ohhh wait - so that means he changed it later?
In my previous career, I was a stage technician and had the pleasure of working on two separate Penn & Teller stage shows. (Slight hijack- even after being backstage and involved with the show during several weeks of rehearsal and performances, I’m still at a loss as to how they did several of their tricks.)
Anyhow, what’s interesting is that during rehearsals and while developing their tricks, Teller is the main man- comes up with most of the stage direction, gives the orders to his staff and the crew, plans everything out, etc., while Penn hangs by the craft services table and chats up anyone who will walk by, especially if attractive and female. Then Teller will call him to the stage and Penn takes over.
Not to minimize Penn’s contribution- he’s a tour de force when onstage; it’s just interesting that for someone whose stage persona is a mute, I think he’s the vocal one right up until showtime. The two work very well together.
gaahh nevermind, just clicked the link. mea culpa.
NTTAWWT, but is Teller gay? I’ve noticed that in all the self-referential writing the two have put out there have been numerous mentions of Penn Jillette’s various girlfriends, past and present, but I’ve never read any mention of any love interest in Teller’s life. I also noticed that one of their books was collectively dedicated to six people; Penn’s mother and father, Teller’s mother and father, Penn’s girlfriend, and a man who was named but not described.
I’ll verify what others have said. Teller has done lengthy readings from his written work on NPR, says “Sure” or “Yeah” during the “By Buddha, That Duck Is Immortal” routine, provides the voice for “Mofo, the Psychic Gorilla”, and stands out in the lobby after shows and talks for as long as you please.
I just wanted to post that if you EVER have the opportunity to visit Penn Jillette’s house (known as “The Slammer” for its exterior resemblance to a minimum security prison) in the residential area of Las Vegas, do not pass up this thrilling and deeply unnerving opportunity.
I, too, have spoken to Teller. It was outside of a theatre in Philadelphia, where P&T had given a performance. Cool guys, the both of them.
I have a picture of Teller and me from the incident, in which we’ve got the same expression. Apparently Teller was trying to imitate my half-smile, half-smirk!
That was on The Daily Show, back when Craig Kilborn was hosting. The fifth of Five Questions, IIRC.
Really? Good enough to make a living at it?
The first time I heard him was in Invisible Thread. But he spoke into a bullhorn and his mouth was covered. (Check out the cast list in the link!)
He also had one word at the end of an episode of Babylon5