Return to Transcripts main page
CNN Larry King Live
Interview with Beyonce; Interview With Dane Cook
Aired April 23, 2009 - 21:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LARRY KING, HOST: Tonight, the incredible Beyonce.
(MUSIC)
KING: She is a world superstar.
Expanding her entertainment empire, obsessed with a movie role unlike anything she's ever done.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM OBSESSED," COURTESY SCREEN GEMS)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We can talk.
BEYONCE KNOWLES, SINGER, SONGWRITER, ACTOR: I told you, don't touch me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KING: Beyonce talks Michelle Obama and Jay Z.
Will there be babies?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KNOWLES: Of course I want to be a mother.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KING: Plus, comedian Dane Cook's personal nightmare -- his own brother is accused of stealing millions he was supposed to be managing.
How could that have happened?
Next on LARRY KING LIVE.
Good evening.
What a pleasure to welcome to LARRY KING LIVE -- finally, Beyonce. We've been waiting a long time for the 10-time Grammy- winning recording artist.
She's launching her tour -- world tour this week. She opens on -- her new movie, "Obsessed," opens on Friday.
Why -- why -- are you opening in Croatia?
KNOWLES: I am opening in Croatia.
KING: How did that come about?
KNOWLES: Well, I've been fortunate to be able to tour around the world for years. We started with, of course, Kelly and Michelle of Destiny's Child. Our first album came out when I was 15 years old.
And we started traveling to Europe and to Japan. And over the years, we built up our fan base. And, you know, this is actually my first time in Croatia. But every time I keep -- you know, I'm able to travel and go to different places and keep expanding.
KING: It's nice to be known everywhere in the world.
KNOWLES: Thank you.
KING: Who made the decision that you, as a career, will use first name only?
KNOWLES: Well, my name, Beyonce, is actually my mother's maiden name. Her last name is Beyonce. And there were no more men in the family, no more sons. So she said let me name my daughter, her first name, Beyonce. And that's a little confusing enough. You know, growing up I was called "Be-yownce" and "Bounce" and "Be-amichi." And Beyonce is easy enough.
(LAUGHTER)
KING: All right, earlier this year, you knocked everybody out when you sang "At Last," that great song, for Obama's first dance during the Inaugural.
Here's a little bit of that and then I'll ask you about it.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KNOWLES: (SINGING "AT LAST")
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KING: Great song, an original. That was originally a hit by the great Jimmy Dorsey and the orchestra.
What was it like to sing that?
KNOWLES: Could you imagine?
I mean, I was standing there. They were right in front of me. And the love they have. And the -- they're so gracious. And it was just so contagious. And everyone in the room had goose bumps, including myself.
And it was really difficult for me to stay focused and not to lose control, because it was so overwhelming. And I know they personally asked me to do the -- the performance, so I wanted to make sure I did it justice. So I tried to keep reminding myself, OK, they asked you personally, so you have to do a good job. And that's the only way I kept my composure, because it was really, really a beautiful, beautiful moment.
And I feel like I've worked all these years for that moment. It's the highlight of my career.
KING: Is that song now in your repertoire?
KNOWLES: Yes, it is. I actually was able to play the legendary Etta James in a film I co-produced called "Cadillac Records," and...
KING: A great movie.
KNOWLES: ... you know, she's had a very interesting life. And...
KING: Yes, no kidding.
KNOWLES: ... and I admire her so much. It was very dramatic and really difference for me. And it was a stretch for me. I wasn't sure if I was able to do -- if I was ready to do it. And thank God I had the support of my mother. And she convinced me, you're ready.
And believe it or not, it's the best performance I've ever given on screen.
And I learned a lot from playing that character. She has had, you know, a very amazing life -- a lot of accomplishments.
And thank God I'm now able to sing that song, "At Last," every night. It's a song that -- all over the world, no matter where I go, everyone knows it and loves it. And it just gives you that -- that feeling inside that just reminds you of that time. And I'm very blessed to sing it.
KING: It's a beautiful song.
KNOWLES: Yes.
KING: The Jimmy Dorsey record had it all chorus singing it with that -- with lots of instruments...
KNOWLES: Really?
KING: Yes.
KNOWLES: Believe it or not, I've never heard it. I need to go and check it out.
KING: It was a number one song in America in, like, 1958.
KNOWLES: Wow.
KING: No kidding.
KNOWLES: OK. KING: OK. Now you often talk about an onstage alter ego, "Sasha Fierce."
