Bruce Campbell: The crazy improv train ride interview
Bruce Campbell doing improv? Yes! At 1428 Elm, we have the raucous report on the King of the B Movies crazy train ride interview on The Mike O’Meara Show.
On the road, again.
Can You Hear Me Now?
While promoting his new book, Hail to the Chin: Further Confessions of a B Movie Actor, Bruce Campbell finds himself doing an interview on a train with the Mike O’Meara Show and it is hysterical! Known for his snappy banter at Comic Cons, the groovy actor definitely did not disappoint on this outing.
Poor reception and frequent conductor announcements could have derailed the interview but they didn’t faze Campbell. He took it all in stride. At one point, in mid-sentence he was interrupted by the loud speaker. Without missing a beat and totally channeling his “Bruce Campbell” character from My Name is Bruce he responded with, “I have a ticket, sir. I don’t have it on me. I have to get to Boston. I’m a famous person.”
Although he is best known for playing surly, chainsaw wielding Ash Williams in the Evil Dead movies, in real life, Bruce actually has a sarcastic sense of humor. Responding to host Mike O’Meara referring to him as a champion of independent filmmaking, “I want to be referred to as a champion, period.” Priceless.
Bruce Campbell – AVED 3 – Courtesy of Bruce Campbell Twitter
Talking Fake Blood, Elvis and Chins
If you are at all familiar with Bruce Campbell then you know his intense dislike of fake blood. It has been well documented. Since he spends most of his time on the Ash vs Evil Dead set in a perpetual state of what he refers to as “poopy diaper syndrome” does he have a specific protocol for washing the sticky stuff off?
“Shaving cream.” Shaving cream? Wait a minute. Did I hear that correctly? “The foaming action lifts it off your face.”
Wow, where was this advice when I was in film school? If I ever get in that situation again, I will know what to use because back in the day, Noxzema just didn’t cut it.
Last week was the 40th anniversary of Elvis’ death. In Bubba Ho-Tep, Campbell played an elderly King with cancer on his penis. As a matter of fact, as he is quick to point out, “He was the only Elvis,” with that affliction. How did he transform himself into the icon? Apparently, “jumpsuits” is the correct answer.
The production went to the company that made Elvis’ famous concert attire and Bruce had a white jumpsuit, a blue jumpsuit and a black jumpsuit for filming. Once Bubba wrapped, the suits had to go back to the warehouse.
Mike O’Meara also had another off the wall question for Campbell. Where did the chin come into play? “None of that is my fault. Reviewers thinking that they were clever would write the lantern-jawed Bruce Campbell, the square jawed Bruce Campbell, the granite jawed Bruce Campbell so I got tired of that. So, I thought, I’ll play your game. That was a big deal to them so we’re going to go with chin metaphors now.”
Bruce Campbell – Saturn Awards -Courtesy of Getty Images
The Perks of Fame and a Night at the Improv
Ever wonder what Bruce likes about being famous? In typical Campbell cheeky fashion, of course the answer isn’t what you would expect to hear. “The money that comes with it.”
I guess when you are a celebrity, one of the perks is getting your lavender distilled at Steven Seagal’s ranch. For those of you that don’t know this little fact about Bruce, he actually grows lavender on his property in Southern Oregon. Hard to believe, right?
In between all of the discussion, Campbell is actually being highly entertaining by riffing on the incessant announcements coming over the train’s PA system. At one point, he is asked if they will let him continue his journey and he responds with, “I am a famous person, therefore a rich person. I paid the man $100 and he left me alone. That’s how the world works, guys. Get over it.”
Another crazy moment occurs when Bruce pretends like he is talking to the conductor. “The pink carry on is mine. I wear makeup, guys. My daughter gave me a nice little bag to carry. It’s really none of your business.”
The Miami Effect
Burn Notice ran for seven seasons on USA. Bruce portrayed Sam Axe, a former Navy SEAL and bestie to burned spy extraordinaire, Michael Westen.
What was the most fun thing about working on the show? “Well, I was acting. I was acting like I was having fun. In reality, the crack of my behind was constantly wet in Miami.”
WHAT?! For a moment, I thought I was hearing things. Nope. I heard it correctly the first time. Campbell quickly added, “You know, so if you want to go there, sir, I’ll go there.”
Thanks for that graphic description, Bruce. We will just let that one go. Seriously though, this was one of the best, most light-hearted interviews that he has done on his book tour. It was a blast!
Next: Ash vs Evil Dead: Bruce Campbell explains how to get Season 4
If you would like to catch Bruce on the road, he has added some new places and dates to his schedule check it out at bruce-campbell.com. On August 22, season two of Ash vs Evil Dead drops on DVD and Blu-ray. You can also purchase his book on us.macmillan.com.