Dear reader, I know that I normally do not post twice in one day but I would like to introduce the first celebrity of my Quest, Neil Crone. Neil has been kind enough to answer some very indepth and personal questions and I would just like to say a personal ‘shout out’ to him: Thanks Neil for being so honest and adding your personal touch to the interview. I like that you say you are an all around good guy, because from what you wrote and how you were with me, it is VERY true. You doing this interview gives people a chance to see that people in the entertainment industry are real people with hearts, and not just robots. I think we all need more reassurance that there are people out there that actually do care. Thank you so much.
If you like Neil’s interview and are interested in reading more about him, you can go to his personal website:
http://www.neilcrone.com/
Neil Crone’s Bio Information
P.O. Box 287 * Sunderland Ont. * L0C 1H0 neilcrone@mac.com
Neil Crone
Actor/Improviser/Writer/All-round good guy
Neil is an actor and writer who lives with his wonderful wife, two little boys and one neurotic dog in a town so small everybody knows where everyone else’s birthmarks are. He has performed in dozens of television and radio commercials, TV shows and is the voice of numerous cartoon characters every Saturday morning, including YTV’s new hit series ‘Erky-Perky’. His most recent feature film roles include ‘Stir of Echoes 2 – The Dead Speak’ with Rob Lowe, ’Homie Spumoni’ with Whoopi Goldberg and the recently released ‘Hollywoodland’ with Adrian Brody and Ben Affleck, ‘. Look for Neil on television in the hilarious new CBC sit-com ‘Little Mosque on the Prairie’.
A Second City Mainstage alumnus, Neil has been performing improvised and sketch comedy for over twenty years. When not on the stage or in front of a camera Neil is busy writing; as an award-winning weekly humour columnist and blogger for Metroland papers or as the author of stories in verse for ‘Big and little kids’. His first children’s book, I am dead at Recess, is currently published on the Internet.
Neil is a cancer survivor and has recently been named National Spokesperson for the Colo-rectal Cancer Association of Canada. He is available as a motivational speaker, focussing on the power of laughter in healing. He is also available to teach spontaneity and creativity enhancement workshops.
Inquiries pertaining to Neil’s availability and fee structure should be directed to
Gerry Jordan
c/o Jordan & Associates Talent Management
615 Yonge St.
Suite 401
Toronto, Ontario
M4Y 1Z5
416-515-2028
Interview with Neil Crone…Up Close and Personal
-What are you up to lately? Do you have any projects on the go?
I've been busy with a lot of animation and radio voice work. I do the voice of the bug 'Perky' in YTV's kids cartoon 'Erky-Perky'. I also just got back from a live improv show in Las Vegas with my improv partner Kevin Frank. We have been doing live improvised comedy for over twenty years. We call ourselves 'The Water Cooler Guys'. I also record a lot of radio spots for Toyota right now, I'm 'Doug' in the Doug and Gino spots.
-When you are writing, either in the local newspaper or your blog, what inspires you and how do you choose what to write about?
I generally just stop and take a closer look at what is happening in my immediate life. My family are wonderful inspirations for all kinds of goofy things. I've just returned from being stranded in Las Vegas (due to snowstorms out here) for a week and that alone gave me reams of stuff to write about.
-What would be your most memorable experience within your entire career?
Getting hired to do Second City Mainstage was a pretty big deal. It sort of validated me. I could say 'Hey, I guess I can do this for a living.' It was also a great springboard into everything else that followed.
-If you had $1,000,000 what would you do with it?
Get myself and my family a nice little farm tucked into some beautiful hills, some horses, a pond full of bass...then I'd take the rest and sponsor about a hundred Foster Children.
-Out of all the various ways you are apart of the entertainment industry, (ie.hosting, stand up comedy, motivational speaking, etc), which is your most favourite and why?
I love the live stuff. I love speaking to or performing for an audience that is right there, reacting (or not!) in front of me. That immediate energy you get from an audience is irreplaceable.
-What made you want to go into the entertainment industry?
I think, like a lot of comics, I enjoy being the centre of attention. That has since mellowed, but I still get a huge kick out of being up there with everyone's eyes on just me. I sound like an exhibitionist...but that's not a bad definition of a performer.
-Do you have education/degrees/diplomas in another type of field?
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Radio and Television Arts from Ryerson and I have a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto. I actually taught Highschool English and Drama for a few years before performing full time.
-Why do you enjoy living in the country?
I think the peace and the pace. It's very quiet out here. It smells good all the time and people haven't forgotten what community is all about. In my little town, you cannot mail a letter without having a half-hour conversation with someone. My children have been able to grow up in a place where doors are unlocked and kids can safely play out of sight of their parents. Those are all good things.
-When I was in highschool, you performed at the local theatre and portrayed a soldier in one of the world wars, (I can't remember it was a while ago...sorry!), where did you get the inspiration to become that character? Did it effect you at all after portraying the character and having to re-enact such horrific situations?
I think you're referring to the play 'The Wooden Hill'. The inspiration for a character in a situation like that comes from the script. When a play is well crafted the actors job is much easier as the drama is already there, in the words. I wasn't really effected by the role, it was a small community theatre thing with a short run and was not too difficult to shake off.
-Who is your mentor and why?
That's a good question. I've been searching for a mentor for some time. I can't say that I have one mentor, although there are a number of individuals whom I've taken a great deal of direction and wisdom from. Deepak Chopra, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Esther Hicks and the Teachings of Abraham have all been huge influences in my spiritual life. From a performers perspective I have always worshipped at the feet of men like Don Knotts, Dick Van Dyke and Jerry Lewis.
-Have you read any good books lately that you suggest we read, or any movie(s) we should watch?
Oh sure...Start with 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, I could read this book every year (and I do). Cormac McCarthy's 'The Walk' is also stunning. Another book that I re-read every couple of years is Paul Knowles 'A Separate Peace'
I've got my favourite movies too. I still think the film version of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is sensational, in fact, just about anything with Gregory Peck is worth looking at. Jimmy Stewart too. I just watched the new bond film 'Casino Royale' and I was completely blown away by Daniel Craig.
-What is your favourite movie(s)?
To Kill a Mockingbird. Hands down.
-Name one of your favourite people to work with?
My improv partner Kevin Frank. Improvising is all about trust. I know that whenever I am on stage, Kev has my back. Celebrity-wise, I would say one of the highlights of my career was working with Julie Andrews. She was just as beautiful, just as classy as I had hoped she would be.
-If you were able to spend an evening with any 3 people, who would you choose and why? (You could choose any person from past or present)
Ralph Waldo Emerson for his sheer wisdom and spiritual guidance
Walt Whitman for his love of life and sheer joy
Jesus. I think Jesus must've been a very cool guy. I think he would've had a wicked sense of humor and a great laugh too.
-Having read your column in the local paper, I know you are a cancer survivor, Do you have any advice or words of encouragement for those battling cancer or a serious illness?
I do. I speak to groups of cancer survivors, patients and care givers all the time and the most important thing I have to say to anybody is that surviving and dealing with cancer is a mental and a spiritual thing. If you can get enough love and laughter into your life, you cannot help but heal.
-You are a very family oriented person. Have you always been that way or did you have a "wake up call" when you had cancer?
Oh yes. I was born to be a Dad. I think it's the one thing I do really well. I love it. My children and my wife have always been the basis for my happiness, rightly or wrongly, and a little cancer scare only made that relationship more sacred.
-Do you know of any other celebrity friends that may be interested in doing an interview for my blog, if so, who?
Can't say off hand Sarah. You'll have to hunt them down.
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