KNOWLES: Yes.
KING: OK.
Was Sasha Fierce or Beyonce singing that song?
KNOWLES: Oh, that was definitely Beyonce.
(LAUGHTER)
KNOWLES: Sasha Fierce, I usually use when I'm really nervous and when I'm on the stage and I have to do up-tempo songs and I have to be really sexy in my dance videos.
But, you know, it's interesting because the older I get, the more Sasha Fierce comes out all the time.
So it's kind of merging. And the name of my album is "I Am... Sasha Fierce," because really it's -- you know, I am. It's the same person. It's just kind of my alter ego and the stronger version of myself.
KING: A great name, by the way.
KNOWLES: Thank you.
KING: The Barack Obama presidency -- what does it mean to you?
KNOWLES: I'm so proud. You know, I've -- I've always said it, I never thought I would live for this -- you know, to see this moment. And I'm very happy with the progress our country has already made.
And being someone that's traveled around the world, I had never seen the enthusiasm in people that don't -- that are not Americans.
And it was time and it's here. And we're all so, so fortunate to be here and all feel like we can give back and be more involved.
Because there's a lot of things, you know, that, I think, especially young people, we never felt like we were being spoken to. And now we do. And now it's cool to be involved and to do other things for other people. And even to -- to -- you know, even on -- with Twitter and CNN and -- it's just wonderful the movement that's going on with my generation.
KING: Have you -- by the way, have you ever experienced racism?
KNOWLES: Of course. I think, you know, it's definitely something that's
-- it's here. But I think it's getting a lot better. And I always try to focus on the positive and the progress that we've made. And there's so many people that have sacrificed and have gone through so much for us. And now we don't have to experience it as much. And I almost -- you know, I believe that slowly we -- hopefully, in a couple of years, will all be all mixed up and it won't exist.
KING: Yes.
Wouldn't that be wonderful?
KNOWLES: It would be wonderful.
KING: We're going to take a break. And when we come back, we'll ask you about your new movie, "Obsessed." In our tell-all world of celebrity, Beyonce is very private.
How does she keep her life to herself?
Next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(MUSIC)
KING: We're back with Beyonce.
Your new movie, "Obsessed," opens this week -- a psychological thriller. You play a woman whose husband gets tangled up with a female stalker.
Let's watch a clip.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM OBSESSED," COURTESY SCREEN GEMS)
IDRIS ELBA, ACTOR: Sharon, come on...
KNOWLES: Get out of my house!
ELBA: This is crazy, Sharon! Can't you see what's happening?
KNOWLES: Get out of my house.
ELBA: Nothing happened with this -- OK. You know what? You just tell me what you want me to do and that's what I'll do! Huh?
KNOWLES: First, I suggest you pack your toothbrush. And then I want you to get your socks, your shaving kit, your underwear, you prophylactics if you think you need them, and get your ass out of here!
ELBA: And go where, Sharon?
KNOWLES: To hell! But until then, I suggest maybe the Four Seasons.
(END VIDEO CLIP) KING: Whoa. The movie is "Obsessed." Who's the actor?
KNOWLES: That's Idris Elba. He's amazing. And, you know, he brought out a lot of wonderful things in my performance. It was the first time I did improv. And, you know, he is a student and a great teacher. And we've spent a lot of time just with the two of us going back and forth with the script and making adjustments and making it our own.
And I think, you know, I learned -- I learned so much from working with him...
KING: Did you...
KNOWLES: ...and Ali Larter.
KING: Did you like -- a lot of rough scenes in this.
Did you like that kind of heavy drama?
KNOWLES: I actually like it a lot more. You know, I still like -- it's easier for me. And I guess it's because I hold so many things in, because I always have to be so professional. And I work very, very hard.
So all of those things that -- all of the things that I hold in, I'm able to -- to let out when I do movies. And it's really just exhilarating for me to release all of that, you know, when I do dramatic roles.
KING: Yes.
So you've never had fights like that in real life?
KNOWLES: No, not like that.
(LAUGHTER)
KNOWLES: You know, especially not the one in the end. But you know, it's life. I've seen it and I use all of my own experiences and my experiences from my friends and from everyone around me.
KING: Do you like acting as much as singing?
KNOWLES: I do.
KING: Really?
KNOWLES: I didn't in the beginning. It took me -- it took me a couple of movies, because I was born to sing. I really believe I was born to more than sing, to entertain. And it's very natural for me. And acting came very naturally.
