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By Krista

Jaleel White

Interview with Jaleel White of "Total Blackout" on Syfy 4/19/12

I enjoyed listening to this interview. I didn't get to ask any of my questions (they ran out of time and had too many interviewers), but everyone else had asked the ones I most wanted to ask, anyway...

Syfy - TOTAL BLACKOUT Q&A w/ Jaleel White
April 19, 2012 1:00 pm CT

Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for standing by. Welcome to the NBC Universal Syfy conference call Total Blackout for Thursday, April 19.

During the presentation all participants will be in a listen-only mode. Afterwards we will conduct a question and answer session. At that time if you have a question please press the 1 followed by the 4 on your telephone. If at any time during the conference you need to reach an operator, please press star 0.

As a reminder, this conference is being recorded, Thursday, April 19, 2012. I would now like to turn the conference over to Gary Morgenstein. Please go ahead.

Gary Morgenstein: Welcome everyone to the Total Blackout call starring Jaleel White from Family Matters, from Dancing with the Stars and he’s here to talk about Total Blackout which premiers on Syfy Wednesday, April 25 at 10:00 pm. Take it away, Jaleel.

Jaleel White: How’s it going everybody.

Gary Morgenstein: (Frank), you can put the first call forward.

Operator: Ladies and gentlemen as a reminder to register a question please press the 1, 4 on your telephone. Our first question comes from the line of Jamie Ruby of Syfyvision.com. Please proceed.

Jamie Ruby: Hello? Hello?

Operator: Please go ahead.

Jamie Ruby: Hello, can you hear me?

Jaleel White: I can hear you.

Jamie Ruby: Okay, nobody answered. It’s nice to talk to you again, thanks for doing the call.

Jaleel White: Oh, it’s cool.

Jamie Ruby: Because we actually met down in Florida. It was fun getting a sneak peak then. And I really enjoyed the episode. I’m curious though, did you expect the outcome of the people when they went through it, did you expect it to be so comical when you first started?

Jaleel White: Yes, we knew it was going to be funny. It was trying to capture the comedy though in edited form is a challenge. The same time we experienced - when we did it live and when we filmed the episode. So we knew it was going to be funny but you still got to make that translate to the viewer at home in the final post production stages.

Jamie Ruby: Great. And can you kind of talk about for the people that haven’t seen it kind of how this show is different from other similar shows that are on television? It’s definitely…

((Crosstalk))

Jaleel White: …yes, well a lot of people are immediately going to say oh it’s Fear Factor in the dark. And it’s not that. In Total Blackout your imagination becomes your own worst enemy. And that’s where the comedy comes from.

So it’s putting people in a familiar environment in the dark you know your spatial awareness. You know where things are in the room. In this particular case you don’t know anything about the room that you’re in. You just have to complete these challenges and you have to basically use all four of your senses apart from sight.

And people just - they freak out. It’s guinea pig TV at its best. You just kind of sit there. You keep watching different versions of the same reaction and watching who can overcome their fears quicker than others. And it’s hysterical.

So one person might get freaked out by the fact they just touched a snake, but the next person is freaking out over a pineapple because they think it’s something worse.

Jamie Ruby: Yes, yes. I thought it was really funny. I don’t now, I didn’t expect it to be quite that funny. But I really enjoyed it, so thanks a lot.

Jaleel White: No, thank you.

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Amy Harrington of Pub Culture Passionistas. Please go ahead.

Amy Harrington: Hi Jaleel, thanks for talking to us today.

Jaleel White: It’s all good.

Amy Harrington: So can you just tell us a little bit about what attracted you to this product in the first place? It’s quite a departure from stuff you’ve done in the past.

Jaleel White: Yes, well, I mean that was largely one of the things that attracted me to the project is that it is a departure from what people expect from me. They asked me to be a host was definitely a new skill set that I had to pick up, you know, being able to relate to contestants and all.

And the other thing that really was a huge component in me coming aboard the show is I think people will watch the show. Just naturally. You get tired as a celebrity or as a performer or whatever you want to call it, a public figure, of always trying to push something down peoples’ throats that they don’t want to watch.

But this is guinea pig TV, man. You turn this thing on at the end of your day and you just crack up because people are going to make you laugh in the most natural way.

Amy Harrington: Excellent. And what is your biggest fear?

