NOTE:
I hope you enjoy this encore of the MikeDutz(Big
Brother 8) Interview from March 2008 .. Big Brother
10 is going full
swing every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday nights on CBS.. I
hope your
favorite player wins... I
am personally rooting for Dan, Renny,
Memphis or Keesha.--GInger
I
was recently shopping at Ralph's Grocery Store when I spotted
a nice looking guy whom I thought worked at T-Mobile.. I went up to say
hello and soon realized that it was not Scott from T-Mobile....... But
realized after a second look it was MIKE DUTZ from "BIG
BROTHER 8." Being an avid fan of the show I was a bit star
struck ... But - I had a million questions.. I am so
happy that he agreed to do the following interview... I hope
you enjoy.....
Punk Globe: Thanks so much for doing the
interview with me Mike. Funny- how mistaking you for a T-
Mobile Representative transformed in an interview for Punk Globe. Can
you give us a bit of background on yourself ? You were born in
Wisconsin right? Tell us about growing up in the
Midwest.. Going to the Wisconsin Dells.. I am from Iowa so I
know about the Wisconsin Dells and the summer fair on the
lake in Milwaukee .
-Yes, I
was born and raised in WI. My hometown of nearly 18 years is
Three Lakes. Its quite a small town, a place where everybody
knows everybody. Population of around 1000. As a
family we typically would travel to Wisconsin Dells (about 4 hours
away) one weekend over the summer. The Dells is a
huge playland of waterparks, extreme rides, and attractions.
We also would travel to Wausau (about 1 1/2 hours away) to attend the
state fair. WI is mostly comprised of small towns speckled
throughout with only having a few major cities. As a family
we used to travel 2 1/2 hours just to go to the nearest Sam's Club
until they built one a bit closer only being 1 1/2 hours
away. Nothing is really extremely convenient when I look back
upon things...nothing like living in a major city where you have
everything outside of your doorstep. Life in WI is pretty
simple and laid back. The people are pretty genuine and down
to earth. This type of lifestyle certainly provides the
foundation to develop strong family ties. I think
that's why generally Midwesterners are viewed as family oriented, and
good whole-hearted people.
Punk
Globe: You are a Leo right? .. Do you know much about
astrology
-I
am
indeed a Leo....just made the cutoff (Aug 20). I don't know a
ton about astrology, but it is something I find interesting and do
intend on picking up a few books in the future and studying it.
Punk
Globe: How did you come about being on Big Brother 8? Had you been a
fan of the show prior to being on it?
-I
had
watched BB in the past...season 6 was my first introduction to the
show. I caught a few episodes of All-Stars. I
wouldn't necessarily call myself a "fan" but I did enjoy watching what
I did see. I got on the show by simply applying to an add on
a modeling website I visit frequently. The ad read "casting
for reality show on major network send a picture"...so I thought why
not find out what its all about. Next thing I know I'm on the
show.
Punk
Globe: Can you explain the process of being on the show? Was there a
lot of auditions and call backs not to mention background checks?
-I would
like to explain the process but unfortunately that's one of those
things we are unable to discuss due to contract terms.
Punk
Globe: I remember hearing different House Mates talking about
how both Kail and Dick had both auditioned for previous Big
Brother's.
-Yes,
I
do remember talk about that. And it was also talked about by
past house-guests once I was off the show. Past house guests
had remembered seeing them during the audition processes in the years
past.
Punk
Globe: Is it true that when you were picked to be on Big Brother 8-
-that you had already been living in Orange County, California and that
the show asked to you to act as if you were still living in Wisconsin?
-I
was
living in Orange County for nearly three years prior to being on the
show. BB did want to say I was from WI, since that's where
I'm originally from, to diversify the cast on the show. But
they never said I had to play along as if I was currently living
there. On the live feeds, a person could have easily picked
up on that I was no longer in WI, but in fact living in CA. On the CBS
broadcast, most were under the impression I was still in WI.
Punk
Globe: At that time were you primarily working as a Contract
Painter or had you already begun a career as an Model?
-I
began
modeling in 2001...so needless to say had been at it for
sometime prior to the show. I also hold a painting
contractors license and was running a small business in addition to
modeling.
Punk
Globe: Early on you proved to be very good in the competitions. Do you
feel that put a target on your back for eviction.. It seemed like some
players like Nick never really showed what they were made of. Zach had
a good game plan - He sailed by to the end before
showing his strengths..
-Yeah,
I'm sure it was noticed that I was a threat in that manner. So I know
it put a target on my back. That's why when the
opportunity presented itself for the house to boot me out, they did.
Punk
Globe: Do you have regrets forming the alliance with Kail , Zach and
Nick so early in the game?
-Had
my
sole intention been to win or stay in the game as long as possible,
then yes I would have regret it. But, I was there to have fun
and live-up the unique experience. My feelings were, when I
go, then I go.
Punk
Globe: I realize that Big
Brother after 8 seasons had to think of something to win the viewers..