But once I was able to make the connection that the same -- I can experience the same out of body experience when I do a movie, the same excitement. And, you know, I'm completely not in my head. I'm completely free when I'm on the stage.
And for the first time, I kind of had that light bulb moment when I did the last movie, "Cadillac Records," that it's the same thing. And now I'm able to not be conscious of the camera and to have really private moments and expose myself.
And I'm -- I'm really excited now. I get that same adrenaline rush.
KING: That's -- that's terrific. You and Jennifer Hudson, you were both at the NAACP Image Awards in February.
KNOWLES: Yes.
KING: And Jennifer suffered that tragedy last year of the murder of her mother and brother and young nephew.
How is she doing?
KNOWLES: I actually just spoke with her. She's doing, I think, very well. She just had a show in Madison Square Garden. And she's such an inspiration, such a beautiful and talented woman. And I'm fortunate to -- to be someone that was with her on her first movie. She's grown so much. And, you know, just to see her strength is beyond inspiring.
KING: Tell me about marriage. You and your husband, Jay-Z -- a terrific performer in and of himself. You marked your first anniversary this month.
What do you know now you didn't know a year ago?
KNOWLES: Oh, I mean, I know so much every year. Jay and I have always been very private about our relationships. And, you know, I -- even after we became husband and wife, we still continue to be private. And I think it's protected us from -- from a lot of things. And people give us a lot of respect. And I guess I learned that as happy as I am, I still need to keep -- keep it private.
(LAUGHTER)
KING: All right.
How are you able, in this modern world -- and you mentioned it, tweeters and CNN's and paparazzi and people following down the street and inquiring minds and tabloids -- how do you stay private?
KNOWLES: It's really difficult, very difficult -- especially when you're happy. And some people just make up things and make up rumors and -- to try to get you to speak and defend things. And you just have to be really secure in your relationship.
And I -- I was always a private person. It's difficult, but I know in the end, the amount of time we've been together is longer than, you know, most people in this industry. You know, it's very rare. So it must be working. KING: True.
KNOWLES: So it must be working.
KING: Beyonce starts her world tour tomorrow. The movie "Obsessed"
opens.
And we'll be back with more.
We've been talking about that movie.
What is Beyonce obsessed with?
KNOWLES: What am I obsessed with?
KING: We'll be back in 60 seconds.
KNOWLES: OK.
(LAUGHTER)
KING: Don't go away.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(MUSIC)
KING: We are back with the fabulous Beyonce.
Let's take a look at one of the songs you just can't get out of your head -- a huge hit from a recent album, "Single Ladies."
Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KNOWLES: (SINGING "SINGLE LADIES (PUT A RING ON IT)")
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KING: That, by the way, was so big, it inspired a number of parodies.
And here's how "Saturday Night Live" paid tribute.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM "SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE," COURTESY SNL/BROADWAY VIDEO)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: "Single Ladies" video, take two.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Play back.
(MUSIC PLAYING "SINGLE LADIES (PUT A RING ON IT)")
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Action!
(MUSIC PLAYING "SINGLE LADIES (PUT A RING ON IT)")
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KING: Did you like that?
(LAUGHTER)
KNOWLES: Oh, it was so hilarious. It was very difficult to stay focused. I told him in rehearsals, make sure I'm ahead of them so I can't see what they're doing, because I -- I couldn't keep a straight face.
And, actually, Justin Timberlake came to the dressing room. It was a surprise. It wasn't planned. He came, showed up in his bodysuit. And he was like, I'm here.
So it was really a great -- it actually was the first parody. And it started a whole, you know, it's gone on YouTube. It's thousands of people.
KING: It's terrific.
KNOWLES: Yes, it's amazing.
KING: We'll be right back with Beyonce.
Don't go away.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(MUSIC)
KING: We're back with Beyonce.
By the way, her tour, the "I Am" tour -- world tour -- starts in Croatia this Sunday. Her movie, "Obsessed," opens tomorrow, wide.
You told "Vogue" magazine that you called Michelle Obama after the Inaugural to thank her for the opportunity. And you say she told you she was glad that her daughters had someone like you to look up to.
How did that make you feel?
KNOWLES: Oh, you know, it's something that is the ultimate compliment.
KING: Yes.
KNOWLES: Especially -- especially right now. I always had -- I have a younger sister, so I feel like I've always had someone that looked up to me. But to think that, you know, I'm responsible for so many young people, sometimes, is really overwhelming. But I am very conscious of that when I make decisions. And especially the older I get, you know, I don't take it for granted. And especially for beautiful children, you know, like -- like the Obamas. I met them. And they're so young. And I can only imagine the pressure that they have to be under.
