Q&A with Bobcat Goldthwait

Bobcat Goldthwait is a cult classic hero as the man responsible for the now-famous line from “Blow”: “I can’t feel my face,” and for his role in the “Police Academy” series. His character in “Police Academy,” Zed, was a screaming, childish nutcase who acted out with tantrums. 

Now, a decade and a half on from his “Police Academy” days, he is focused more on writing, directing and stand-up comedy. His most popular directorial effort “World’s Greatest Dad” featured Robin Williams and propelled him back into pop culture. He now mostly makes a living doing stand-up, and he says he prefers being behind the camera to acting.

Goldthwait chatted with WEEKEND about new projects, his evolving stand-up style and his upcoming performances at the Comedy Attic on Oct. 7 and 8.

WEEKEND You went from being in cult classics to receiving a lot of recognition and praise at Sundance. What was that transition like?
Bobcat Goldthwait It’s a little surreal to go from being the dude from “Police Academy” to a Sundance film director. I still make my living doing stand-up comedy. The movies I make aren’t blockbusters. I just make small, personal movies.

WKND What style is your comedy?
BG Some of it’s personal stories and some of it’s me going on stage and just talking about pop culture. My stand-up has always been evolving over the years, because when I first started, it would be a little more abstract, where I didn’t have any jokes. I would just go on stage and cry and read a Dear John letter. But now, it’s more about who I am.

WKND When are you happiest?
BG I’m not happy when I’m just doing the same thing over and over again. I’m very happy when I’m making something and trying something different.
 
WKND What do you like about performing in Bloomington?
BG I like Bloomington a lot. The people are really nice and that club is a great club. 

WKND What’s your demographic and how has it changed over time?
BG My demographic got old. When I started, I would look out and see a bunch of young people and I’d be relieved, and now I’m like, “Oh, shit.” 

WKND What’s your favorite part of being on the road?
BG Waffle House? I don’t know. When I meet other comedians that are on the road, and I get along with, and that are funny, or when I get to see old friends — that’s my favorite part.
 
WKND Tell me about your latest projects and how they’re different from what you’ve done in the past.
BG “God Bless America” — it’s similar in tone to “World’s Greatest Dad.” It’s a movie about a guy who’s suicidal, but instead of committing suicide, he drives 400 miles to kill the girl from “My Super Sweet 16.” I hope people take it as a satire.
 
WKND What’s next for you?
BG I’ve been trying to get this musical going, based on a Kinks album from the ’70s called “Schoolboys in Disgrace.” I continually write screenplays. I’m sure me and Robin Williams will do another movie together. Maybe (I’ll do) a horror picture or monster movie next. 

WKND What do you love most about what you do?
BG I don’t have to punch a clock, and I don’t have to wear a tie.
 
WKND I’ve got to ask: the line in “Blow,” did you think it would explode like it did?
BG That was an ad-lib. It’s pretty funny that that line had a life of its own.

WKND Do you prefer writing and directing or being in the limelight?
BG I would much rather be behind the camera than in front of it. I retired from acting at about the same time they stopped hiring me, so it worked out pretty well.