It was also incredibly fun because they gave me a lot of freedom. The first day I got there, I told them, "I've memorized your script and it's not really me. I'll do what you want but, not to sound egotistical, can I show you what I'd do in real life?" They said to go for it. The healing scene in the film is what I do in real life, and they weren't ready for it. The cameramen were backing up, and Jack Black didn't know I was going to hit him. He said, "What the heck are you doing?" They (the Farrellys) loved it, so we kept changing it, and doing what I really do.

Can you describe your character a little?
He's very lovable, very humble, he's very brilliant (laughing). No, I get to play myself and I'm an idiot basically. I'll tell you what I paid attention to the most, and that was trying not to laugh my ass off through the whole thing because it's so funny. That was my biggest problem.

Was it tough to pretend or were you just playing it as yourself?
I really wasn't pretending. What you see is what I do in real life, but on the big screen and with some amazing actors around me who made it really easy.

Did you have fun with the other actors?
I did. Jack Black and Jason Alexander are insane, and I'm insane. I'm not as insane as they are, but I'm trying. It was really fun.

More Interviews with the Cast of "Shallow Hal" - > Page 5