soon?
Janeane Garofalo says: Not a comedy tour, but I will do another HBO special. I will do some urban and college dates to prepare for that.
Digital Dish Diva says: CounselorTwiggy says: Janeane, do you have your own website ?
Janeane Garofalo says: I have heard that someone set up a page for me. I am computer illiterate. I have no concept as to how to use it. I need a crack squad to communicate with you
Digital Dish Diva says: satchmo says: Did you enjoy working on "Mad About You" with you as a grown-up Mabel as much as the rest of us did?
Janeane Garofalo says: I loved doing that. I hope to work with Helen Hunt again. I have been friends with Paul for a long time. I just met Helen while working with Hank. I did love working with her and hope to do more.
Digital Dish Diva says: sumatra says: Hi, Janeane! Is there (or will there be) a little "Mystery Men" toy of yourself? And if so, is that a really, really cool feeling?
Janeane Garofalo says: Yes, there is an action figure of me. I haven't seen it but I heard the first looked like Lara Flynn Boyle. It was retooled.
Janeane Garofalo says: I always wanted to be on a giant cup from a convenience store. You know, have my face on the side of a Mega-Slurpy.
Digital Dish Diva says: beefcake says: Do you like voice over work and would you care to ever do a "South Park" character?
Janeane Garofalo says: I do like voice over work and I would be honored to do a "South Park" character. I enjoy any kind of work where you are isolated in a booth and no one can see you.
Digital Dish Diva says: trailmix says: Is that you on "Felicity"?
Janeane Garofalo says: Yes it is. I am her older and wiser and sympathetic French tutor-voice-penpal.
Janeane Garofalo says: But I am not Daria. I repeat. I am not the voice of Daria.
Digital Dish Diva says: foophey says: What's the coolest thing about doing what you do(acting)?
Janeane Garofalo says: The fact of doing stand up and going into acting is that that is what I fantasized about and now I actually do it.
Digital Dish Diva says: Gwen says: Hi Janeane!! I'm a big fan of all your movies (and shows) so, how did you get started acting?
Janeane Garofalo says: I was twenty-seven and had been doing stand up for seven years and met Ben Stiller and he had faith that I could act.
Janeane Garofalo says: I had not thought about acting. It was not my focus, but Ben convinced me.
Digital Dish Diva says: DolphinShark says: Since you have done so many project with Ben Stiller, is there a romantic connection or just a good friendship?
Janeane Garofalo says: No, there is no romantic connection but for the purposes of the book we thought it would be funny to manufacture one. I think Ben would rather take a salt bullet to the knee than be romantically involved with me.
Digital Dish Diva says: jk says: Was it hard to concentrate being around mostly comedians during filming?
Janeane Garofalo says: No, because comedians in person are quieter and withdrawn than normal people.
Digital Dish Diva says: Road-Dogg says: Would you consider posing for "Playboy"?
Janeane Garofalo says: Uh, I can't think of an answer other than No. I have done Q & A for "Playboy," but I will NEVER take my clothes off for any publication.
Digital Dish Diva says: Jump77 says: What CD is in your CD player right now?
Janeane Garofalo says: Dwight Yoakum, "Under Cover" and "Dig Me Out" by Sleater-Kinney.
Digital Dish Diva says: emploee says: What's the coolest thing you've ever made with a blender?
Janeane Garofalo says: I don't own a blender. The coolest thing I ever made with my ex-boyfriend's blender is:
Janeane Garofalo says: Ice, non-fat milk, Kahlua, Bailey's, a splash of vodka, a banana, and a couple espresso beans. Blend and be prepared to go to sleep.
Digital Dish Diva says: fractal says: do you have any idea how completely cool you are?
Janeane Garofalo says: If were to say yes, I would be the biggest ass on line.
Digital Dish Diva says: flipper1 says: What is the best advice or piece of wisdom anyone has ever shared with you?
Janeane Garofalo says: It is not so much advice but a phrase by Eleanor Roosevelt.
Janeane Garofalo says: "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
Digital Dish Diva says: Jadis says: Who would you chose to play you in the movie of your life?
Janeane Garofalo says: Craig Bierko. He is so funny. He's 6'4" and hairy and very funny. He was in " The 13th floor."
Digital Dish Diva says: Mrdifranco says: Are they ever going to show you on "Felicity"?
Janeane Garofalo says: I doubt it. It has never been discussed.
Digital Dish Diva says: Lostcause says: What is the most embarrassing thing you have ever done?