But they're -- they're amazing children. And, you know, I -- I will always be aware and always try my best to be a great role model.
KING: You like that idea, then?
KNOWLES: I really do. You know, it used to terrify me. But now I feel like it's -- you know, my music is bigger than just performing and dancing and videos. I have a voice and I try to -- to teach women how badly we need each other, how much we need to support each other and how anything that you really want, you have to work for.
And that's something that I feel like I can now be an example to young people.
KING: Your husband, Jay-Z, had a lot to do with Rihanna's early career. And back in February, he said he thought everyone should support her in that mess with Chris Brown.
How do you feel about that whole thing?
KNOWLES: Well, I think she's doing a lot better. She is such a very talented woman -- and very smart. And I think it's really important in those times of need that people give people their privacy.
So all you can do is -- is pray and, you know, leave it up to the people around her and her to make great decisions.
And now -- and she has and she and she will. And, you know, I'm here to support her, as well as all of my family. She's like family to me. And all of -- Jay and all of my family.
KING: All right. Let's go to other things. You've got a successful clothing line. People call you a fashion icon. So I'm going to ask you about something else.
What do you think about -- everyone talks about her -- the way Michelle Obama dresses?
KNOWLES: Oh, she's so chic. And she -- one thing about her, she knows how to dress appropriately. Wherever she is, she is just -- her lines are always clean. She knows how to dress for her body. Very timely. You see her pictures years from now, they will never be out of style or out of fashion.
And she's very, very classy, of course.
KING: But she ain't buying on Rodeo Drive.
KNOWLES: No. And that's something that -- that she teaches us. You don't have to -- to spend a lot of money to look like Michelle Obama, who is the fashion icon. I think that's, you know, something that, especially right now, in this time, we all need to know.
KING: By the way, with this tour starting Sunday, are you getting a little nervous?
KNOWLES: Oh, of course, especially the first couple of shows. There's so many things that -- that can go wrong. But, you know, you just have to kind of fight through it. And right now, it's getting easier.
I've actually done a couple of shows in Canada. And the crowd and my reviews were all amazing. The crowd loved it. So, you know, I'm never satisfied. Every night I watch the show and -- and I give my notes and I always try to critique and make things better.
But I still get nervous. That's why I created Sasha Fierce.
(LAUGHTER)
KING: Yes, well, Sinatra told me the same thing. Every time before he went on stage -- and he said, if you don't get that...
KNOWLES: Then be nervous.
KING: ...something is the matter.
KNOWLES: Didn't be nervous. It's true. Something is wrong. It's time to go find another job.
(LAUGHTER)
KING: We'll have a few more moments with Beyonce and we'll spend them right after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(MUSIC)
KING: We've got a little surprise for you coming in a moment, Beyonce.
But I want to ask you about these food drives that you're involved with. You co-sponsor, as part of a -- part of your tour, what -- how does it work?
KNOWLES: Well, right now, one in eight Americans don't have proper meals. So I've teamed up with Hamburger Helper and Feeding America. And our goal is to donate 1. -- I'm sorry, 3.5 million meals to local food banks.
So I'm encouraging all of my fans to bring canned goods -- non- perishable items -- to my tour. And they're going to actually go to the -- the local food banks.
KING: Huh. KNOWLES: And also, the ticket sales -- you know, the tickets are expensive right now in this economic time and this struggle right now. So we are offering $20 tickets with the service charge. So 2,000 seats every night. Everyone can come and see the show.
KING: That is a terrific idea.
KNOWLES: Thank you.
KING: I salute you on that.
KNOWLES: Thank you.
KING: OK. You may have heard about Susan Boyle, that singer in Scotland...
KNOWLES: Yes.
KING: ... on that program, and the amazing voice she had. Well, then a young boy came along, equally amazing. His name is Shaheen Jafargholi. And we interviewed him earlier.
KNOWLES: Oh, really?
KING: And he's a crazed fan of yours.
KNOWLES: Oh, great.
KING: So we asked him, what would he like to say to Beyonce?
So watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHAHEEN JAFARGHOLI, "BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT" CONTESTANT: Oh my God. Hi, Beyonce.
I just can't believe that I'm going -- talking to you right now. You're seriously my idol. All I do all day is just sit there on the computer watching clips of you in concerts and your music videos. So I hope you like me too. I love you, Beyonce.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KNOWLES: Oh, how sweet.
