63336 celebrity answers with Dan Clark

Dan Clark has no end to his talent with the titles, actor, writer and stand-up comedian under his belt. In 2008, he was nominated for Best Male Newcomer at the British Comedy awards and has appeared on French & Saunders, My Family and the Mighty Boosh over the years.

Having finished series 2 of How Not To Live Your Life, due in September, he has found some time in his busy schedule to answer some questions from 63336. Is there no end to this man's talents?

Who is Dan Clark?

An American Gladiator. A public speaker. It depends which Dan Clark you're referring to? There's more than one, annoyingly.

Who is your comic icon?

As a kid it was Rik Mayall. As a teenager it was Python and Bill Hicks. And since my early twenties it's been Woody Allen. Oh, and I've adored Gene Wilder man and boy.

What is the meaning of life?

It's a term used to describe a prison sentence where the convict is locked up for the rest of his life.

What's the most random question you have asked 63336?

How many people are in the air, on planes, at any one time? (63336's answer was: "There are an average of 3,500 commercial planes in the sky at any one time. Assuming 450 passengers per plane, there are around 1.5m people in the air.")

When did you realise you had the potential to make it?

Never. But it's hasn't stopped me trying.

Are you funny on an average day or just for your performances?

I like making people laugh on and off stage. However, I don't have pre-prepared material for average day situations, so my hit rate of funniness might be lower than when I'm on stage.

Who came up with the idea behind 'How not to live your life'

It began life as a series of short films on the Paramount Channel (now Comedy Central) called Dan Clark's Guide to Dating. It was just the quick fire lists, things like "10 Things You Shouldn't Wear On A Date". They were created by myself and the producer, Gary Reich. I then suggested we try and turn it into a sitcom. He agreed it would be a good idea and between us we developed a format.

Do you live your life in a way you advise others not to?

No. I am terrible at practicing what I preach.

What do you prefer, stand up or sitcom work?

I prefer the lifestyle of sitcom work. Being busy during the day; having evenings off; collaborating with others and meeting new people. Being a stand up is very solitary. You lose your social life due to gigs in the evening, and are often bored during the day. However, I much prefer the buzz and excitement of performing live in front of an audience as opposed to acting on screen. So I don't know the answer to that.

Who would win in a fight between Al Murray and Russell Brand?

If it's Al Murray in character as the Pub Landlord, then surely he'd win. But I have a feeling Brand might be tasty with some form of martial art. And therefore, out of character, Murray would lose.

Have you got any stand-up gigs lined up?

Very few. Due to the sitcom work. Some dates will be arranged soon though. I'm keen to get back on stage.

Has comedy always been a big part of your life? Were you the class clown at school?

Yes, I was definitely the class clown. Particularly from about 13 onwards. I grew up watching and loving comedy from a young age. But I didn't become interested in comedy as a possible thing to do myself until a friend showed me Monty Python. In fact, the exact sketch was the Policeman one, where Michael Palin's lost his wallet, and the punch line is "Do you wanna come back to my place?" and Cleese replies "yeah all right". That was it, I knew then I wanted to write comedy.

Where would you like to be in ten years time?

Dunno. Italy?