Ask Denis Leary

Denis Leary Brad Barket / Getty

A comedian who's earned a cult following with his acerbic wit, and a creator, producer, writer and star of the hit FX series, Rescue Me, this Massachusetts-born actor appears in the anticipated movie about the 2000 election, Recount, debuting May 25 on HBO. Use the form below to submit your questions for Denis Leary, then look for the upcoming interview in TIME.

NOTE: Submitted questions may be edited for length or clarity. Your first name, last name, and location are required and may be published along with your question in print and online. Your information will not be used for any other purpose.

126 Questions >>

Submit your question to Ask Denis Leary (126 other responses).

Posted by Fred Ramella in Haverhill, MA:
Hello Mr. Leary,

Huge fan of your work as an actor, comedian and your charities. My question is, understanding that you don't have full control of this, but, how long do you see Rescue Me going on for? Do you think now with the success of Rescue Me, future shows like 'The Job' which was a great show, will have better success?

Regards,

Fred
Posted by Abdulnasir Imam in Abuja, Nigeria:
WITH THE THIRD INSTALLMENT OF "ICE AGE" COMING SOON, WHAT'S IT BEEN LIKE VOICING AN ANIMATED CREATURE?
Posted by Christine Pappas in Burbank, Ill:
Dear Mr. Leary,
Hello, i was wondering do you ever get annoyed when a fan mistakes you for William Dafoe, the guy who played the green goblin in Spider-Man? Also, if a fan mistakes you for him do you pretend to be him and sign his name for the fan?
Posted by Maria Hess in Wilmington, DE:
You've created a career that's deliciously irreverent. But judging by the few images we've seen of your family, they seem unaffected, normal– happy even. How different is Denis Leary the dad from Denis Leary the acerbic comic?
Posted by Andy Comings in Newton, MA:
Mr. Leary,
Seeing that the Republicans stole the 2000 election and swiftboated the 2004 do you think they have something up their sleeve for Clinton or Obama? Or have all their nasty tricks caught up with them?
Posted by lette teodosio in manila:
Hi Mr. Leary,

would you have a dream film or role you want to be in? what would that be and why? Just wondering thank you for your time, and kudos on the great work
Posted by Allie Gray in Conroe, TX:
I love your work as an actor and comedian. How hard was it for you to get into the acting business?
Posted by Martin O’Brien in Toronto, ON:
As a standup comic, how inspired by Bill Hicks were you?
Posted by Jerome Menifee in Chatham, NJ:
I heard that you are really a closet Yankees fan?

Any thoughts of reviving the Cops series?
Posted by Michael Kruk in Bloomington, IL:
I would really like to hear Mr. Leary comment on accusations of his "lifting material" from Bill Hicks. Do these accusations upset him, and if so, what's his side of the story? I have read that Mr. Hicks and Mr. Leary were friends, so I know this may be a difficult and complicated question. I applaud Mr. Leary for his charity work, and for his wonderful creativity. Thank you for the opportunity to ask him questions.
Posted by Kevin Kyle in Calgary, Canada.:
Any plans for a music album?
Posted by Kevin Kyle in Calgary, Canada.:
Any plans on relaesing a music album?
Posted by Patrick Cowden in New York City:
Hello Denis

Was your name always spelled with one N or did you change it because you thought it was groovy ( you're old enough to know what that means). And oh,...I'm sorry one more question...what's playing on your F*#cking ipod right now?

Patrick
Posted by Keith Perkinson in Chicago:
After the Bo Sox won the World Series in 2004, a hilarious video spoof of a Master Card commercial made the rounds with you in the starring role.
.Was the video your idea?
.What body part would you have REALLY sacrificed up for a WS championship?

KP
Posted by Henry Sandground in Yorktown heights:
Huge fan Mr. Leary. I have an mp3 copy of your song; "I'm and a$$hole" that has traveled with me to every computer at work for years now. Great song with awesome lyrics.

Question: Are you still smoking ciggaretts? You used to be a chimney and I was wondering if gettng older and wiser has changed any habbits?

Henry
Posted by Craig Vallelunga in Lake Orion, MI:
Why can't we all just get along?
Posted by Steve Greenhagen in Taylorsville, Utah:
Hi Denis, Love your work and comedy. Two Pictures that I love the most are "The Ref" and "Double Whammy". Could you please share the experiances that you had on these two with us. Thanks and keep up the good work on the charities you work hard for.
Steve
Posted by James J. Dade in New Milford, NJ:
As a life long Mets fan I would like to thank Boston, the Red Sox, Red Sox fans, the state of Massachusettes ,Theo Epstein, New England, for making the NY Yankees fans lives miserable the last few years. Good to see Bucner welcomed back to Fenway.
Posted by Tony Stark in New York:
Mr Leary Sir,

Huge fan of your work as an actor and comedian! Have you ever considered that without the huge hotdog/showboat, Manny & the man who should never be MVP, Ortiz, would the red Sox ever win a Title again?