KING: And that was his mother sitting with him.
KNOWLES: Oh my -- wow. He's so sweet. I can't wait to hear him sing. That is so nice.
KING: Oh, you didn't hear his bit he did? Well, we've only seen short clips of it. But he's an extraordinary young talent.
KNOWLES: Really? That's very exciting. What a nice -- what a nice spirit. KING: By the way, on your last tour, did you fall down?
KNOWLES: I did, yes.
KING: Where? What happened?
KNOWLES: Not only my last tour, I fall all the time.
But, you know, it was the year that YouTube got so hot, so unfortunately, now whenever I fall, it ends up on YouTube. And it ended up all on the news. And, you know, I have a scar on my leg that will be here forever. So it's something that reminds me that, you know, I do fall. And it's not about the fall, it's about how high you bounce right back up.
KING: Why do you fall? Do you do a lot of movement?
KNOWLES: Oh, yes. I do. I do. I do a lot of choreography and I'm always in very high heels. And I'm running up and down stairs and doing flips in harness, in -- you know, I'm very -- you know, I do a lot of things, very physical.
I'm a huge fan of Michael Jackson and Prince and people that are able to sing and dance at the same time. It's really difficult. I basically am -- you know, it's very athletic. It's like an athlete.
And every time I go on the stage, I kind of go into the zone, like it's a game, like -- you know, so it's like that adrenaline that takes over. So even when I fall, you know, as I said earlier, I'm not afraid of anything. I'm completely out of control and like in the zone.
So I'm not afraid that I'm going to fall down the stairs. But the reality is, sometimes I am going to fall.
KING: Yes.
KNOWLES: But I can't let that stop me from giving my all on the stage.
KING: OK. One other thing; you've accomplished so much, do you want to be a mother?
KNOWLES: I do. Yes, definitely. I have the best mother in the world. And my mother is literally my best friend. I respect her so much. And I admire her and I had a wonderful -- a great example. She was very hard-working. And I can trust her with anything.
So, of course, I want to be a mother. And I only pray that my relationship with my daughter is like the relationship I have with my mother.
But I do feel like I have so many things to accomplish, and I'm still young. I'm 27. And I feel like I've accomplished a lot of things, but I haven't seen the best of myself. And the world hasn't seen the best of me. So I -- when it's time and when it happens, when it is meant to be, it will. But I'm in no rush.
KING: Thanks so much for being with us. Best of luck with the movie. Best of luck on the tour.
KNOWLES: Thank you for having me.
KING: Beyonce, what an act.
You can see more of my interview with Beyonce's biggest fan, Shaheen. Just go to CNN.com/LarryKing. It's on our webpage. And so is an exclusive with Elaine Paige, Susan Boyle's idol. She said she would be very happy, by the way, to sing with Britain's new singing sensation. Check it all out on CNN.com/LarryKing.
The very funny Dane Cook is next.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DANE COOK, COMEDIAN: I think this guy is so stressed, honestly, with all these problems on his mind. Obama is in the Oval Office with his head in his hands trying to figure it all out. He might be the first U.S. president to assassinate himself.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KING: What is going on in his personal life, however, is no laughing matter. Dane Cook will be with us right after the break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
COOK: This is awful.
Who are you?
You've got to be kidding me?
Is there anybody in there who needs help.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KING: Little sick guy. Anyway, we welcome Dane Cook to LARRY KING LIVE, comedian and actor. He is launching his Global Thermo Comedy Tour this week. His Isolated Incident special debuts on Comedy Central on May 17th. And the CD and DVD will go on sale May 19th.
With all the funny things around him, and doing movies with people like Kate Hudson and Jessica Alba and Alec Baldwin, we are going to start with something a little serious before we veer into the more humorous, something no laughing matter. What is the story with you and your half brother, right?
COOK: Well, it's a difficult situation. Can't talk too much about it, because it's an on-going trial. There is nothing funnier than a comedian with no comment, is that territory.
KING: Essentially, what is the case? What is the charge?
COOK: I worked with my only half brother for several years. Woke up one day and a lot of stuff missing. You know, you've been through the mat also.
KING: Yes, I have.
COOK: It's a terrible betrayal, but hopefully justice will be served and continue to entertain people. Move on with my life.
KING: Is the money gone?
COOK: There is a good chunk of money that is certainly not accounted for. That's all I can say about it at this point.
KING: One other thing on that, then we'll move on. How do you deal with betrayal?
