There are certain popular cultural milestones that people seem to remember. Whether it was where you were when you first heard The Cure, who you were with the first time you saw “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” or the fact you know all the lyrics to “Instanbul, Not Constantinople” there a few things that seem to define a degree cultural literacy. Among the hierarchy of essential knowledge is a firm grasp of the legendary “Evil Dead” trilogy. (Watch “Shaun of the Dead” and “High Fidelity” if you don't believe me…)
Any aspiring hipster can tell you where they were the first time they heard “You ain't leadin' but two things right now…” or laughed at the comically bizarre squeal as Ash's decapitated girlfriend leaps in to the darkness. Sam Raimi, director extraordinaire went on to the abso-freakin'-lutely huge “Spider-Man” films and was a critical darling for films like “A Simple Plan” and “The Gift”. And then there was Bruce Campbell who played the anti-hero Ash.
Inspiring video games (“Duke Nuke ‘Em” and a line of “Evil Dead” video games), rabid fan loyalty, a couple TV series (“The Adventures of Brisco County Jr” and “Jack of All Trades”) and a best-selling autobiography (“If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B-Movie Actor”) Bruce Campbell has become a hero to a generation—whether he likes it or not. While seemingly happy with an eternal association with the horror franchise, he often signs off as “Bruce ‘don't call me Ash' Campbell”. Playful obstinance? Fear of being pigeonholed? Fear of scary convention fans who demand to hear him say “groovy” over and over again? All of the above? Or regular guy trying to make a living at his chosen profession? I wanted to find out, but was more than willing to settle for a return e-mail.
After off and on harassment of Mr. Campbell for over a year, he finally broke down to the historical inevitability that is Joe-Mammy.com and graced us all with his presence. Kick back and enjoy this extra-special edition of the Features with Bruce Campbell: the Joe Mammy interview
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Joe Mammy : You've proudly proclaimed yourself a blue-collar kind of actor. How gratifying/surreal/humbling is it to have fans associate you with every possible project they're excited about? (“Hitchhikers Guide…” “Spider Man” “Evil Dead 4” et al…)
Bruce Campbell : It's just fine by me and I appreciate their rabid devotion. In the afterlife, they will gain many bonus points. The only sad thing is that I can't possibly live up to all those expectations.
Joe: Last year I interviewed Joe R Lansdale, writer of the original short story “Bubba Ho-Tep” and he said he thought you and the late Ossie Davis did a great job. You've been associated with some great films throughout your career, but how does a project like “Bubba Ho-Tep” or “Evil Dead 2” differentiate itself compared to some of the other projects you've been involved with?
Bruce : Every so often, a script/director comes along, and you find yourself stumbling into something that has a longer shelf life than the other flicks. Movies are a collision of elements - story, actor, director, and sometimes it's a beautiful union, and other times it's a disaster. My theory is that if you stick around long enough, you'll get three or four of those.
Joe: I loved “If Chins Could Kill” which I thought was a great tribute to hard work and perseverance in the Hollywood machine. Does it still amaze you the misconceptions people have about “making it” in entertainment?
Bruce : Yes, I'm shocked at all these "wanna be" shows out there. All they do is draw an inordinate amount of people who have no business in show business to Los Angeles and they end up clogging the freeways.
Joe: And speaking of books, you're starting promotion on your latest tome, “Make Love the Bruce Campbell Way” (which is probably going to be the best titled book of the year…) can you give us a little preview/synopsis?
Bruce : It's a novel that deals with my desperate attempt (I'm playing myself, you see) to break through the glass ceiling of B-grade genre movies and make it to the top of the Hollywood heap. Of course, chaos results - and carnage and mayhem - including a fist fight with a Buddhist.
Joe: So other than the book, what other projects do you have in the works?
Other than that, a new comic (due from Dark Horse comics May 11), a new Evil Dead video game due this fall, etc.
Joe: On the flip side, are there any projects you definitely are not involved with?
Bruce : Yes, the re-make of Barnaby Jones.
Joe: Free rant: take a topic of your choosing and give ‘er hell, man.
Bruce : Questions like that - the ones that let a journalist off the hook - the kind of question that proves to the world that the journalist has run out of sperm.
Joe: A lot of actors seem to have a kind of love/hate relationship with their fans. You've taken a more accessible approach than many. How would you describe your relationship to your fans?
Bruce : I'm fine with the whole thing, because most fans are very cool and respectful - it's just the 5% you have to fear. My relationship is volatile, and that's the way it should be.
Joe: Of the myriad quotable lines you've had throughout your career, do you have a favorite?
Bruce : Yeah, "Swallow this..." from Evil Dead II.
Joe: Any parting words of wisdom for the kids at home?
Bruce : Sure - clean your room and eat your greens. That, and shop smart.
There are certain popular cultural milestones that people seem to remember. Whether it was where you were when you first heard The Cure, who you were with the first time you saw “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” or the fact you know all the lyrics to “Instanbul, Not Constantinople” there a few things that seem to define a degree cultural literacy. Among the hierarchy of essential knowledge is a firm grasp of the legendary “Evil Dead” trilogy. (Watch “Shaun of the Dead” and “High Fidelity” if you don't believe me…) 
Joe: Last year I interviewed Joe R Lansdale, writer of the original short story “Bubba Ho-Tep” and he said he thought you and the late Ossie Davis did a great job. You've been associated with some great films throughout your career, but how does a project like “Bubba Ho-Tep” or “Evil Dead 2” differentiate itself compared to some of the other projects you've been involved with? 