Jaleel White: Wendy Williams just goosed me real good. I don’t like possums. So I was doing the show and she brought a possum on at the end of our interview. My mom used to make me take out the trash late at night if I had forgotten to do so during the day and you run into these suckers and they hiss at you. It’s just a memory you will never forget when you’re a kid.

Amy Harrington: Excellent. Well, good luck with the show and also with Dancing with the Stars, we’re big fans.

Jaleel White: Thank you so much, thank you. I’m going to hang in there for as long as I can.

Amy Harrington: Excellent.

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Jamie Steinberg of Starry Constellation Magazine. Please proceed.

Jamie Steinberg: Hi, it’s such a pleasure to speak with you. Congratulations on going through each week on Dancing with the Stars.

Jaleel White: Thank you. I appreciate that.

Jamie Steinberg: And I’m not sure if you ever decided on your acapella group name or not from Psych, but it was great to see you there as well.

Jaleel White: That’s my show, man. I love that show. Dule and Jay, we have so much fun. That’s the second episode I’ve done there. So I (unintelligible) scripts aside.

Jamie Steinberg: Yes, but as far as Total Blackout’s concerned, what is some of your favorite moments as a host? Is it watching them, you know, try to figure out exactly what the items are, or is it more seeing their faces when they’re freaking out?

Jaleel White: My favorite moments on the show really so far have been, the couples episodes, that is just hysterical. Because the interaction between the couples is just like - yes. Those are my favorite moments hands down on the show.

And then to just be surprised by who will display unbelievable bravery while some muscle-y character is freaking out.

Jamie Steinberg: Well, it’s such an amazing show. Were you expecting people to maybe be more scared than, you know, laughing? Were you expecting it to be that intense?

Jaleel White: I was expecting people always to pick up on the comedy of the show. And the challenge is then to try and make that comedy translate to the viewer. Because when you see the Total Blackout game played live or you see it filmed on stage, there’s nothing but laughter everywhere.

And you got to make sure that you’re at a job, you know, your post production attitude that translates. I think we’ve finally gotten it that point.

Jamie Steinberg: Great, well thank you so much for your time and I hope to see you next season on Psych.

Jaleel White: Thank you.

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of (Reg Seaton) from Thedeadbolt.com. Please proceed.

Reg Seaton: Hey, Jaleel, thanks for taking the call.

Jaleel White: How you doing.

Reg Seaton: Well, did you think there was going to be such a big difference what you can’t see and what your mind sees when you touch something?

Jaleel White: Huge, huge. I mean, really, I can’t say it enough but I will say it again, your imagination becomes your own worst enemy in Total Blackout. And so people always ask me do you know, how would I fare in the game. I think I would definitely be affected by the game. But I also know how television works. So that would give me an unfair advantage.

But people who don’t know how television works they have no visual understanding of the spatial awareness of the room that they’ll be entering, you know, it’s just - it’s a freak-fest, man.

Reg Seaton: And after doing scripted comedy most of your life, what do you like about the comedy in a show like this one?

Jaleel White: What I do like about it is I got to think on my feet. I got to think a little more like a standup comedian. But at the same time be respectful of what the contestants are actually going through. So I don’t want them at all to become the brunt of any cheap jokes.

But at the same time if they do something funny that we all can’t help but remember forever then I got to comment on it appropriately.

Reg Seaton: And just one last question. How do you maintain your composure with spiders and snakes and around (unintelligible).

Jaleel White: It’s funny because that was part of my screen test to become the host. They made me hold a tarantula and talk directly to a teleprompter. The damn thing was just so freaking big I just imagined in my mind it was a gerbil.

Reg Seaton: Great, thanks Jaleel.

Jaleel White: All right.

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Pattye Grippo from Pizzazz Entertainment Network. Please proceed.

Pattye Grippo: Hi Jaleel, thanks for talking with us today.

Jaleel White: All right, Pattye.

Pattye Grippo: Let me ask you, of all the people that you’ve had on so far and all the reactions that you’ve had, which one surprised you?

Jaleel White: Well there’s a black couple from L.A., they don’t surprise me, but boy did they overwhelm me. I just loved them. They are hysterical, hysterical, hysterical. You know, really, it’s different versions of the same reaction. And also surprise bravery shown by certain people that you wouldn’t think.

You might get some muscle-y guy that’s freaking out and then you get an older woman or whatnot that is just breezing through certain challenges. And it’s like, damn, that chick is brave.

