March 27, 2001

RinkChat, NH - RinkChat regular Stephen Keller, of California, is one of the most frequently archived RinkChatters. His inauspicious debut in 1999's "Dave Makes Dinner" led to more conspicuous roles: in "The Revenge of Sam, Part II," he proved his renowned fast improvisational skills that helped make "A Brawl of Ghosts and Evil People" such a success. "Self-Seance" was his first solo role, but, for many, it will be "The Sting, Part I" and its sequel, intuitively named "The Sting, Part II," that Keller will be most remembered for. Both archives are nominated for the Best Archive award this year, and Keller is nominated for his role in the first one.

For many, that would be the end of the road. But Keller proved his staying power when, nearly a year later, he tasted success yet again with "Split Stephen," a complex psychological saga in which he had a dual role. That archive, too, is nominated for Best Archive, and he is nominated for his roles in it.

I spoke with Stephen on the last day of the final round of voting to discuss his feelings about his work and the awards.

Sam: Today is the last day of voting. In a few days, the winners will be announced. Are you excited?

Keller: Of course! I mean, after this year's DREADFUL Oscars, I definitely think that the RinkAwards will prove to be a good time. Not to mention that I plan a major sweep.

S: You are up for a number of awards. Do you hold any particularly high hopes for any specific ones?

K: Uhh...I'm not up for all of them?

S: (laughs) I see the legendary Keller wit is as funny outside the archives as in them.

K: Honestly though, I'm hoping most that my friend Radebur gets something. His performances in both "Sting I" and "Sting II "were spectacular. For me though, the real thrill is just being nominated.

S: You and Radebur have had a long running working relationship together. What's it like working with him?

K: He's a real character. I mean, a lot of people just think he's some clueless l00s3r, but that's not the case. He also has a wicked sense of humor. Like when he made fun of "Darien" for crashing the chat.

S: Did you learn anything in particular from Radebur that helped you refine your own performances?

K: Well...I mean, what can you take from someone like him? He's such a specific sort of actor. His style isn't really applicable in many other venues. Essentially, I try not to let him drool on me.

S: I worked with Radebur once, and I wish I had learned that lesson sooner.

K: Yeah. Most people don't realize that he's almost exactly like the persona he portrays.

S: I'd like to talk a bit about "Split Stephen." You have said in the past that the ending was altered from your original vision. How do you feel about the studio-modified version garnering the honor of a Best Archive nomination?

K: Well, I think it's a testament to all involved that it came off as so strong, even with the meddling by some chowder-heads upstairs. I really hope that its (somewhat surprising) popularity allows me to release a special "Director's Cut" version. That's something that's been long-talked about. Also, I could use the money.

S: Do you have any particular fears about your "'Split' Stephen" nomination "splitting" the vote with your "Sting I" nomination in the Best Male Comic Improvisor category?

K: Good question. I wouldn't have thought it possible until "Split Stephen" got the Best Archive nom. Now though, yeah, I think that's a possibility. I'm working at having the other nominees...how should I say this?...disposed of.

S: Which of your two personas in "Split Stephen" is most like how you are off the clock?

K: Well, I think it's important to say up front that neither is "me." People who meet me for the first time often have trouble separating my work from the real me. But I'd have to say that...uh, whichever persona was more popular, that's the one I'm like.

S: What was it like working with Dave and Darien in "The Great Ginger Ale Tragedy"?

K: Both of them are oafs. If I didn't know better, I would have thought they were trying to sabotage the entire production. They were constantly delaying production with their petty whining and bickering. If they weren't so well connected, I would've had them shot.

S: Wow. These negative feelings are unexpectedly strong. How do you feel, then, about Dave and Darien both garnering Best Male Comic Conversationist nominations, while your role was snubbed by voters?

K: I don't want to say anything I can't absolutely prove, but I think it's common knowledge that they essentially bought those nominations. Both of them are notorious for their constant marketing campaigns. Nonetheless, they both did a good job with their roles. Despite all the troubles in production, "The Great Ginger Ale Tragedy" remains one of my personal favorite archives to read.

S: There is a rumor that if you win Best Alternate Personality for anyone other than Radebur, you will refuse to accept the award. Is this true?

K: Pretty much, yeah. But I don't see that as a likely possibility. Unless the voters really are dumber than Dave and Darien, and I don't see how that could be true.

S: What's your pick for Best Archive?

K: Personally, I voted for "The Great Ginger Ale Tragedy." Though all of the nominated archives are classics. I think it will likely go to "Sting II" though.

S: The two "Sting" episodes have attained a legendary cult status among many circles of RinkChatters. Was it fun to work with Brunnen-G?

K: Oh, of course, she's fantastic. I think she has something of a crush on me though. That's off the record, of course.

S: Of course. You seemed to take "Sting II" pretty well in the archive. Are you really taking it in stride, or are you harboring the hope of vengeance?

K: No, no vengeance for me. But if I was planning something, I certainly wouldn't tell you. But of course I'm not. As far as you know.

S: Sounds ominous. Ha, ha, ha.

K: I don't have to take that. I did not come here to have my character assaulted.

S: I think that wraps things up nicely. Thank you for being with us, Stephen. Good luck.

K: You're damn right this interview is over!

S: Ah, very clever! That's a quote from "Erin Brockovich," isn't it?

K: Erin Whatavich?

S: Yeah, that.

K: No, I don't watch movies.

S: Oh.