Sunday, October 11, 2009
Quick, A+E, Movies, Q&A

David Alan Grier

The Quick Q&A

David Alan Grier is known for his comedic roles in “In Living Color” and showing off his moves on “Dancing With the Stars: Season 8.” He has released his first book and will be at the Barnes & Noble on 2900 Peachtree St. on Thursday, Oct. 15 (7 p.m.) and Waldenbooks at the CNN Center on Friday, Oct. 16 (12:30 p.m.).

 For those of our readers who haven’t heard of your new book, “Barack Like Me,” can you describe its premise?

 It’s about my life growing up in this country, and it’s a comedic book. I talk about Barack Obama’s inauguration. When I was there, I was in the crowd and I realized that this event is something different for all of us. Race and culture—that’s what each one of us brought to that event.

What does the title mean?

“Barack Like Me” is like “Black Like Me” by John Howard Griffin, about a white man who goes undercover as a black man. You know, a play on words. I go through point by point about how I’m not Barack. He’s the leader of the world. I am not. He’s a unique person. I am not.

What happened to your show, “Chocolate News?”

Yeah, it was cancelled. It is simple. I don’t know. You would have to ask the network about it. It happens to most shows on TV. I’ll tell you what the network said to me, “We loved the show, but it didn’t get the ratings.” That’s it. 

What do you think is the most interesting thing about you?

Oh, God, I don’t know. I think I’m a loser most the time. I can’t answer that question. Someone else would have to tell me that and make that assessment.

What will we see you in next?

I’m about to go into rehearsal for the debut Broadway show “Race” directed by David Mamet. James Spader, Kerry Washington and Richard Thomas are all in it. It’s [a] serious dramatic piece, and it’s probably the best role I’ve ever gotten to play.