| 'Confessions of a Dangerous Mind'
With Chuck Barris
Author, Former Television Host/Executive
Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2003; 3:30 p.m. ET The new George Clooney-directed film 'Confessions of a Dangerous Mind' tells the story of a TV game show host who is also a covert assassin for the CIA. Unlikely, but former Gong Show host Chuck Barris claims this was his life in his memoir of the same title. Reissued to coincide with the film's release, the book, subtitled "An Unauthorized Autobiography" spins Barris' wild tale of a double life. Barris was online Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 3:30 p.m. ET, to discuss the film, his story and his life. Barris will be signing copies of his book Tuesday, Jan. 21 7 p.m. at Olsson's Books, Arlington/Courthouse, 2111 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-3507. The transcript follows. Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
washingtonpost.com: Chuck will be with us at approx. 3:40 p.m. Sorry for the delay.
Somewhere, USA: Chuck, are you claiming you worked for the CIA AND killed for them? Chuck Barris: I'm not answering that question in the sense that that's not important to me. What's important is whether the book's a good book or if the film's a good film.
Virginia: Chuck -- what do you think of Sam Rockwell as you? I saw Clooney on Charlie Rose last night; he said Rockwell is a guy who always delivers, even if only people within the industry know him, at least until now. Chuck Barris: I was disappointed when Clooney insisted on using Sam simply because so many other bigger names wanted to do it. But now that he's done it, I couldn't have imagined it being done with anybody else. I thought he was fab.
Arlington, Va.: How are you feeling healthwise these days -- you battled lung cancer. How are you doing today? Chuck Barris: I caught it early by accident. I caught it early in a CATscan. Got it out. Didn't have to do any chemo and am healthy as a horse again.
Washington, D.C.: Prior to this particular combination of talent that got the film made, which potential line-up (directors, actors) had you most excited? Chuck Barris: I was thankful for anyone. I just eventually didn't believe it was ever going to get done. Ed Norton, Johnny Depp, Mike Myers, Robert Downey, Jr. -- all wanted to be in it. Nicole Kidman, Meg Ryan, Renee Zellwegger. Every time it fell apart I was broken-hearted. SO truly a happy ending.
Washington, D.C.: Clearly, much has changed in TV programming during the last 30 years -- namely, the rise of unscripted reality programming. It's my belief that game shows, in particular the ones you created, were the vanguard of a movement toward more spontaneous and, by extension, more entertaining programming. In your opinion, what's out there today that is true to the spirit of the shows you created? Can you pick out the shows clearly influenced by yours? See you tonight! Chuck Barris: That's a tough question. Let's see. I think that the Dating Game was the progenitor of all reality shows as we know them -- simply because it was spontaneous. The shows today are far more complicated than the shows I did and I think the shows today are mean spirited. But I think they're extremely well done and popular and they're always going to be around because game shows are a staple. They are the least expensive and can get the biggest audiences.
Washington, D.C.: A Gong Show Question, Mr. Barris: How did you decide to make Jaye P. Morgan a regular judge on the show? It was a master-stroke that gave the show a tartness that it might not otherwise have had. Chuck Barris: That's a good question, but an even better answer. The person said -- the reason I used her is because I could see all the things the question points out. She grasped every nuance of the show and was really good.
Lyme, Conn.: How happy are you with the movie version of your book? Would you have included anything you think was missing, or perhaps removed anything that was included? Chuck Barris: Okay. I'm over the top happy with the film. I just I'm proud of it. Clooney and the cast did a wonderful job. I must say that Charlie Kaufman pulled out of the book the best possible screenplay, but there is a lot of Kaufmanisms that are slightly strange and I might've insisted that they -- like me being dressed as a girl as a little kid -- that never happened.
Fairfax, Va.: What's J.P. Morgan up to these days? Chuck Barris: Not much. I haven't stayed in touch with these people as a lot of people think I should have. I moved on to other things. She's fine and well.
Alexandria, Va.: Chuckee, Chuckee, Chuckee! Questions that have been burning in my mind for the last 25 years: What ever became of the Unknown Comic? Is it true that sad sack is undercover in Baghdad? And what ever became of Gene, Gene the Dancing Machine? Were you really as wasted as you appeared on the Gong Show? Chuck Barris: Unknown Comic -- still performs. Has a nightclub act, but he's not funny without his bag.