Janeane Garofalo says: There are so many embarrassing things that I spend a good portion of the day rehashing. They're just too numerous to mention. There are not enough bytes in this machine to tell you.
Digital Dish Diva says: Freddie says: Would you consider doing more action hero roles after "Mystery Men"?
Janeane Garofalo says: Well, "Mystery Men" wasn't an action hero film per se but yes, if the script were good I would do it.
Digital Dish Diva says: Kahlan says: What is the strangest thing that has ever happened to you during your career?
Janeane Garofalo says: The strangest great thing is Albert Brooks leaving a message on my machine complimenting me on a standup I did that he saw. The strangest bad thing was my time on "SNL."
Digital Dish Diva says: Gingersnapped says: Janeane, do you still get star struck when you meet actors that you've admired?
Janeane Garofalo says: Yes, I actually get tongue-tied. I have run into Julia Roberts and have become tongue tied because she is so famous and actually her confidence and poise throw me. I am not used to dealing with secure people.
Digital Dish Diva says: Spirit says: Do you have any special role that you would like to play?
Janeane Garofalo says: I would have like to have played the Valerie Salanis part in "I Shot Andy Warhol" but Lily Taylor did a marvelous job. So it is good I didn't play it. I would have liked to be in "Tank Girl" too.
Digital Dish Diva says: Pixie23 says: How does it feel to know that your roles have taught a lot of "chicks" to speak up for themselves? You did this for me.
Janeane Garofalo says: If that is true I am quite flattered. I had no idea I had that effect on the ladies.
Digital Dish Diva says: bunnyhead asks: The funniest thing I have ever seen on TV was that MTV special honoring the worst videos ever made, the one where Vanilla Ice showed up and trashed the set. Any plans for another one?
Janeane Garofalo says: I wish. I would love to do another one because everything that Chris Katan says makes me laugh. I would want Chris, John and Dennis there again. I laughed during the entire thing. I think they were planning to air it only one time and then the response was so great they played it like every 15 minutes.
Digital Dish Diva says: krystinali says: What was Eddie Izzard like?
Janeane Garofalo says: He is fantastic. We stayed next to each other during the filming. He is intelligent and interesting. I really enjoyed making his acquaintance.
Digital Dish Diva says: Leelee says: What is your take on the pressure on women to live up to model-like figures and looks?
Janeane Garofalo says: It is choice we all have to make whether we give in or make our own rules because nothing will change unless women make the change. Women will have to do this person by person. The standards were set up without consulting the average woman. It is almost a political statement at this moment. In our culture eating or not eating is a political statement and a subversive act.
Digital Dish Diva says: defiler_ERB says: What other movies are you going to be starring in the near future?
Janeane Garofalo says: I have a part in the "Minus Man," "Dog Park," "The Independent," and "Steal this Movie."
Digital Dish Diva says: Rodius_Maximus says: What do you do to unwind after finishing up a project?
Janeane Garofalo says: Believe me there is so much down time on a movie set that I am already unwound. I need to do something to inject some life into myself. There is so much waiting and repetitive action it is mind numbing by the end of day.
Digital Dish Diva says: cdngirl says: Are you planning on directing at all in the near future?
Janeane Garofalo says: No. That is a Herculean task I don't plan to undertake but ask me again in 5 years.
Digital Dish Diva says: 8675309 says: If you weren't acting, what would you like to do as a career?
Janeane Garofalo says: I think I would like to run a dog shelter or rescue.
Digital Dish Diva says: smileystuff says: Who was your biggest influence growing up?
Janeane Garofalo says: I don't know if it was influence so much as hero. I guess that would be Bill Murray and Catherine O'Hara is another hero.
Digital Dish Diva says: Yoda says: During a movie shoot, do you tend to spend a lot of time with the cast outside of work?
Janeane Garofalo says: It depends. Some movies, if you are on location in a rural area you work and socialize with the cast, but if it is local, everyone goes home at the end of the day
Digital Dish Diva says: mapleleaf says: I read that you have eight tattoos is this true? Which one is your favorite?
Janeane Garofalo says: Yes, it is true. The one on my stomach is my favorite. It is a tattoo of a navel.
Digital Dish Diva says: mynameisjonas says: What is your favorite movie or TV show?
Janeane Garofalo says: Oh gosh, anything by Woody Allen, Albert Brooks, Spike Lee, Wes Anderson, Hal Hartley.
Digital Dish Diva says: Scott says: What comes first, reality or cynicism?
