Nick Offerman

Once I realized that, then my life kind of began.

That was ground zero where I said, okay, the tools that I have, who I am, what I grew up as, that's the most valuable thing in my toolbox.

So let me now begin to build my professional career, my body of work around that particular set of tools.

You and your friends founded the experimental company, The Defiant Theater, and you've said that if you had started auditioning at big theaters before this work, you'd probably still be there.

Was it when you developed The Defiant Theater that that realization about your country-rude persona first occurred to you?

It was in those years, yes, because my best friend was one of our main directors, and so they would pick shows to do.

And I built the scenery for this company.

I had all the tools.

I drove the truck.

So in many ways, I was the dad of the company.

And they would choose shows where I would say, oh, perfect.

This role is perfect for me.

And then I wouldn't get the part.

They'd cast somebody outside the company, and I would say, hey, man, what's the deal?

And my best friend and roommate would say –

You know, I'm going to always have to cast the best actor for the show.

And that's this other guy because you're not that good yet.

And I would say, well, I believe you.

And, you know, the baby in me is selfishly mad about that.

But I understand.