Office Politics

During our brief but pleasant conversation, The Daily Show alum breaks down his career in a way that's touching (many shout-outs to the wife) and hilarious. During our talk, we learned a bit about his next roles (he's the voice of 'Hammy' in this summer's Over the Hedge and is working on the sequel to Bruce Almighty), and a little about ourselves, too. Turns out, I'm Jewish!
But enough about me. Here's Steve on.'

By COED Staff

His similarities to his pompous character (Michael Scott) on The Office: In real life, I am a wonderful human being. I'm very generous, warm and loving, and a good father. Actually, I'm very down-to-earth. [Former Daily Show co-star] Steve Colbert once described me as 'beige against a tan wall.'

Overexposure: I'll reach my saturation point soon. Actually, aside from pornography, I've done anything that's handed to me. I get sick of me as much as anyone.

Advice for virgins: Keep on truckin'. You know what? After I made The 40-Year-Old Virgin, there were all these virgin Web sites for middle-aged folks that sprung up. I really was surprised!

College life: I kind of liked the way I did college [Denison University]. I saw it as being a kid in a candy store ' I did an equal amount of studying and drugs and sex. I didn't end up thinking I was going to be a comedian; I thought I would go into law. I was filling out my law school application and taking the LSATs, when I realized I wanted to give acting a shot.

On having The Daily Show taught as a class in Berkeley: That sounds like a fun class. What is it, a half credit? When I went to college, there was a Jim Morrison appreciation class for a half credit. It was 10 guys who got high and listened to the Doors. Tearing The Daily Show apart is probably a more valuable thing.