Hope you are doing well!

Tony Stark
Posted by Karen Summers in Sparta MO:
Hello Mr. Leary,

I am a big rescue me fan, and thank you for your charity work.

Do you think that the movie recount might finally impact and bring change to the way that this country handles the way the votes are counted and the machines that count those votes?

Regards,
Karen
Posted by Brinson Lane in Savannah:
Dennis, why did you change the color of your hair? Is it because you are secretely trying to be Colin Quinn?
Posted by Rob Liston in Hamilton:
If you had your choice, who would you choose to play you in a movie about your own life?
Posted by Cindy Ferguson in San Diego:
I heard you make a fantastic joke about the Irish recently. You wondered why they were dying during the potato famine, even though Ireland is an island surrounded by the ocean, and thereby fish. Joking aside, what was wrong with these people that they chose starvation over eating fish?
Posted by john bridge in Seattle, Wa:
Do you plan on doing anymore feature films. I have throroghly enjoyed your previous endevors and look forward to more from you if it's in the cards?
Posted by Sean Finneran in Columbus, Ohio:
Whether the issue is 911, election debacles or steroids, how does one turn from critic to healer?
Posted by Tony Wacker in Mandeville:
Hi Denis,

How do you feel about comedians stealing material from others and trying to pass it off on their own? I think "word for word" jokes are the pretty obvious but some comics steal the "mannerisms and style of delivery" from others.

Do you think this is ethical?

Material can be very personal to a comic and this can be very similar to an artist stealing a painting and sticking their own name on it.

Regards,

Tony W.
Posted by William Melvin in Los Angeles:
Hello Denis,
Not many of your fans today are probably aware that a large portion of your material in your early career was blatantly plagiarized from the late great Bill Hicks (i.e. Your smoking shtick, especially the bit about health nut Jim Fixx). Although there are many Hicks fans (myself included) that are quite aware of your hackery and will always think of you in this way any time your name is mentioned. So my question to you is: Will you ever give credit to Bill Hicks for using his material? I will wager to say NO!
Posted by James Bellamy in Titusville, FL:
Hello Mr. Leary,

Your newest project, "Recount" has to do with the 2000 election. So I'm curious has this newest project changed your opinion on the political process? Also, are you supporting any of the candidates currently running for President?
Posted by Spencer Reesman in San Diego:
Hi Mr.Leary,

May I be so brazen as to make note of striking similarities between your stand-up material and the prior stand-up up of the late great Bill Hicks.

When asked about you, Hicks told an interviewer: "I have a scoop for you. I stole his act. I camouflaged it with punchlines, and to really throw people off, I did it before he did."

Perhaps you could comment on this video?

Regards,
Spencer
Posted by Ken Bird in Grand Rapids, MI:
Dennis,
I could really care less about your acting career but I do wonder how do you plan to save your soul from the eternal fires of Hell? What is your strategy? Something tells me you care less or believe not. I just wondered since you think you have everything else figured out what was the game plan on the most important moment of your life your death? Don't think about and you will die to horrible awakening that will be irrevocable and eternal. See ya at the last judgment!
Oh yeah if you do care not just any belief will do, the Catholic faith is necessary, not the one you see today either. Babylon has fallen Dennis, you probably aren't up on this issue. The traditional Catholic faith is the only way to eternal life no exceptions! Have a nice, short life.
Ken Bird
Posted by Zac Glasgow in :
Dear Mr. Leary,

Where did you find the "courage" to steal Bill Hicks' material? I would accuse you of stealing his persona, but that's too much of a stretch. Bill Hicks' comedy had meaning, something yours lacks entirely. Unless, you consider plagiarism meaningful. You're a hack, and a terrible actor. We've had the "Bill was jealous" shtick, and it's time you drop it. You're not funny, you're old, tired and done. Maybe you'll address this?
Posted by Kathryn Burke Hogan Knopf in knopfmultimedia@aol.com:
Fellow Irish family-person;
You have more air-time than the Pope. Use it for good...
Family- fare , please. Your hair is divine; wash it, please.
Kate,
Knopfmultimedia
Posted by Jeroen Grouls in The Woodlands, TX:
Have you ever considered going into politics?
Posted by Michael Weaver in Kailua, HI:
Your Wikipedia site says that "Leary displays an overt affinity for libertarianism." You agree or disagree? If you agree,how do you think it has influenced your work?
Posted by Tony Stark in New York:
Denis!

