Three Questions With…

Steve Bridges

by Hudson Hornick

Being the somewhat goofy leader of the free world, George W.
Bush imitation and ridicule has been ripe for years, but one man’s
got it down better than anyone. Steve Bridges began his
impersonations at a young age, cutting his teeth on Larry, Moe, and
Curly, characters who undoubtedly helped him imitate the
commander-in-chief, which he’ll do tonight, August 17, at the
Lobero Theatre. Bridges let me deliberate with him a while …

With the president’s support being as polarized as it
is, do you ever find it difficult to rise above the political
agenda and stay non-partisan? Yeah, it can be tough, but
I’ve got a great team and my political agenda is to make people
happy, to make them laugh. My comedy writer Jack Mayberry helps me
stay on top of current issues and keeps the show dynamic and
current.

In the movie Dave, they have a look-a-like fill in for
the president at times. Ever get that request? Ha! No, but
you’d be surprised. I have a full prosthetic team who helps me get
into costume. I did this show for an ambassador and people thought
I was him [President Bush]. I mean, people like Congressman
Coleman, and Supreme Court Justices, people who know him. They
thought I was him.

Do you ever use that to your advantage — maybe get some
free stuff, park where you want? No, no. I tend to play it
safe. It can be a bit dangerous doing that. I’ve made a great
living doing what I love and there’s no reason to rock the
boat.