Kevin Pollak

Kevin Pollak doesn't need to do stand-up, but he's compelled to crack wise at clubs around the country. The diminutive Northern California native is a busy working actor, who's had key roles in a number of significant films, such as The Usual Suspects, A Few Good Men and Avalon. The list of directors and actors Pollak has worked with reads like a who's who of the industry. Scorsese, DeNiro, Levinson and Willis are just some of the luminaries who have shared a soundstage with Pollak, 50. The comic, who started as a stand-up during the late '70s in San Francisco, has no formal training. However, he's become a respected thespian; he hasn't had to audition for a role in 15 years. - Ed Condran

How come you don't have to audition anymore?

I've crossed that goal line. After A Few Good Men, I hit that level. For years I just focused on working on movies. I'm living an actor's fantasy. Sometimes it's strange thinking of myself as an actor. I had been in one high school play prior to my first professional role [1984 television series Hot Flashes] and that was only because I was the class clown. I'm very proud of my career. I could never complain. It's been an amazing run.

You've been in a bunch of watershed movies. How do you explain that?

I've been really fortunate. I have a lot to be proud of but sometimes I think this guy is going to come into the studio and tell me, "Alright, it's over; you don't really belong here." Until that happens, I'll continue working in film.

With your busy film schedule, why even come back to stand-up?

It was something I had to do. I missed it. It's a passion for me. I was a standup comic before I was ever an actor. I could go on and on with these great stories. That was one more reason to get back to stand-up. It was a great forum for me to tell people about my life.

Give me your best A Few Good Men story, preferably with Jack Nicholson in the anecdote.

My mother was on the set of A Few Good Men and she was trying to pick up Jack Nicholson. For me, it was like a Stephen King nightmare. Nicholson got on me about that one. That's one of the classic stories that's fun to tell.

What about topical humor? Any chance you'll ever try your hand at that?

I'm too lazy for that. I'm the kind of comedian who takes the audience on a journey. They get to escape for awhile to my world. They get to leave their troubles behind and just have fun. There's enough topical humorists out there anyway. Who needs one more?

Do you prefer clubs or theaters?

Clubs. The appeal is that there is this sort of danger playing clubs. You're right there in front of the people. You're living by your wits. You're dealing with distractions. It's more of a challenge. There are the waiters and waitresses out there. In a theater, it's all about you. It's too easy. You can have that.

Who are your five favorite people you worked with?

Number one is Martin Scorcese. He is the artist of our lifetime. Number two is Rob Reiner. Working with him is what it must have been like playing football for Vince Lombardi. You don't just want to win the game. You want to make him proud. The next guy is Ron Howard. He's the most animated, most giving, nurturing director. I can't forget Barry Levinson. He has been so perfect and wonderful to me. Avalon was my first dramatic role. I had no business being in that film. I had no formal training, but fortunately he didn't want acting. He wanted something spontaneous. He just wanted me to be loose and natural. He told me not to emote. He wanted me to just say the words. He's the one director who has the mind and soul of a comedian. I can't thank him enough for helping me establish my career. Of course, there is Robert DeNiro. He belongs on the Mount Rushmore for actors. For me to be in the same room with him is insane. It was incredible doing Casino with him. I've been so insanely fortunate to work with these incredibly talented people. It's been great. No complaints. So far, so good.

Kevin Pollak: March 20-22 at Hilarities, 2035 E. 4th St., 216.241.7425. Tickets: $23.