Pattye Grippo: Okay, I understand that. And let me ask you, of all the challenges that you’ve seen, which one would be the one that you would least want to do?

Jaleel White: The one that I would least one to do is Find the Cheese Wheels. Because you’re in a Plexiglas maze. And you’re looking for these cheese wheels and there are mice in the maze, too. They are also looking for the same wheels.

Pattye Grippo: Okay, well, thanks for talking with me today.

Jaleel White: All right.

Operator: Ladies and gentlemen as a reminder to register a question please press the 1, 4 on your telephone. Our next question comes from the line of (Tim Holgan), TVOverminds. Please proceed.

Tim Holgan: Hi Jaleel. It’s nice to get to speak with you.

Jaleel White: Thank you, man.

Tim Holgan: As someone who hasn’t seen any episodes yet, just based on the commercial, the promo, I was wondering have any contestants freaked out to the point of needing medical attention, like oxygen or an ambulance or…

((Crosstalk))

Jaleel White: That’s a really good question there. None of the contestants have freaked out to the point of needing medical attention. But there is a psychiatrist on set and thank God for editing. Because some of the contestants have stalled for long amounts of time and we needed to be patient for them to eventually complete the challenges.

Tim Holgan: Like a mental breakdown or something?

Jaleel White: Just, once they were finally told to enter the room, it took us 20 minutes to get them in the room.

Tim Holgan: Okay, that’s crazy. A quick follow-up, now that you’re part of the Syfy family, and obviously you are known for your acting skills, is there any Syfy original series that you’d like to guest scene on like Alien or (unintelligible) Alphas.

Jaleel White: Gosh, not - I can’t really say right now. Every time I say I’d like to be a guest on any particular show it gets overblown. So I’m a fan of Syfy in general. If any of the shows would have me, I’d love to do it.

Tim Holgan: Do you have a favorite?

Jaleel White: I like Eureka, you know, (unintelligible) (Tim)’s not coming back.

Tim Holgan: Yes, that’s sad. Well, it was great to get to speak with you. Thanks.

Jaleel White: All right, thank you.

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Amy Amatangelo from the Boston Herald. Please proceed.

Amy Amatangelo: Hi, thanks so much for talking to us today.

Jaleel White: Thank you for having me.

((Crosstalk))

Jaleel White: I’m going to come back, I promise. I’m not playing, I swear. I’m doing an interview. I’m walking on the streets of New York literally and getting an interview at the same time. It’s hysterical.

Amy Amatangelo: Well, I wanted to ask you about Dancing with the Stars and how it feels to be this far in the competition and kind of how you’re feeling about making it to the finale.

Jaleel White: You know what, I’m nervous. I definitely will tell you that after being in the dance (school) it’s like that was the most surreal moment as I’ve ever had in my entire career. I mean, I honestly felt like Russell Crowe in Gladiator, just (unintelligible). And then you step in that spotlight and that’s what I love about Kym Johnson is that we were both born to perform.

Hey, how you doing (lady). Thank you.

We were both born to perform and that’s impressive. But it’s nice to be tied to a gamer because when that music started and that dance (school), it was like we were the only two people there.

Amy Amatangelo: And are you surprised you made it this far? When you started off the season did you think you - because you’re doing so well, you’ve gone so far.

Jaleel White: Well, it’s kind of tough, you know. I don’t know how comfortable it feels because the scores aren’t reflecting the comfort level that I’m feeling with my dances. So, I’m feeling really comfortable with dances and pretty much happy with four out of the five dances that I’ve presented and the scores aren’t reflecting that.

So, I’m happy to still be here. I’m happy - I didn’t feel like my samba was bottom two, but it was bottom two. And, we had to get in that dance spot and do our thing.

Amy Amatangelo: And what made you want to participate in Dancing with the Stars this season? What was it about the show that made you want to try it? Because it’s such a hard show to be on.

Jaleel White: My mom’s a big fan of the show and she told me that if I did it I wouldn’t regret it. And I’m still believing that. I’m still believing that.

Amy Amatangelo: Yes, you’re someone who has made such a successful transition from a child star in some of those places an iconic character to an adult actor who now is doing, you know, you have guest spots, you’re hosting a show, you’re on Dancing with the Stars -- you’re doing so many different things. What do you attribute to being able to make that transition from child star to adult actor?

