Dane is a versatile
performer who has taken on comedy, acting, producing and directing. He’s starred in number of films including Employee
of the Month, Dan in Real Life and Good Luck Chuck to name a few.
Dane made
the entertainment industry take notice two years ago when his sophomore comedy CD/DVD, Retaliation, debuted at #4 on the Billboard
Top 200 Album Chart. This was the highest charting for a comedy album in 27 years. This put Dane alongside other great comedic
heavy-hitters such as: Bill Cosby, Steve Martin and George Carlin.
From his appearances
on Saturday Night Live to his Comedy Central Tour Movie, Dane is a network’s dream by delivering top notch entertainment
and high ratings to match.
Currently, Dane is on
his “Isolated Incident Global Thermo Comedy Tour” which lands in Houston on Saturday, June 20. I was able to speak
with Dane about his Houston show, his success and future plans.
How
did you come up with the title for your tour, “Isolated Incident Global Thermo Comedy Tour?"
The name has
a dual persona. There were things going on in my personal and professional life that would never happen again. My parents
were sick and I was having a lot of success in my career. These were things that wouldn’t happen again, so “isolated
incident” has a double meaning. Also, I used to love the movie “War Games.” That’s where the “global
thermo” comes from.
What
can Houston expect from your show at the Toyota Center on June 20? Certainly, if you have been on the “Dane Train”
you realize that I’m interested in bringing something brand new to my shows. Make it an event. When I go to a concert
I want something special so that’s what I try to bring to my fans. I’ve been on tour for five weeks now and it’s
mostly a brand new show from what audiences have seen in the past. It’s all new and for the fans.
Do you have a favorite between stand-up and acting? It’s
like going to the gym and working on a different muscle. It’s a different approach for both. For me, stand-up is more
glamorous because I get to speak my mind. On film it’s a collaborative effort because you work with others. If I had
to rock n roll with one, it would be stand up.
It’s rare to have a comedy album reach the top five
on the Billboard Top 200 Album Charts. What was that experience like for you? When you talk about a career defining
moment, I would look back on that day. I told my family at the point that I have arrived. I see it as the magic bullet that
pierced Hollywood. The ripple effect is still being felt. It’s an incredible moment and it’s been a wonderful
ride.
How
do you measure your success? What makes me feel most accomplished is when I sit down at the end of the day and read email from people of
all ages, races, gender etc. and people saying how my act has matured. I also enjoy reading how my fans say that they can
relate to me. I feel like I’ve grown up with a generation of comedy fans for over 19 years. I love entertaining them.
Do
you have any upcoming film or other projects that we should be looking out for? I’ve done seven movies back to back
and I’m now writing my own projects. I’m with Comedy Central now and the future is wide open. But this year I
want to replant the flag and concentrate on comedy.