COOK: Dance. Larry, you dance. By the way, should I call you Larry or should we call each other by Twitter names? The etiquette of it all. I'm going to call you King's Things.
KING: That is my Twitter name.
COOK: Let me say hi to my friend Stink Face.
KING: What is your Twitter Name?
COOK: I went with Dane Cook.
KING: Just Dane Cook.
COOK: Yes.
KING: Why isn't it funny?
COOK: Because hopefully the name itself will, you know --
KING: We reached out to your half brother's, Darrell McCauley's (ph), attorney for a comment about the case. We got no response. Mr. McCauley has pled not guilty to the charges against him. No trial has started yet, right?
COOK: Later in the year, yes.
KING: OK. Now we go back to you and comedy. A few years back, you hit -- you had a comedy hit CD entitled "Retaliation." Are you a retaliation kind of guy?
COOK: I certainly -- look, I've been a road dog, Larry, for a long time, doing stand-up comedy since 1990. Having success like that, finding your fans after all those years. I had the humble beginnings. I was doing comedy in laundry mats in 1992, literally where I would bring a little gorilla amp and a lapel mike and just start performing.
KING: In Boston?
COOK: Yes, rural Boston. People would be doing their loads watching me, going, who is this strange guy trying out bits? When you start off, a few people, then it's a couple of hundred, then a couple of thousand. Then you have the privilege to entertain tens of thousands, millions.
KING: How do you get movies?
COOK: Enough friends become directors. They're fans of your comedy. One thing leads to another. They are calling you, saying, let's put one out.
KING: Do you like doing a film as much as stand-up?
COOK: Yes, yes. Definitely, the Kraft service element, very good. I'm a snack guy. It's different from stand-up. When you are doing stand-up comedy, you are the writer, producer, director, sometimes bouncer. I've been in a couple of fist fights in and around some of the old clubs. Then you get to a movie set and it's a collaborative effort, and you are working with a team of people.
KING: But there is nothing like going on a stage, a bare stage.
COOK: It's the best.
KING: You've got to make them laugh.
COOK: It's glamorous, Larry. It's glamorous. All these years later, it's still one of the only places -- it's a high. Where can you go where you can sit and watch somebody speak their mind without editing or any kind of --
KING: Let's take a look at some of Dane Cook's latest comedy.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
COOK: Yes, can I get a coach class ticket for the flight? Is there anything you don't want on the flight? Yes, I don't want fire on the flight. I don't want rabid dogs running nipping at people. I don't want people opening and closing umbrellas near my god damn eyes. I don't want a surly character sitting next to me, praying to a god that is not my god in an ungodly fashion.
I don't want the captain coming out of the cockpit, going, I hate my (EXPLETIVE DELETED)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KING: You write all your own material?
COOK: I do.
KING: Your new tour, Isolated Incident, Global Thermo Comedy, what does that mean?
COOK: I just wanted a title that would leave people out of breath, basically. I want you to be winded by the time you are done saying that, Global Thermo Comedy Tour. Last year, Larry, I had the luxury and the privilege of going over to Iraq and doing shops for our troops. It was important to me to do that, go over to Kuwait.
This year, I am going to do the U.S. leg of the tour. We're going to take it all over the world, go to Australia, South Africa and a lot of these USO Basis. Hopefully go through Afghanistan. Really important to bring entertainment to the troops.
KING: We'll be back in 60 seconds. Wonder what Dane thinks about the Miss USA flap. I'll ask him. Stick around.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KING: Back with Dane Cook in a moment. Tonight's hero is a life saver. Andrea Ivory survived breast cancer, which was a powerful motivation for starting the Florida Breast Health Initiative. Here is Andrea.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANDREA IVORY, FLORIDA BREAST HEALTH INITIATIVE: Throughout my ordeal and recovery --
We're going to make a difference and save some lives.
-- I thought about those women who were losing their fight against breast cancer because they lacked access to treatment and awareness about the disease.
KING: How does your program work?
IVORY: We target single-family households with median incomes of between 30,000 dollars and 40,000 dollars. And we take teams of volunteers in. We knock door to door. We provide each household with a valuable information package.
You feed to know what's normal and what's abnormal.
Including the early detection guidelines for breast cancer, sights where you can get low and no-cost screening. When we identify a woman that is 35 years or older, our dedicated volunteers make appointments on the spot for a free mammogram.
KING: What is the best way to get young women to become proactive about this?