Because a lot of people aren’t able to do that, you know, so well.

Jaleel White: Right. I got a great family. My mom and dad have always felt like teammates more than anything. They have always put me first. They weren’t running out buying fur coats and Rolls-Royces.

And they really always taught me to respect work. So at the end of the day I don’t think what people were really realizing is that I’m working seven days a week right now and I’m actually happier for doing it. When I’m done with these interviews I got to go dance for six hours. And I’ve been at it since 8:00 this morning.

And we do that every day until Monday and hopefully you’ll get the steps that you need to pull off your routine that you need to pull off.

Amy Amatangelo: Great, well thank you so much. And looking forward to seeing the rest of the season on your new series as well.

Jaleel White: Thank you. Thank you.

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of (Assami Turenal) TVGrapevine. Please proceed.

Assami Turenal: Hi, how are you? It’s so good to speak to you again. Actually I had the pleasure of doing the (panel) when you were at the Syfy tour so I know first hand what the show was like.

Jaleel White: Oh thank you, you were there so you saw.

Assami Turenal: I did. I saw and experienced, it was amazing. Anyway if you could pick any of the stars - any of your co-stars or co-dancers to participate in Total Blackout who would they be and why?

Jaleel White: Oh my God, you said I can pick any of my co-stars or co-dancers and put them in Total Blackout. I’d have to put Kym in there. I’d have to. She makes me do everything she wants me to do in rehearsal every day. So it’s only right that I would put her in a dark room and get some ratings off of her.

Assami Turenal: That would be amazing. And my other question for you would be fans surprised to know about you since they basically saw you grow up on TV?

Jaleel White: Hold on one second. I’m sorry, please ask the question again.

Assami Turenal: Sure. What would your fans that watched you grow up be surprised to know about you?

Jaleel White: Surprised to know about me? That I’m really competitive. And I like to win and if you really look back at my childhood and what my life has been about, it’s been about winning. It’s been about, I won (unintelligible) when I was a kid. Now it doesn’t even matter.

There’s so many other metrics now that matter. But even right now with Dancing with the Stars or whether it’s Total Blackout, I want the shows to do well. I like to be at the top of my game.

Assami Turenal: Wonderful. Well, thank you so much.

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Beth Beacham with Hollywood Junket. Please proceed.

Beth Beacham: Hi Jaleel. Thank you for talking to us.

Jaleel White: Hey, how you doing.

Beth Beacham: Hey, good, how are you.

Jaleel White: I’m super good.

Beth Beacham: Great. Congratulations on hosting a game show. Is this your first game show you’ve hosted?

Jaleel White: This is the first game show I’ve ever hosted so I am way outside my comfort zone, but I’m having fun with it.

Beth Beacham: Great. Just a quick, serious question. What game shows are you a big fan of? Like old time, traditional times game shows…

((Crosstalk))

Jaleel White: …traditional game shows growing up as a kid I loved the game show called Press Your Luck. It was with the whammies. And then I also liked Family Feud, stuff like that. Modern stuff, Wipe Out I’m probably a huge fan of. And I think Total Blackout definitely has an element of that.

Beth Beacham: Are there any hosts that you kind of look to, to get inspiration for with the show?

Jaleel White: I’m sorry, what did you say?

Beth Beacham: Were there any game show hosts that you’re particularly fond of?

Jaleel White: I’m sorry, ma’am, I can barely hear you.

Beth Beacham: It might be my phone. Were there any game show hosts that you particularly were fond of, you know, growing up or that you sort of looked to for inspiration…

((Crosstalk))

Jaleel White: Okay, I got you. I got you, yes. No, I wasn’t a particular fan of any game show hosts. I mean, I thought Richard Dawson was really funny because he was kissing all those women.

Beth Beacham: I was curious before they started filming the show did you actually get to go through the game experience of Blackout?

Jaleel White: Well, the cool thing is that we did the game live in Orlando, Florida. So when we did it live I really got the chance to see the game in the full with people who knew nothing about the game. That was early on in the process. So we still hadn’t even filmed all of our episodes yet when we did that. That was very helpful. It helped me out in preparing for host.

Beth Beacham: Okay. And then I was curious about - this is my last question. How is the game laid out as far as rounds go that get the players, you know, up to the final round where they win the $5000.

