‘Dell Dude” - Alive And Well In N.Y.

I received a link to a story about the ‘Dell Dude’. It seems he is alive and well in New York City. The ‘Dell Dude’, who is actually Ben Curtis, has had a few acting stints since doing the Dell commercials. Currently he is working as a bartender at Tortilla Flats in the Big Apple. In an interview he stated:

How often do people recognize you as the Dell Dude?
Every day. It’s really difficult, but it’s a humbling experience. There were times when I made boatloads of money as an actor, but here I can be myself.

What’s the most extreme reaction you’ve gotten?
There was a group of women in their early forties, one of whom was bawling. I walk over and they said, “Our friend just passed away. We thought you might be able to cheer [us] up, we know who you are and you’re an incredible human and you’ve been through a lot and you’re an incredible actor. We’re all DEA agents, and we think you should smoke as much pot as you want to. And we love you.”

Do people ask you to repeat the catchphrase?
I’ve had tables of young girls who think they recognize me, and when they ask me, I say “yes” and then they don’t believe me and they start arguing and ask me to do the catchphrase and I’ll laugh and say, “It’s been four years, but I’m glad you’re a fan.”

Do people quote it to you?
They get really drunk, and they’ll start yelling things at me. I either ignore them, or if it’s way out of hand, I go up and say, “I appreciate your support, but my name is Ben.” That usually doesn’t work so I smile and ignore them.

Full story is here.

Comments welcome.

[tags]dell, dude, commercials, new york city, bartender, [/tags]