Gene, Gene -- In the height of irony, lost both of his legs from being a diabetic. His spirits are great.
No, that's absolutely untrue. I never touched drugs. Never ever. I drank in moderation. I was deathly afraid of drugs because I'm an extremist by nature. So, everybody thought I was always high, but it's not true.
Alexandria, Va.: How difficult was it to write the book? Was it a cathartic exercise for you or a trip down unpleasant memory lane? Chuck Barris: IT was a cathartic exercise and not difficult to write. I checked into a hotel in NY feeling really bummed out and took a monthly rate, but stayed two and a half years and came out with a manuscript. I'd only intended to use writing as a catharsis. I'm amazed at how good it is for how I felt when I wrote it. There are things in there that are funny and it has an edge and an attitude.
Washington, D.C.: I understand that you are writing a new book. Any idea when that might become available? Chuck Barris: Well, I haven't finished it yet. I need about another month. I imagine that if the publisher's happy it should be out by the end of 2003 and it's a sequel to "Confessions" and goes up to about a year or two ago. It's fun.
Chuck Barris: The title is "Bad Grass Never Dies." The publisher likes the title.
Berryville, Va.: Hello Chuck. You've said that the CIA asked you to assassinate people who annoyed them. Obviously, you are annoying them now. Are you concerned that they may ask Alex Trebek or another game show host to knock you off? Chuck Barris: That's a funny question, but it has no meaning to me. I'm not worried that anyone's going to knock me off.
Chesapeake, Va.: Chuck, I can't wait to see the movie. I'm curious about how NBC reacted to your demeanor as host of "The Gong Show." I would watch it for your antics more than anything. Maybe "American Idol's" Simon Cowell could take a few lessons and lighten up. Chuck Barris: Oh geez. NBC put up with me because the show was a hit. I pushed the envelope pretty far and, by and large, they put up with me until they finally canceled me, but I just always thought that a lot of what was going on was my fault.
Bethesda, Md.: I saw the E True Story this weekend on Gong Show/you. I always wondered if those shows did an accurate job of telling the story behind the scenes or present a side that was much more outlandish than true. Have you seen the E True Story? What did you think of it? Chuck Barris: I think, I saw it, I think it's more true than not and I think they did a better job than they thought they would. I had heard that E could be tough on you, but I didn't feel they were unduly tough on me.
Long Beach, Calif.: Other than the occasional delusional Gong Show contestant, you had a rather polite approach to entertainment compared to today. Imagine yourself as a young producer. What would you be suggesting? Chuck Barris: You know, I can't imagine myself as a young producer now because I'm so far out of it and haven't been in it for quite some time. I have ideas, but my biggest worry is that the timing isn't right.
Washington, D.C.: I'm afraid I haven't seen the film yet or read your book although I intend to do both SOON! I'd like to know if you are happy in your life these days and have you ever battled depression? Chuck Barris: I'm extremely happy these days -- happy marriage, happy homelife. I have had real down times in my life, but have never battled depression in that sense. I've been bummed out on occasion and handled it. And you should see the movie and read the book.
Timonium, Md.: Were are you living these days -- France or in the States? Chuck Barris: I'm living in Manhattan.
Annandale, Va.: I have to tell you that my friends and I would race home to watch "The Gong Show" after school. The show made us laugh and in remembering those days and thinking about you and your ever present smile and laugh -- I get a smile on my face. That's a good thing. Especially these days. Thanks. Chuck Barris: Well you're welcome and it makes me feel real good to hear things like that.
Edgewater, Md.: I always enjoyed watching the Gong Show. Never thought you'd disappear after that. I once auditioned for the $1.98 Beauty Pageant and got a call back but, never followed thru. I guess I should have gone to the second call. Maybe I would have met you then? I was wondering if those tapes are stored somewhere and if it's possible to get a copy of my audition. How would I go about that and whom should I contact? Thanks very much for any info you can offer. Chuck Barris: I don't own the shows anymore. Sony owns them now. So I don't have anything to with it.
Washington, D.C.: Covert agent? Covert?! There was nothing covert about the assassination of contestants on the "Gong Show," fer Pete's sake! Well, come to think of it, maybe they were more like assisted suicides. Best of luck to you, Chuck! Chuck Barris: Thank you and good night.
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