Jaleel White: Right. There’s either four players or four teams. And three rounds. And generally the challenges are all timed. And the person who completes the challenges in the shortest amount of time they move on to the next.

Beth Beacham: Okay great, thank you so much. Have a great day.

Jaleel White: Hey, thank you.

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Karen Butler of UPI, please proceed.

Karen Butler: Hello sir, how are you?

Jaleel White: How are you doing?

Karen Butler: Good, good. I was wondering, you did a great job on The View yesterday. Did those mother hens...

Jaleel White: Thank you.

Karen Butler: You really held your own. Did the mother hens give you an advice about hosting?

Jaleel White: I don’t know. They actually were talking about bringing me back in May for maybe some co-hosting so we’ll see what happens. I really enjoyed going on The View. I loved all the different perspectives. I’m not scared by anybody's perspective. Elizabeth is really fun. Whoopi and Sherry generally treat me like a little brother.

Karen Butler: Oh. Do you feel like going on Dancing with the Stars, did that give you a new understanding of fear that might have been helpful for Total Blackout?

Jaleel White: Baby, you aren’t saying nothing but the truth right there. The thing about DWTS is it puts fear in a whole other context. And I think I’m most qualified to talk about it because I’m the only one who’s in the dance duels out of the remaining contestants.

And let me tell you something, I felt like Russell Crowe in Gladiator being ushered into that spotlight. So you don’t know how your body’s going to completely respond, but the thing I love about myself and Kym Johnson is that she’s a gamer and I guess so am I. I can honestly say that.

When the music starts up I tend to bring out one of my better performances and not one of my worst. And I’m really proud to have discovered that about myself.

Karen Butler: And I was wondering were you a fan of the original hit show of Total Blackout? Did you watch the other version? And how does it differ? Did it go further or did different things creep them - you know, the European audiences out compared to American audiences.

Jaleel White: Well, we have some probably wittier remarks because we’re American so we’re a little snarkier than the rest of the world. Maybe the bridge might have something on us in that room but we hold our own. So we have a little more to say in our Total Blackout.

But the game really holds true to the other version. And we do a lot of the same challenges to be quite honest. So I’ve seen some of the older - other versions. And it’s amazing how the game translates from country to country effectively.

Karen Butler: Fantastic. Thank you so much and best of luck in everything.

Jaleel White: Thank you, I appreciate it.

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Jamie Ruby of Syfyvision.com. Please proceed.

Jamie Ruby: Hi again. So…

((Crosstalk))

Jaleel White: How you doing?

Jamie Ruby: ...the couples episode and obviously, you know, you’d mentioned that you’d have people with Dancing with the Stars on. But is there ever going to be any other themed episodes especially like would you ever consider doing maybe a celebrity episode?

Jaleel White: Right. You know, you never know. We got to get past this season and we have to see how people take to the show. Everything is week to week when it comes to television these days. But trust me, the themed episodes whether it was athletes or reality stars or what, I think people would absolutely go over the moon for that.

Jamie Ruby: Okay, great. Also you sort of talked a little bit about this. But I know you said at the press tour that for the pilot you had to do some things. Was there anything else you had to do besides holding the tarantula?

Jaleel White: No. They just wanted me sitting with a tarantula. I don’t know what that was about. If they did that for the legal department or what. So, for the most part I play Joe Rogan on this show and I’m proud of the way I’ve been able to adapt to being a host because it’s a lot more than just trying to be funny.

You also want to be able to relate to the contestant in a way to make them feel comfortable. But at the same time, not giving anyone a definite advantage over that.

Jamie Ruby: That’s true. And then lastly you’ve talked then too about kind of how there’s a screening process and everything. What kind of - can you talk about that? Do you put them through sort of a shortened version of the show or just, you know, make them hold spiders, too.

Jaleel White: Okay, I just want to understand your question a little bit.

Jamie Ruby: Sorry. Just do they screen the contestants before they put them on the show? Can you talk about that?

Jaleel White: Yes. No, they definitely check out all the contestants. They psychologically profile them. And they check their fears and try to make sure that they would be able to withstand any other challenges that we give them. Thank God we have editing though because not all the games are fast.

Sometimes we have people that really do stall out. Like they really do stall out. They take 20 minutes to even get started doing it. It’s like once the doors open and they’re told to enter the room suddenly it’s like - they become like the person who wants to not get on the roller coaster after they get to the front of the line.