Were you surprised to find out that Eric was the Mole or
"America's Player" and had any of the house mates
suspected that Dick, Dustin and Jessica would be joining the household.
-Nobody
had suspected there to be 3 more house guests waiting up in a
room. I know there was mention that it was peculiar when we
entered the house, it was with an odd number of people. So
there was suspicion, but to pinpoint 3 for sure, no. As far
as "Americas Player", I was surprised to find out the concept the night
I was kicked off. I was shocked by it though. Things added up once I
found out as to how Eric was acting so peculiar
in the house...it made sense to me then.
Punk
Globe: I had
heard that Dick had previously auditioned for the
show and had been trying to include either his son
Vincent and Danielle.. Which may lead one to wonder if the "issues" of
them being estranged from one another for years was
exaggerated for ratings...
-Right,
I'm not really sure what the whole story is there....but I have also
heard from outside sources (who claim to be friends of theirs) that the
estranged relationship on the show was played up to be way more than
what it really was.
Punk
Globe: I have
already told you my favorite moment on the show.. Your "date" with
Amber! Amber was talking non stop about her
general bad luck, accidents, family, her job at the casino,
addictions to drugs and drinking - All while drinking glass after glass
of wine.. Empty Wine bottles were sprawled out all
over ... You then look at her- after what seemed
like an eternity of her blithering- asking her if
she felt she was really "cured. " That was priceless! Just
the look on your face.. while she was rambling on and on was
priceless. It was so brilliant! A pure John Waters
moment... I wish I could find that on U-Tube.
-Haha
thanks...yeah I felt it was such an appropriate thing to say at the
time and figured it was going to fly over her head. So I know
if you caught what I was driving at, many others did as well.
Punk
Globe: In
the beginning I really liked Amber. She was always in the mix
telling jokes, cussing, drinking having a good ole
time.. Then she did an about face and became a Bible Beater with
Jameeka.
-Yeah
she really showed a contradiction of characters. Bi-polar
almost. I couldn't figure out where she was coming from or
where she wanted to go. Purely a mess.
Punk
Globe: I know as
a viewer... I got irritated with some of the house mates? Jameeka and
Amber praying, Amber crying non-stop and
Jessica's voice... Did it drive you crazy being around the same people
24/7 ?
-
Oh of
course! Its like eating the same thing everyday, or working
on an assembly line and doing the same actions over and over....you get
tired of it, bored with it, and just plain sick of dealing with
it...same holds true with being cooped up in a confined area with the
same people with nowhere to escape from them. Believe me,
getting kicked off early on was a blessing.
Punk
Globe: Did it
surprise you to find out what a fierce competitor that Danielle was?
When I first saw her I thought she looked like an anorexic version of
the late Anna Nicole Smith or Natalie Maines from the Dixie
Chicks. I did not think she was long for the house.
-Yeah,
she did turn out to be a player like Janelle. Seemed to
always pull through when she needed to. It was surprising at
times.
Punk
Globe: Do you
think the Producers urged people like Dick and Jen to be "characters"
that you either loved or hated? Both of them
were over the top. Jen sometimes reminded me of Janice
Dickinson.. At times you would hear Dick in a conversation
that made him very likable and Jen also showed endearing qualities but
then they both would go back into "character".. I enjoyed
Jen's tales about Vanna White.
-I'm
sure they were certainly egged on to be "characters" on the
show. You're right, they were times when good things would
come out of both of their mouths, but most of the time horrible things
coming out of Dicks mouth, and bizarre (scratching your head) moments
with Jens actions.
Punk
Globe: Do you
watch other Reality Show? I know watching TV blows now with
the Writers Strike but what TV shows do you enjoy besides Reality Shows?
-I
used
to watch Amazing Race, Survivor, American Idol, and Real
World. I do'nt really catch much TV now. If I do,
its typically watching a movie. But if I had to name a show a
really like it would have to be Two and a Half Men.
Punk
Globe: On the
Big Brother message boards many of viewers seem to
think the Producers knew exactly who they wanted at the end and who
goes.... just for ratings. Do you care to add your thoughts?
-Well
I
think there is a general idea of who they want pushed to the end which
would play along with ratings...after all, if you don't have ratings,
you don't sell commercial spots, and you no longer have a
show. But, I swore they were going to compromise
the show with trying to get their ratings this past season. I
heard they took some flack and that some advertisers didn't want to be
affiliated with the show and pulled their commercial spots.
Punk
Globe: I know
there is a new Big Brother 9 airing soon. Do you have any special plans
for that?
-Well,
I
was invited to attend the launch party for BB9 at Kail's place in
OR. There are a bunch of past house-guests going there for a
few days along with fans for a meet and greet, a day of skiing and hot
springs, and then the viewing of the bb9 premiere. So I may
attend that depending on my schedule.
Punk
Globe: Because
of the Writers Strike there will also be a Summer Big Brother. Maybe it
will be an All Star Big Brother as BB7 was so
popular... Would you join in if you were asked?