IVORY: Early detection is key. That's our mantra. That's what we herald as we go door to door. We want to make sure that every woman, first of all, is aware of the importance of breast health, and they know the early detection guidelines for breast cancer, and they also have the tools to remain cancer-free.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KING: Thanks, Andrea. Who knows? Someone watching your story might be inspired to begin their own initiative. Keep up the good work. Do you have a hero?
COOK: I do. My high school drama teacher, Frank Roberts.
KING: What did he do?
COOK: Taught me about -- got me out of my shell, basically. One of the first people to ever say, you've got to believe in yourself and you have to work hard and pound the pavement. So --
KING: Good hero.
COOK: Absolutely.
KING: Still around?
COOK: Yes. Good friend.
KING: We'll be back with more of Dane Cook. I'll ask him, in addition to catching up on what he thinks of the Miss USA thing, about who he might be dating.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(NEWS BREAK)
KING: See, sex leads to a longer life, Dane. Learning that from Anderson. That's my cure for you. Are you seeing anyone seriously?
COOK: Yes. I'm having a nice dalliance with a beautiful young lady.
KING: A dalliance?
COOK: A lady friend, if I may.
KING: That is so not Boston.
COOK: I'm supposed to drop an R and say something lewd and lascivious there. But no, I'm dating a wonderful woman.
KING: Dalliance is --
COOK: I travel.
KING: What do you think about this fuss over what Miss USA had to say? Or no, the would-be Miss USA.
COOK: When I'm looking for hot button answers to tough questions, I don't look to congressman or my mayor. I say, what would Miss USA have to say about this? I really like a deer in headlights answer from my leadership. That's who I -- I mean, I think it's ridiculous. I mean, let -- if two people want to share and unite, they should be allowed to do that, and they should be allowed to celebrate it. Basically, that's really what it comes down to.
KING: Good thinking. You were a pioneer in using the Internet to promote your comedy career. Was that your thinking? Did you say, was this conceived, like I'm going to do this?
COOK: I absolutely did. I was, you know, spending a lot of time -- when you're a stand-up comedian, you have 23 hours of the day to just kind of languish and wait for the gig and do a little writing. It was like, how can I reach out? How can I connect with people, put clips online, go to these chat rooms, pre-Twitter and MySpace, and connect with people and make them laugh.
And I found my fans through sending these e-mails and text messages, through Instant Messenger. It was a nice way --
KING: You saw them turn out for appearances?
COOK: Oh, yes.
KING: You could relate the two?
COOK: Almost immediately when I started posting those early comedy clubs, people at work would be sneaking them and listening to them in the cubicle, having a laugh, and then saying, when you come into my town, I'm going to come to your show. So it was -- this Twitter show, it's like I was banging that out eight years ago. It's really important. I think it's great for promotion for any artist.
KING: You like Twittering?
COOK: I do. Yes, yes. It's a little strange, because it's status updates. And sometimes people are, you know, very interesting and elaborate. And then sometimes it's, you know, just ate a ham sandwich. It's, like, thank you for updating me. I hope it goes down well.
KING: You -- of course, baseball's a big part of your life.
COOK: Oh, yes, Red Sox nation, born and raised.
KING: And you were an insane fan when they won -- well, you've been an insane fan, but when they won the World Series?
COOK: I was there. I took my pops. And we were there to watch history being made. Yes, it was an incredible day for all of the Red Sox fans around the world.
KING: Why are they different?
COOK: Why are they different?
KING: Yes, Red Sox fans are different. You play the Yankees this weekend.
COOK: Here's the thing about Red Sox fans, or actually just fans from that region, in general: they appreciate the effort. And if you mail it in or if you give 80 percent, even with a win, they'll let you know that's not how you do it. They want -- if it's comedian, if it's a musician, bring us your best show. Bring us your best game.
And that's what I think I love about Sox fans, is, like, they'll give it to you straight.
KING: Important.
COOK: Sure.
KING: That's what -- they didn't like Manny for that.
COOK: Yes, Manny was -- yes, polluting the waters there in the organization.
KING: Ain't doing it here.
COOK: Yes, I know, yet.
KING: Come on.
COOK: Come on, Larry.
KING: Dane Cook and his leading ladies, Jessica and Kate, next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
COOK: I'm glad that my parents missed one thing that was really unbelievable. They saw me hit this great success. It was a blast and we had a lot of laughs. And it was just an amazing time. They passed away. And then after I got, you know, famous, all these haters came out of nowhere. And, like, the negativity and the amount of animosity was just -- it was unbearable.