Jamie Ruby: All right, thanks a lot.

Jaleel White: All right.

Operator: Our next question comes from (Tim Holgan) of TVOvermind. Please proceed.

Tim Holgan: Hi Jaleel, it’s me again.

Jaleel White: How you doing.

Tim Holgan: Hey. I saw you on Styled by Judy.

Jaleel White: Oh yeah.

Tim Holgan: I was wondering if the braces might make an appearance on Total Blackout.

Jaleel White: I’ll probably end up wearing braces at some point. They’re a very nice look if styled properly. But doubt they will make it on Total Blackout. It’s just not the look of the show. And quite frankly I'm very particular about what I wear.

Tim Holgan: Okay, that was an excellent episode, by the way.

Jaleel White: Thank you, I appreciate it, I appreciate it.

Tim Holgan: And lastly one quick follow-up probably on a serious note. I very, very rarely get to speak with anyone who’s spent time with Michael Jackson.

Jaleel White: Right.

Tim Holgan: Especially now with you being on Dancing with the Stars can you just share any thought or memory about Michael?

Jaleel White: I met Michael after I won my very first NAACP image award. Nobody knew he was backstage watching the awards. It was an amazing honor. I think I met him at the same time Martin Lawrence did for the first time.

He was tall. He was a very wide-eyed man. Very child like but very respectful. And he’ll be missed forever.

Tim Holgan: Okay, thank you for that. And it was great to get to speak with you again, thanks.

Jaleel White: Thank you so much.

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of (Assami Turenal) of TVGrapevine. Please proceed.

Assami Turenal: Hello again.

Jaleel White: Hey how you doing.

Assami Turenal: Good, good, how about you.

Jaleel White: I’m doing great, I’m doing great. It’s a pretty New York day.

Assami Turenal: Wonderful. My question for you is how do you choose the objects that everyone gets to touch during the process of the show?

Jaleel White: You know, that’s really up to the producers. It always cracks me up what they will choose. You know, but obviously they like things with varied textures. So it could be anything from a pineapple to a human foot.

Assami Turenal: Yes, I know that. And what are your plans next after the season wraps for Dancing with the Stars and Total Blackout?

Jaleel White: Just looking at a lot of different things that are starting to come my way. I mean, I am flattered by the amazing opportunities that are coming my way now. But I’m definitely going to stick with the trend of doing things that people wouldn’t expect necessarily.

And hopefully somehow in doing that I get a chance to get back into comedy because I do love comedy and I want people to know I haven’t lost my funny bone.

Assami Turenal: Sounds wonderful. Well, congratulations on everything. I’m so proud of you.

Jaleel White: All right, thank you. Thanks.

Operator: And our next question comes from the line of Jamie Ruby of Syfyvision.com

Jamie Ruby: Hello again. So can you kind of talk about how you, you know, found out about the show? Were you approached to do it?

Jaleel White: Yes. I’m very candid actually. I’m pretty sure that I ended up on Syfy’s radar because I starred in a movie that I didn’t even want to star in called Mega Shark Versus Crocosaurus. But my manager was very adamant that people needed to see me in uniform.

So I went out there for three weeks and busted my tail filming this movie. And I think it performed very well on Syfy. And I was asked to come in and screen test and be the host for their new show. And after that it’s history.

Jamie Ruby: You do a good job, like I said, I like it so far. So what’s kind of your ultimate, besides this obviously, your ultimate dream role that you’d like to do in the future or maybe somebody specific that you’d love to work with that you haven’t?

Jaleel White: Yes, I’m always careful about putting too much out there. You got to understand the only reason why we’re talking is because I’ve embraced so many things that are outside of my comfort zone. So I don’t know at what point my career would be mine to govern entirely again.

It’s never been that actually to be quite honest. I mean, even my early characters from Family Matters. I just, I went on an audition and I got the role and I did the best I could. So whether it’s Dancing with the Stars or whether it’s Total Blackout, you just see a guy adapt in my environment as fast as I probably can.

So I definitely would like to do more comedy in the future though. I have so many comedy admirers that I would like to perhaps join the ranks of as a comedic actor myself. That I hope that those opportunities can continue to present themselves, too. People don’t forget that I got a funny bone.

Jamie Ruby: All right. Well, thank you very much.

Jaleel White: Thank you.

