10 Questions - TIME.com

Ask Denis Leary

Denis Leary Brad Barket / Getty

A comedian who's earned a cult following with his acerbic wit, and a creator, producer, writer and star of the hit FX series, Rescue Me, this Massachusetts-born actor appears in the anticipated movie about the 2000 election, Recount, debuting May 25 on HBO. Use the form below to submit your questions for Denis Leary, then look for the upcoming interview in TIME.


126 Questions >>

Submit your question to Ask Denis Leary (126 other responses).




  1. Posted by Fred Ramella in Haverhill, MA:

    Hello Mr. Leary,

    Huge fan of your work as an actor, comedian and your charities. My question is, understanding that you don't have full control of this, but, how long do you see Rescue Me going on for? Do you think now with the success of Rescue Me, future shows like 'The Job' which was a great show, will have better success?

    Regards,

    Fred

  2. Posted by Abdulnasir Imam in Abuja, Nigeria:

    WITH THE THIRD INSTALLMENT OF "ICE AGE" COMING SOON, WHAT'S IT BEEN LIKE VOICING AN ANIMATED CREATURE?

  3. Posted by Christine Pappas in Burbank, Ill:

    Dear Mr. Leary,
    Hello, i was wondering do you ever get annoyed when a fan mistakes you for William Dafoe, the guy who played the green goblin in Spider-Man? Also, if a fan mistakes you for him do you pretend to be him and sign his name for the fan?

  4. Posted by Maria Hess in Wilmington, DE:

    You've created a career that's deliciously irreverent. But judging by the few images we've seen of your family, they seem unaffected, normal– happy even. How different is Denis Leary the dad from Denis Leary the acerbic comic?

  5. Posted by Andy Comings in Newton, MA:

    Mr. Leary,
    Seeing that the Republicans stole the 2000 election and swiftboated the 2004 do you think they have something up their sleeve for Clinton or Obama? Or have all their nasty tricks caught up with them?

  6. Posted by lette teodosio in manila:

    Hi Mr. Leary,

    would you have a dream film or role you want to be in? what would that be and why? Just wondering :-) thank you for your time, and kudos on the great work :-D

  7. Posted by Allie Gray in Conroe, TX:

    I love your work as an actor and comedian. How hard was it for you to get into the acting business?

  8. Posted by Martin O’Brien in Toronto, ON:

    As a standup comic, how inspired by Bill Hicks were you?

  9. Posted by Jerome Menifee in Chatham, NJ:

    I heard that you are really a closet Yankees fan?

    Any thoughts of reviving the Cops series?

  10. Posted by Michael Kruk in Bloomington, IL:

    I would really like to hear Mr. Leary comment on accusations of his "lifting material" from Bill Hicks. Do these accusations upset him, and if so, what's his side of the story? I have read that Mr. Hicks and Mr. Leary were friends, so I know this may be a difficult and complicated question. I applaud Mr. Leary for his charity work, and for his wonderful creativity. Thank you for the opportunity to ask him questions.

  11. Posted by Kevin Kyle in Calgary, Canada.:

    Any plans for a music album?

  12. Posted by Kevin Kyle in Calgary, Canada.:

    Any plans on relaesing a music album?

  13. Posted by Patrick Cowden in New York City:

    Hello Denis

    Was your name always spelled with one N or did you change it because you thought it was groovy ( you're old enough to know what that means). And oh,...I'm sorry one more question...what's playing on your F*#cking ipod right now?

    Patrick

  14. Posted by Keith Perkinson in Chicago:

    After the Bo Sox won the World Series in 2004, a hilarious video spoof of a Master Card commercial made the rounds with you in the starring role.
    .Was the video your idea?
    .What body part would you have REALLY sacrificed up for a WS championship?

    KP

  15. Posted by Henry Sandground in Yorktown heights:

    Huge fan Mr. Leary. I have an mp3 copy of your song; "I'm and a$$hole" that has traveled with me to every computer at work for years now. Great song with awesome lyrics.

    Question: Are you still smoking ciggaretts? You used to be a chimney and I was wondering if gettng older and wiser has changed any habbits?

    Henry

  16. Posted by Craig Vallelunga in Lake Orion, MI:

    Why can't we all just get along?

  17. Posted by Steve Greenhagen in Taylorsville, Utah:

    Hi Denis, Love your work and comedy. Two Pictures that I love the most are "The Ref" and "Double Whammy". Could you please share the experiances that you had on these two with us. Thanks and keep up the good work on the charities you work hard for.
    Steve

  18. Posted by James J. Dade in New Milford, NJ:

    As a life long Mets fan I would like to thank Boston, the Red Sox, Red Sox fans, the state of Massachusettes ,Theo Epstein, New England, for making the NY Yankees fans lives miserable the last few years. Good to see Bucner welcomed back to Fenway.

  19. Posted by Tony Stark in New York:

    Mr Leary Sir,

    Huge fan of your work as an actor and comedian! Have you ever considered that without the huge hotdog/showboat, Manny & the man who should never be MVP, Ortiz, would the red Sox ever win a Title again?

