Ben Curtis (actor)
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Benjamin Bowmar Curtis (born November 2, 1980 in Chattanooga, Tennessee), also known as the Dell Dude or Slacker Steve, is an American actor and former spokesman for Dell Computers. Curtis was prominently featured in the popular "Dell Dude" ads from 2000 to 2003.
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[edit] Early life and education
Curtis is the second of two children, and has an older sister named Polly Elise Curtis. He attended and graduated from the McCallie School, an all boys school in Chattanooga, Tennessee, after completing elementary school at Saint Nicholas School, also in Chattanooga.
At four years old, Curtis met illusionist David Copperfield. Inspired by Copperfield's performance, Curtis started his own magic business at the age of thirteen. Curtis went on to compete in and win a few national stage contests. Curtis later attended Tannen's Magic School in New York City. While at the school, Ben created, produced, directed, and starred in his first full-scale illusion show. The show consisted of his skills in music, acting, magic, and mime.
Curtis attended New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. While at NYU, Ben has attended the Atlantic Theater Company as well as studying the techniques of Grotowski and Brecht at Tisch’s Experimental Theater Wing (both in America and Amsterdam).
[edit] The Dell Dude
As part of a commercial advertising campaign, Curtis portrayed the character Steven. This advertising campaign popularized the phrase "Dude, you're getting a Dell." The commercials would usually feature chipper Steven informing prospective buyers of all the perks of owning a Dell. When the party was sold on the idea he would close with the catchphrase "Dude, you're getting a Dell". The campaign was a huge success and not only helped bring prominence to Dell, but to Curtis as well.[1]
[edit] Arrest
On February 9, 2003, Curtis was caught attempting to buy a small bag of marijuana on Manhattan's Lower East Side.[2] Curtis was arrested and charged with criminal possession of marijuana. Word of the arrest of the Dell dude spread quickly through the media.
Since the bag Curtis possessed contained a very small amount of marijuana, the judge in his case was lenient. The case was adjourned in contemplation of dismissal, such that the case would be dismissed and Curtis's record cleared if he remained clean for the next twelve months.[2] Despite the incident, Dell spokesman Venancio Figueroa maintained that Curtis' relationship with the company was "still in place." However, Dell, Inc. fired Curtis as a result of his arrest due to company policy. It ended Curtis's relationship with them. However, it is believed that Curtis was already in the process of being phased-out in favor of a new pitch for Dell. In early 2003, the Dude ad campaign was dropped in favor of a new set of commercials about three Dell interns.
[edit] Life after Dell
Curtis' career seems to have survived both the Dell campaign and the marijuana arrest incident. In the spring of 2004, Boca Raton, Florida-based AdSouth Partners hired Curtis to lead its marketing campaign for the launch of Gameznflix, an Internet video game and movie rental service. Regarding the marijuana incident, Curtis told an interviewer for the South Florida Business Journal, "I learned a lesson and that was the thing," said Curtis, then 23, and a senior at New York University. "I've been through that experience and I've come out of that a better person. I've learned what it means to be a role model and I have a second chance."
In February 2005, Curtis played the role of Christian, in an off-Broadway 16-show production of John Fisher's gay comedy Joy. [3] The play and his performance both received generally favorable reviews.
Curtis was featured on the companion DVD to Triumph the Insult Comic Dog's CD Come Poop With Me. On his segment, a visibly intoxicated Curtis confronted Subway spokesman Jared Fogle.
Ben was working as a waiter at Tortilla Flats in NYC in 2007.[4]
Ben recently formed the rock band WHALE. However, they were forced to change their name to SAMVARA(myspace.com/samvaramusic). Ben is the lead singer and rhythm guitarist.
Ben has been acting in numerous independent films as well as guest-starring as the killer on an episode of Law & Order last season.
[edit] References
- ^ The mystery of the Dell dude. - By Rob Walker - Slate Magazine
- ^ a b "'Dell Dude' released after marijuana arrest'". CNN (2003-02-11). Retrieved on 2008-01-14.
- ^ The Dell Dude shines Off-Broadway
- ^ Dell Dude Now Tequila Dude at Tortilla Flats - Grub Street - New York Magazine
- ^ Dell Dude Now Tequila Dude at Tortilla Flats - Grub Street - New York Magazine