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Melody Simpson of Hollywood the Write Way. Please proceed.

Melody Simpson: Hi Jaleel. Thanks so much for the interview.

Jaleel White: Glad to do it.

Melody Simpson: So I want to know when you were a kid what were your go-to activities at home when there was a city blackout?

Jaleel White: If there was a blackout my go-to activities - wow, wow, wow. Damn, you just leave the house. I open the garage and get the hell out of there. Go get something to eat or go to the movie or come back and (unintelligible) lights are off.

Melody Simpson: And do you have any upcoming writing projects?

Jaleel White: Do I have any upcoming writing projects?

Melody Simpson: Yes.

Jaleel White: You know what, I’ve written a lot of stuff and I have things that are in development, but right now I’m just so swamped with dancing and Total Blackout that I probably won’t have a chance to really get back to these projects until the summer season or fall kicks in.

Melody Simpson: Thank you so much.

Jaleel White: Thank you.

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Diane Morasco of Morasco Media. Please proceed.

Diane Morasco: Good afternoon Jaleel. Thank you so much. I want to ask since you mention your parents a lot, what was it like growing up in your home? Was it funny? And what did they do to bring out that funny in you? Or is it something you (unintelligible).

Jaleel White: One thing I think it’s something that you’re born with. But then your environment brings it out. My mother has a very funny family. Everybody on her side of the family has jokes. And then after that it’s just something you’re born with.

Your skills sharpen as you’re going to school. You know, but my parents were - my mother was definitely the disciplinarian. And my father was - he had a very keen understanding of my development. And I’ll always appreciate that from my dad, you know.

I might be revealing too much, but my dad told me when I was going to lose my virginity. And I’m like dad! He’s like I think it’s coming for you tonight.

Diane Morasco: Okay, so tell me who were your comedic icons?

Jaleel White: Comedic icons, a person I really appreciate (unintelligible), I love his dirty (unintelligible). And Joe Hill is a funny guy, and Seth Rogan is damn funny. I mean, there are a lot of genuinely funny guys out there that are allowed to be as funny as they are.

I don’t think people really understand part of being funny is part of being allowed to be who you are and not being told to be funny in certain ways if you know I’m not funny. So those three guys have a lot of influence over their work and they protect it.

In the past anything old school, Eddie Murphy, Bill Murray, Steve Martin, Michael Caine from Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. You know, these are people that just crack me up.

Diane Morasco: Okay. And I’m going to ask you what was the funniest family holiday that you encountered so far.

Jaleel White: Wow, I kind of had a funny one recently because I went to visit my parents for Christmas. While unloading the car with all the baby stuff I felt like I saw something dart past me in the living room. And my mom felt the same thing but we thought it was our imagination.

And then like literally 36 hours later we learned that there was a vermin in the office. And it had basically been in the house living with us for the last 36 hours. It turned out to be a giant (unintelligible) rabbit but we thought it was a possum or a raccoon so it freaked us all out. That was how I spent my Christmas Eve.

Diane Marasco: And my last question is going back to elementary school can you recall a time on the playground that was extremely funny that’s still with you today.

Jaleel White: Oh man. Time on the playground that was particularly funny. I mean, those are - those were typical stories where, you know, you’re playing kickball and somebody catches the red ball and the kid goes right down to his freaking knees because you hit him in the crotch. I used to play a lot of kick ball when I was a kid. It was always a funny story there.

Diane Morasco: Okay. Do you still play it today? And if not when was the last time you did and when will you, if you have not?

Jaleel White: No, I haven’t played kickball in a long time. I play basketball typically. But I’m getting a little older and I’m enjoying tennis more and just good old fashioned working out. And I also like to ski and snowboard.

Diane Morasco: Okay. Thank you so much and I wish you the best Jaleel, thank you.

Jaleel White: Thank you.

Operator: There are no further questions at this time.

Jaleel White: All right.

Gary Morgenstein: Thank you Jaleel. Go dance now.

Jaleel White: You’re the best Gary, I hope we’re killing it for you.

Gary Morgenstein: All right, I’ll see you tomorrow morning.

Jaleel White: All right, man. Bye.

Gary Morgenstein: Thank you everyone for joining. Total Blackout Wednesday, April 25 at 10:00 p.m. on Syfy. Thanks very much.

Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, that does conclude the conference call for today. Have a great day everyone.

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