-I
would
entertain the idea, but couldn't give a solid yes or no at this time.
Punk
Globe: After
leaving the show did you watch it 2 - 3
times weekly as well as the Show Time "Big
Brother After Dark" episodes? I
watched After Dark often and saw some
really funny moments and also saw a lot
of dead air.. Do you know if Show Time airings did
well in the ratings and if they plan on doing it
again for BB9?
-After
I
was off the show, I caught about 6 episodes before the
finale. My schedule was very hectic, and it didn't allow much
TV time, nor does it usually. I'm not sure how the Show Time ratings
were. I did catch some of those airings too, and found there
was a lot of dead air as well.
Punk
Globe: Had you
been a judge who would you have voted for to win Big Brother
8? Dick or Danielle? I was kind of shocked to see how few
voted for Danielle. I liked her.
-I
think
I would have voted for Danielle. I was surprised as well more
didn't vote for her. I thought for sure she was going to win.
Punk
Globe: I think
that Big Brother 8 definitely got some new viewers with the Rock n'
Roll people.. They were watching because of Dick's ties to
the Tatoo Parlors, Rock n' Roll ,The Cat Club
and The Rainbow. It was funny seeing Dilana from "Rock Star
Super Nova" another CBS Reality Show praising Dick.
-Yeah
I
didn't catch her praising Dick, but I'm sure it did get new viewers
because they never had a rocker character on the show.
Punk
Globe: You
seemed a bit surprised when I mentioned that I had
read and heard people like Rosie O' Donnell, Ellen, The Women on "The
View" and Kathy Griffin talking about Big Brother?
-Yeah,
I
guess I just don't think about all the people who did watch
it. So when I hear about another TV personality talking about
the show, it just weirds me out a bit knowing I've seen them on TV and
have commented about them or their shows and now they are doing the
same with BB and me.
Punk
Globe: Do you
get recognized much from being on Big Brother.. Oddly enough-
at that same Ralph's I met Lynn from "The Amazing Race".. Do
you go to alot of Reality Show events? Have you ever met Sharla the
small person who was on "The Amazing Race " or Buck Wild from
'Flavor of Love?"
-Yes, I
get recognized a lot. I really didn't know what to
expect after coming off the show. But I've
been recognized all over the country at just about every random place I
can think of. I don't go to many reality show
events. I was at a couple since the end of BB. The
Really Awards was one event. I've never me Sharla or Buck
Wild but may have seen them at the Really Awards.
Punk
Globe: Tell us
about what you are doing now? I know you were in an Automobile
Commercial and have done lots of print work. Tell us what we should
look for.
-Well
I
just recently posted some new print work on my myspace page for product
packaging on ipod. But new things come up all the time and I
keep present projects posted on my page. That's a good source
to check if you want to stay updated with where I'm at. But
aside from the modeling/acting, I'm also expanding my painting business
this year along with implementing a couple new business ideas and
getting those underway.
Punk
Globe: How is
your acting Career going? I know that you were in a Music Video. tell
us about that?
-Well,
I never really was on the acting side of things...mostly
modeling. Ive done a few music videos and
commercials/infomercials. I've been approached by producers
who want to use me for some roles in movies. Its a matter of
time before that transpires. But, I want to make sure I'm
brushed up on my acting skills before jumping into roles and bombing
opportunities. I think a lot of people who are on TV think
they can act just because they were on TV but it's highly
misconceived. So I'm being presented with things, I just want
to be able to nail them on the head so more opportunities follow.
Punk
Globe: Speaking
of Music are you a Musician? Have you ever been in a band? What bands
do you enjoy?
-I'm
not
a musician. I would, however, like to learn the piano, drums,
and guitar someday. I like all sorts of bands including The
Killers, The All-American Rejects, The Used, My Chemical Romance,
Matchbox 20, Bad Religion, and Fall Out Boy to name a few.
Punk
Globe: How
about favorite Actors and Actresses? What are some
of your favorite Movies
-Well
I
really like Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Will Ferrell and Owen Wilson
which parallels with the movies I like...Wedding Crashers, Meet the
Parents, and Anchor Man.
Punk
Globe: Do you
enjoy living in Hollywood better than the O.C.?
Hmm,
pros and cons to both. The O.C. is much cleaner and
spacious. But Hollywood is where all my work is at and I do
enjoy the nightlife entertainment there better than O.C.
Punk
Globe: Is there
any last words that you would like to share with the readers?
-Thank
you for your vested interest in me and reading this
interview. To keep up with me and my current projects locate
my page on
www.myspace.com/mikedutz
and add me as a friend and feel free to
write me. I personally reply to everyone.
Punk
Globe: One last
question Mike. A very serious question- I might add ... Do
you like regular Coca Cola Zero or the new Cherry Flavored
Coca Cola Zero better?
-Haha,
I
think regular.
Good
luck with your
career and thanks so much for the fun interview Mike.. You Rawk!
