Sean William Scott sat down with NBCPhiladelphia to talk about being an introvert, accidentally falling into comedy, his criminal record and why "Role Models" is the must see comedy of 2008.
NBCPhiladelphia: How did you fall into acting, I heard you were a talented athlete back in the day?
Sean William Scott: Well I always anticipated having a career in sports, but movies were my passion. When my brother started "The Onion" paper, I was reminded that I could have a life outside of being a stressed out professional athlete. I realized I could use the same work ethic and apply it to another career that I love. I graduated early, told my coaches I wasn’t going to play sports anymore and moved to LA. I got lucky, got a manager and that was that.
NBC: Were you always destined for comedy?
SWS: I never anticipated doing comedy. I never had any desire to do it and I always wanted to do dark dramas. I wasn’t funny, couldn’t tell a joke in school and still can’t tell a joke to save my life! I just got lucky with "American Pie." That movie gave me a career.
NBC: "American Pie" was one of the great teen movies of the 90’s. In retrospect, do you get nostalgic about it?
SWS: It’s funny you mention that, because I do think about it and get nostalgic. It’s actually been on cable a lot. Watching "American Pie" is weird for me because I am like, “oh gosh if it wasn’t for this film I wouldn’t be able to have the life that I do.” My life changed for being in a movie that people responded to and still respond to, so with "Role Models," I wanted to cater to the audience that gave me a career and have some fun playing the wild guy again.
NBC: Was that the sole decision when deciding to be a part of "Role Models?"
SWS: For four years I did little movies and just got an idea of what seemed to be working as far as commercial comedies. "Role Models" seemed like it had a lot of the right elements for a movie to work. It was also a calculated decision to find a character that fit what audiences would want to see me do.
NBC: "Role Models" is about getting arrested and being forced to partake in community service. Have you ever been in trouble with the law and forced to do community service?
SWS: (Laughs) Ha, yes I did actually! A couple of times but I managed to get out of it. I can’t tell you why though!
NBC: Aw, come on! You can’t tell me anything? At least give me a hint.
SWS: I can’t! I can’t because I spent so much money trying to get out of it so that no one knew anything about it. Let’s just say I was not keen on cleaning bathrooms with a toothbrush. That was the way they did it back in the day.
NBC: In movies like "The Promotion" and "Mr. Woodcock," you are playing far more nuanced characters than the loud and colorful “Stifler” from "American Pie". Where do you fall personality-wise in real life?
SWS: I can easily be the energetic guy when we are doing press, but I am actually kind of an introvert. I am not like Stifler at all and was never a partier or a girl chaser. I am a quiet, introspective guy, but that’s why it’s fun to play that wild character.
NBC: You mentioned being shy though there is some nudity in the film. Were you comfortable doing nudity or was this a body double, Julia Roberts-style?
SWS: (Laughs) Yes, it was me and it was not cool. When the day came to shoot I was like, “is there a way to cheat this? Do people really have to see my ass?” But I figured in movies I’ve already done I have kissed multiple dudes, got an anal prostate examination, and even ate shit, so I just had to suck it up.
NBC: What makes "Role Models" a must see comedy of 2008?
SWS: Well, I think "Role Models" really does appeal to those people who love Judd Apatow’s films. It’s fun with quirky characters and the great script by Paul Rudd and David Wain fits right into what people seem to be liking right now. It’s raunchy humor with heart. I really think that it’s the funniest movie I’ve done.
