Sat., Jan. 7, 2006. 1:29 AM

    Not much is known about the elusive character we call "Allen Covert." He doesn't like to talk about himself much, and he seems destined to play the supporting role - always the best friend, never the leading man. What makes a guy want to play second fiddle for the better part of a career? Today I sat down with Mr. Covert to ask him what exactly makes him tick.

    Bren: Okay, I know it's a token question, but what did make you want to be an actor?

    Allen: I seem to remember wanting to be an actor when I was in the fifth grade. I had a teacher named Mr. Urqhart who had us do plays in class and I thought it was a lot of fun. He actually had the nerve to have us do an edited version of Hamlet. After that I just started auditioning for all the school plays. I just figured that it was better than getting a real job.

    Bren: And what sorts of "real jobs" did you have to keep to work your way up to where you are now?

    Allen: I was a valet parker, I was a doorman, a room service waiter, and I ran the showroom at the Improv.

    Bren: Were your parents supportive of your decision to leave the valet industry for acting?

    Allen: My parents were always very supportive of me. I think my father is a frustrated actor. He's always asking to be in our movies.

    Bren: After you finish the animated project "Whitey And Davey", what are you looking to do next? Are you planning to try and branch out away from Happy Madison a bit?

    Allen: We are getting ready to shoot our next movie in April. It's called "Deeds" right now. After that I am looking to do a movie of my own. It will of course be a Happy Madison Production.

    Bren: What were your first reactions to hearing that you were going to play some of the outrageous characters you've done?

    Allen:I'm always just happy to hear I have a job.

    Bren: Was there ever a character that you said "No" to, or had apprehensions about?

    Allen: I have apprehensions every time I act. But that's just fear.

    Bren: So what would be a character you'd love to do? Or, perhaps, a good book that you've read recently that you'd love to bring to the screen?


    Allen: I can't think of a dream role right now, but a book that I love and think would make a great movie is "The Caves of Steel" by Isaac Asimov. That's kind of cheating cause I didn't read it recently. But it still would be a cool movie.



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