It's me again! How are you Buddy?? So tell me, How does it feel to be asked such to wash your hair from a woman who is working hard on adding as many last names to her name before God says its her time and helps her check out? I'm wagering she will have 29 more...

Thanks Pal!

Tony Stark

Stark Enterprises
Posted by Tony Stark in New York:
Hey Denis!

Me again! Sorry man, but I noticed that someone says if you were going into Politics.. If so, can I be on your cabinet????

Thanks man, you still rock!

Your Pal,

Tony Stark

Stark Enterprises
Posted by Kevyn Andrews in St. Pete, FL:
Hello Mr. Leary. I am a big fan and have a very important question.

Have you found a place that sells coffee flavored coffee?
Posted by Lindsay Coleman in Melbourne:
What do you feel is the legacy of your work on MTV in the early 90s? Do you see any of your work influencing the channel today?
Posted by annie kalotschke in tuxedo, ny:
hi denis - my friend darlene and I discuss "rescue me" on our thread on the EricCarmen.com message board. Basically, you have 2 women who have a great time dishing over our mutual crush on you and we LOVE your hair.
We love the show's writing and the brilliant cast.
I am wondering what feedback the NYFD gives you and your partner about your overall protrayal of the department?
love ya - annie
Posted by Daniel Cauterucci in Los Angeles:
I admire how you're willing to push the envelope and stretch the boundaries. That said, I wonder if there are any fears that stop or motivate you to keep breaking new terrain?
Posted by Van Wolfe in Maple Valley, WA:
Out of your entire career what is the project you enjoyed the most?
Posted by Terry Davis in Lubbock Texas:
Love your work especially stand up. Any new material in the works, maybe a DVD?
Posted by Mark Mc Vicker in Antrim N. Ireland:
When you receive your knew catalogue through the post which page do you turn to first? When I was a boy it was the toy section now its the lingerie.
Posted by Regina Gale Martin in Fairfield,Ohio:
Im asuming you think a recount should have been done in Fla. Do you think if Vice President Al Gore would have been more agressive in demanding a recount he could have won the Presency? If he had won I can only immagine what could have come about in our USA. I guess you want to show what could have been if a few 1,000 votes could have changed are history? I think its a great ideal and I cant wait to see your movie. P.S. Where do you get the time for this movie between your comedy,series. and your volentary work?
Posted by Michael McCollough in Chambersburg, PA:
I'm a huge fan, Denis! It's been 11 years since Lock 'N Load, Denis. Any thoughts to doing another comedy special? I'm also curious to know if you bid on the Redsox jersey they dug out of the foundation for the new Yankee Stadium. I love ya Leary, but cut my Yankees some slack
Posted by Glenn Dudman in Ottawa, Canada:
Just a comment ... favourite movie is The Ref ... our favourite Christmas movie that we watch every year!
Brings the Christmas spirit out in all of us.
Thanks for all your great work!
Posted by Liz Hamilton in Honolulu:
Denis: Your character is Rescue Me is strongly sexual. Women lust after him, and except for the fiction surrounding the beach house fire and resulting effect on him, he is stalwartly virile. How was this conceived--as a story device that would be interesting, or as a desire to create a character whose manliness reflected upon his creator- you?
Posted by Richard Rivers in Chicago:
Hello Mr. Hicks, I am a great fan of yours, and am happy to see that you survived that brief case of death due to pancreatic cancer. I like your old, pre-cosmetic-surgery face better, though. Why did you make yourself look like a washed-up Woosterite?

Anyway, that's not my question. My question is: do you ever plan to be funny/original again? Because you seem to have hit a 14-year slump. Might want to do something about that. Also, have you ever considered asking Philip Morris USA to sponsor your act? I mean, it'd be nice to get something back, since you're already putting their kids through college, right? Think about it.

Sincerely,
This guy
Posted by Robbie Ardura in Alexandria:
Hey Mr. Leary I know this is going to sound stupid and probably repetitive also, but I really want to be an actor and I was wondering if you could give me some good contact numbers of agents that can get me into the business really fast.
Posted by Adrian Wilhelmsen in Houston, TX:
Ok, I really do like your work, but I especially like to see you on late night talk shows. You are very funny off-the-cuff, but you seem genuine and a bit nervous. A regular Joe. So considering this, what you've accomplished and what is just beyond the horizon, what is your dream gig? What is the one thing in life that you would like to do or accompish and why?

1 2 3 Next »

Each week in TIME Magazine and on Time.com, 10 Questions gives readers a chance to put their own questions to newsmakers, celebrities, and world leaders. Check every week for a new guest at Time.com/10questions.