Rob Riggle: [a college football game is on television]. Sorry, I’m trying to put the game on mute. I don’t care who wins, I just like some background noise.
CraveOnline: You’re from Louisville, though, right? What about the upcoming basketball season?
Well, I was born in Louisville, but I’m from Kansas City. I grew up there.
Oh, well, I’m sorry about how the World Series ended (Kansas City lost the world series to the San Francisco Giants in seven games, off one run). I was rooting for the Royals.
Oh man, it was bone-crushing. It was so tough. But you know what? It was also the most fun I’ve had in 29 years so I can’t be too upset. It was such a great World Series.
It was a great series.
I got to go to one game. I couldn’t make it back to Kansas City, which broke my heart, but I had a 12-hour window of time and I flew up to San Francisco and caught game three which they won! I had to fly back at 6am the next day, but at least I got to see them in the World Series.
Well, hopefully you get a sequel.
[laughs] Yeah, hopefully! Nice segue.
“I actually love playing the straight man.”
Thank you. You play two roles — twins! — but both of them are kinda the straight guy. With your sketch comedy background is it hard to be around Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels while they do their thing and rein in your impulse to join in?
Sure. For comedy – sketch comedy, improv, what I grew up doing – you need to have the straight man or woman, for it to pop. If everyone on the screen is crazy it doesn’t work. It’s invaluable. I actually love playing the straight man. I’m such a fan of comedy, playing the straight guy allows the comedy to happen.
And you still get to pour Slurpee’s down people’s pants…
[laughs] Play funnel nuts (a game in Dumb and Dumber To where you drop a peanut from your nose, into a funnel that’s stuffed in your pants). I’ve never played that game. I am sure it’s a Farrelly Brothers creation.
I think funnel nuts originated in the 19th century.
[laughs] Earlier. On the Mayflower.
I actually have a ton of makeup questions for you. Which is the favorite thing actors are asked, I’m sure.
It’s new to me, shoot.
Right, because usually you’re the authority. No make up for those guys.
Yeah. Not a lot of makeup in the military.
Did you have a military background?
Yeah. That helped my comedy a lot. I used to try and steer clear of authoritative guys, because I didn’t want to get in trouble. But then I thought I should hang around them more and I’ve used them in a bunch of characters I’ve played. It’s a combination of every asshole I’ve ever met who weren’t aware that they were being an asshole. Football coaches too. So just tilt it a little to where I’m aware and it allows the audience to know its okay to laugh.