Janeane Garofalo says: They are so entwined in my life. Although I am making a valiant effort at positive thinking these days.
Digital Dish Diva says: Spirit says: Do you have any hobbies?
Janeane Garofalo says: No. Actually I am in a book club. I'm now reading three books by Anne Lamott. That is my project.
Digital Dish Diva says: Hellblazer says: Where would you go for a snack if you were awake and hungry and it's say 5AM?
Janeane Garofalo says: The deli on 13th street.
Digital Dish Diva says: BMF says: How are your dogs? How many do you have now?
Janeane Garofalo says: I have two and they are at camp now and are very happy.
Digital Dish Diva says: Do you send them care packages?
Janeane Garofalo says: (laughs) No. I probably should, hunh? But I have spoken to them over the phone.
Digital Dish Diva says: Road_Dogg says: What 5 adjectives would you say best describe you?
Janeane Garofalo says: Short.
Janeane Garofalo says: Short.
Janeane Garofalo says: Short.
Janeane Garofalo says: And I can't think of two more.
Digital Dish Diva says: qtkt77 says: Do you have a favorite band of all time?
Janeane Garofalo says: I'd say Elvis Costello, Ever Clear and the Beatles.
Digital Dish Diva says: Stone says: We all have one. What do you indulge your self with?
Janeane Garofalo says: Blue corn chips.
Digital Dish Diva says: kitkat says: I am 15, and you are the BIGGEST role model to me, I read your book and I want to know how you feel about being a role model?
Janeane Garofalo says: I am sure Britney Spears would be unhappy to hear that.
Digital Dish Diva says: sjmc says: Are you aware of how well thought of you are in the gay community?
Janeane Garofalo says: I am flattered, as they tend to be among the most enlightened of communities.
Digital Dish Diva says: chris26ca says: If you were to make a "dream movie", what genre would it be and who would you choose to play alongside you?
Janeane Garofalo says: Comedy with Bill Murray, Catherine O'Hara, Owen Wilson, Ben Stiller, Parker Posey and Chris Guest. And the list goes on and on.
Digital Dish Diva says: Mustafa says: Do you think stardom has changed you and how you look at this world?
Janeane Garofalo says: No, because my life on a day-to-day basis is not any different except for the fact that I have more money.
Janeane Garofalo says: That does make it easier but it doesn't change how I experience life. I still have the same problems I had prior to becoming moderately successful
Digital Dish Diva says: Grendel says: Was the eclectic casting of "Mystery Men" a deciding factor in undertaking this somewhat high-profile picture?
Janeane Garofalo says: Yes, it was the deciding factor.
Digital Dish Diva says: Hock says: Janeane, I have a tattoo of you on my heart. I want to know if you were ever considered for the part of Elaine on "Seinfeld."
Janeane Garofalo says: I actually tried to audition, way back, and was told at the time I was too young. I think I was 27 or 28 at the time but I looked younger. My face has now caught up with my age.
Digital Dish Diva says: mapleleaf says: Do you have a favorite super hero comic book?
Janeane Garofalo says: I don't read super hero comic books but I now read "Peep Show" by Joe Matt.
Digital Dish Diva says: Starry says: Which one of your characters that you have played was most complex and the hardest for you to portray?
Janeane Garofalo says: Anita Hoffman in "Steal This Movie" and Ferrin in "The Minus Men."
Digital Dish Diva says: We give you $20 at 7-11. What do you buy?
Janeane Garofalo says: Diet root beer, anything made with Olestra, the French vanilla cappuccino and the rest goes to gas.
Digital Dish Diva says: Nancy says: Just wondering if you are discovering/rediscovering your spirituality like so many other "stars" are doing?
Janeane Garofalo says: Not unless E! is doing a special on it because I can't think of anything more spiritual than E! Entertainment TV.
Digital Dish Diva says: lee says: When did you know you made it?
Janeane Garofalo says: In a bittersweet way. I had felt like I had somewhat arrived when "SNL" and "MAD TV" had made fun of me in some way. I didn't see it but heard they were fairly unflattering.
Digital Dish Diva says: Janeane, thanks so much for being our guest tonight!
Janeane Garofalo says: Thank you for having me.
Digital Dish Diva says: You are seriously the funniest person I know. Can't wait for "Mystery Men" to open so I can take everyone I know to see it.
Janeane Garofalo says: Anyone who goes to "Mystery Men" gets free candy.
Digital Dish Diva says: Thanks, Janeane! You are fabulous!
