Blake Anderson is one of the three powerful forces in the hit Comedy Central show, “Workaholics.” If you’re unfamiliar with the series, his character Blake Henderson, works for a telemarketing company, TelAmeriCorp with fellow best friends played by Adam DeVine (Adam Demamp), and Anders Holmvik (Anders Holm). These lovable slackers met in college, dropped out and transitioned into adulthood. Their mischievous characters, pranks and adventures draw us into their world and even make us wish we could live their experiences in our everyday jobs. Today, I had the pleasure of interviewing Blake Anderson and spoke to him about his first-time experience on set and his unwillingness to give up on his dream of comedy.

How did you get your start in comedy?

I started goofing around in my Jr. High Improv elective class with my close friend Kyle (Kyle Newacheck), the guy who plays our drug dealer on the show. It was awesome because I was able to be on stage without having to memorize lines.

Are there any comedians you look up to who’ve influenced you?

Jim Carrey, Ace Ventura himself. I would try to impersonate him at school. Larry David is another huge influence, so are Tim and Eric. Their type of humor always makes me laugh. Lastly, you can’t forget of course Leslie Nielsen from the Naked Gun sequels.

Can you describe your first time on set?

It was a McDonalds commercial. Not many people know this, but sometimes you have to be on set by 5am or 6am or even 4am. I usually like to wake up around noon so, this was something I was not used to. I was super tired and needed to wake up, so I decided to try coffee for the first time. I never had coffee and decided to have 3 hot cups of coffee. When the coffee finally hit my stomach, they rushed me to set and I had the dreaded coffee shits. The camera was panning to me. I couldn’t stand still, I was sweating profusely and I was about to explode. I asked to use the restroom and they cut my part out of the commercial. And that was my first time on set.

Do you have any advice for comedians or actors just starting out?

I was going to auditions and the casting directors could always tell if you were nervous, they could smell it on you. I’m more of an introvert so it was very helpful doing Male Order Comedy. We always filmed skits every weekend and tried to create the best videos without using a lot of money. Those skits helped me feel more comfortable and have a better mindset.

Was Comedy Central the first network you tried pitching the show to?

We submitted to stupidvideos.com and Cartoon Network. It was like the Wild West. You couldn’t pin-point which one to choose. Many sites would offer a little money for the videos that they liked the most, and Comedy Central saw our videos and like us. They gave us a chance. We really never had any budget, we would spend $25 maximum on a video. So when Comedy Central gave us some money, we wanted to make the best product that we possibly could.  They asked us to make a 15 min. show and we wanted to shoot another 30 min. show. So they knew how serious we were.

What are your favorite memories while filming, “Workaholics”?

I’m on a show with my best friends, there’s nothing better than that. When we have to shoot driving scenes, there is a truck that pulls us so we don’t crash. But there was an episode where I was able to drive in the canyons. The experience was intense. Also for Season 1, they shut down an entire street for the episode and that’s when it hit me, it’s real!

Are there any shows out there that you watch on a regular?

Last Man Standing. I’m not too sure how many people know about this show, but it stars Tim Allen. He was “Tim the Tool Man Taylor.” He was like my father growing up. Ok like 3rd father because I have a step dad, but definitely my 3rd father. It’s a simple show you don’t have to dissect in order to figure out the hidden meaning. He’s the Sitcom King and I always pull for him to succeed.

Are there any celebs you’d love to have as a guest star on “Workaholics”?

I would love to have Channing Tatum play my brother. It’s ironic because he actually looks like my brother and I thought it would be funny. I’m crossing my fingers and hope it can happen. Kurt Russell would be great. I would just love to see him on set and shake his hand because he’s Kurt Russell.

What’s the best piece of advice someone has given you?

I wasn’t born into a traditional family, where someone sat me down and said, “You know what… Here is some advice.” The only thing I can say is, “Don’t give up.” Don’t give up, put in the hours and work. [Don’t] make “never” an option, unless you are homeless and sucking dick, then maybe you should go.

Photo credit: workaholics.tumblr.com

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Author Notes:
Blake Anderson was such a pleasure to talk to because he treats you like you have been best friends forever. He makes it an easy interview with charisma and humility. In just 5 minutes of our interview, I could see why, “Workaholics” is such a successful television show.

Make sure to catch new episodes of “Workaholics,” Wednesdays at 10/9c on Comedy Central.

For more information, visit: 
http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/workaholics
http://www.twitter.com/uncleblazer

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Conrad Gerald Garcia is a stand-up comedian and writer living in Los Angeles. Making his rounds, he’s graced the stages of The Comedy Store, Downtown Comedy Club and is currently working on a pilot for Comedy Central. In his spare time, he enjoys sandwiches and interviewing hilarious people.
Follow Conrad on Twitter: @conradgerald 
Visit his site: http://www.conradgerald.com.