I'm not even kidding, you guys. At one point I sat down and I Googled myself. I put my name in Google. And when I went to hit search, Google was, like, are you sure?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KING: Funny. That's funny. You co-starred with Jessica Simpson in "Employee of the Month." Jessica Alba in "Good Luck Chuck." And Kate Hudson in "My Best Friend's Girl." What was that like?
COOK: You know, when you're surrounded by that much ugly, Larry, it's --
KING: Hard to take.
COOK: Oh, no, it's fantastic. You're talking about some of the most beautiful, you know --
KING: And talented.
COOK: -- and talented, up-and-coming starlets.
KING: That's new for you, acting, isn't it? Do you find it hard?
COOK: I definitely don't find it hard. I love the collaborative effort of movie-making. But when you work with great people like that, it, you know, brings the best out of you. So yes, yes. I love stand-up, but doing movies, it works a completely different kind of muscle.
KING: How about timing? The audience is going to see this six months later.
COOK: That's the whole thing. When you're on a movie set and you are hopefully making a comedy, everyone's stifling their laughter. You're looking at the crew guys, hoping someone is making that face like, and not like, this is not working out, man. Then you go and you sneak into that audience and you see it with that group of people, and feel it connect, as opposed to stand-up. That's so instant.
KING: Do you go to a sneak preview, or do you sit in the back of an audience on a Friday night?
COOK: I have snuck into the back and watched it with an audience on a Friday night. And I've sat there and enjoyed entire films. And ten minutes into it, I've snuck away from -- I've walked out of my own movie.
KING: You're a critic.
COOK: I want to get those laughs early on. Yes, I am a critic. I want it to work, you know?
KING: OK, Jay Leno just checked into the hospital, we're told, reportedly with food poisoning. Tonight's edition will be a repeat. We hope he has a speedy recovery. You've done his show, right?
COOK: Absolutely. Jay's a great guy.
KING: That's a fun show to do. What do you have, four minutes?
COOK: Yes. Yes, yes. No, you go on there. With Jay, he's so good. It's a quick, set up, set up, set up and he sets you up to knock them out of the park. He's a pro, and a fellow Bostonian. Following in his footsteps.
KING: He -- stand-up was his game.
COOK: And we're very similar in the sense that I, too, have had food poisoning.
KING: Brothers in arms.
COOK: You and I, beltless tonight. Come on, Larry.
KING: Your tour opens at the Mohegan Sun. Tell me about that place. The largest Indian-operated hotel, right?
COOK: Sure. It's an amazing venue. I wanted to really kick this tour off with just an enthusiastic crowd. I thought that would be a nice way to, you know, go back east. Those were the first fans that ever supported me back in that region. And then after that, you know, 37 dates around the U.S. I'll be the first comedian to ever headline the Staples Center, which I'm quite proud of.
KING: Your working the Staples Center as the single on-stage act.
COOK: I am indeed, yes. Yes.
KING: That's a risk?
COOK: It is a risk, but when you're standing in front of, you know, at the helm of 20,000 people that all want to be entertained -- and certainly this is a time in our country when people want to come out and they want to have a laugh. It doesn't matter if it's a small 400-seater like my special, or 20,000 seats. People just want to come together and have a good time, Larry. So that's what we're going to do.
KING: Do you get nervous before you go on?
COOK: A little bit. Like nervous excited, but I can still eat a hamburger if need be.
KING: You can? Right before you go on?
COOK: Yes, exactly.
KING: OK, people have been Tweeting questions. We asked some of them on our own. We beat the Tweeter. But this is from Avanda.
COOK: What do you got, King's Things? Let's do it.
KING: How does Dane deal with the fact that millions of women want to throw themselves naked at him?
COOK: How do I deal with this?
KING: The question asked of you.
COOK: I have a very large room in my house. And it's completely lined with mattresses. And I say, you know, listen. I couldn't get a date in high school. I was the guy that almost didn't go to the Prom. So the fact that there's women thinking that I could be a suitor for them is -- that's flattering. I'm very flattered by that question.
KING: Great having you with us.
COOK: Thank you so much, Larry.
KING: Dane Cook. Hey, he'll be back. Before we go, I want to remind you to visit our webpage, see our interviews with Shaheen and Beyonce and (INAUDIBLE) -- Susan Boyle's idol. That's CNN.com/LarryKing. Time now for Anderson Cooper, "AC 360." Anderson?