    Hope you are doing well!

    Tony Stark

  20. Posted by Karen Summers in Sparta MO:

    Hello Mr. Leary,

    I am a big rescue me fan, and thank you for your charity work.

    Do you think that the movie recount might finally impact and bring change to the way that this country handles the way the votes are counted and the machines that count those votes?

    Regards,
    Karen

  21. Posted by Brinson Lane in Savannah:

    Dennis, why did you change the color of your hair? Is it because you are secretely trying to be Colin Quinn?

  22. Posted by Rob Liston in Hamilton:

    If you had your choice, who would you choose to play you in a movie about your own life?

  23. Posted by Cindy Ferguson in San Diego:

    I heard you make a fantastic joke about the Irish recently. You wondered why they were dying during the potato famine, even though Ireland is an island surrounded by the ocean, and thereby fish. Joking aside, what was wrong with these people that they chose starvation over eating fish?

  24. Posted by john bridge in Seattle, Wa:

    Do you plan on doing anymore feature films. I have throroghly enjoyed your previous endevors and look forward to more from you if it's in the cards?

  25. Posted by Sean Finneran in Columbus, Ohio:

    Whether the issue is 911, election debacles or steroids, how does one turn from critic to healer?

  26. Posted by Tony Wacker in Mandeville:

    Hi Denis,

    How do you feel about comedians stealing material from others and trying to pass it off on their own? I think "word for word" jokes are the pretty obvious but some comics steal the "mannerisms and style of delivery" from others.

    Do you think this is ethical?

    Material can be very personal to a comic and this can be very similar to an artist stealing a painting and sticking their own name on it.

    Regards,

    Tony W.

  27. Posted by William Melvin in Los Angeles:

    Hello Denis,
    Not many of your fans today are probably aware that a large portion of your material in your early career was blatantly plagiarized from the late great Bill Hicks (i.e. Your smoking shtick, especially the bit about health nut Jim Fixx). Although there are many Hicks fans (myself included) that are quite aware of your hackery and will always think of you in this way any time your name is mentioned. So my question to you is: Will you ever give credit to Bill Hicks for using his material? I will wager to say NO!

  28. Posted by James Bellamy in Titusville, FL:

    Hello Mr. Leary,

    Your newest project, "Recount" has to do with the 2000 election. So I'm curious has this newest project changed your opinion on the political process? Also, are you supporting any of the candidates currently running for President?

  29. Posted by Spencer Reesman in San Diego:

    Hi Mr.Leary,

    May I be so brazen as to make note of striking similarities between your stand-up material and the prior stand-up up of the late great Bill Hicks.

    When asked about you, Hicks told an interviewer: "I have a scoop for you. I stole his act. I camouflaged it with punchlines, and to really throw people off, I did it before he did."

    Perhaps you could comment on this video?

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gE4sK_yYtGQ

    Regards,
    Spencer

  30. Posted by Ken Bird in Grand Rapids, MI:

    Dennis,
    I could really care less about your acting career but I do wonder how do you plan to save your soul from the eternal fires of Hell? What is your strategy? Something tells me you care less or believe not. I just wondered since you think you have everything else figured out what was the game plan on the most important moment of your life your death? Don't think about and you will die to horrible awakening that will be irrevocable and eternal. See ya at the last judgment!
    Oh yeah if you do care not just any belief will do, the Catholic faith is necessary, not the one you see today either. Babylon has fallen Dennis, you probably aren't up on this issue. The traditional Catholic faith is the only way to eternal life no exceptions! Have a nice, short life.
    Ken Bird

  31. Posted by Zac Glasgow in :

    Dear Mr. Leary,

    Where did you find the "courage" to steal Bill Hicks' material? I would accuse you of stealing his persona, but that's too much of a stretch. Bill Hicks' comedy had meaning, something yours lacks entirely. Unless, you consider plagiarism meaningful. You're a hack, and a terrible actor. We've had the "Bill was jealous" shtick, and it's time you drop it. You're not funny, you're old, tired and done. Maybe you'll address this?

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gE4sK_yYtGQ

  32. Posted by Kathryn Burke Hogan Knopf in knopfmultimedia@aol.com:

    Fellow Irish family-person;
    You have more air-time than the Pope. Use it for good...
    Family- fare , please. Your hair is divine; wash it, please.
    Kate,
    Knopfmultimedia

  33. Posted by Jeroen Grouls in The Woodlands, TX:

    Have you ever considered going into politics?

  34. Posted by Michael Weaver in Kailua, HI:

    Your Wikipedia site says that "Leary displays an overt affinity for libertarianism." You agree or disagree? If you agree,how do you think it has influenced your work?

  35. Posted by Tony Stark in New York:

    Denis!

    It's me again! How are you Buddy?? So tell me, How does it feel to be asked such to wash your hair from a woman who is working hard on adding as many last names to her name before God says its her time and helps her check out? I'm wagering she will have 29 more...

    Thanks Pal!

    Tony Stark

    Stark Enterprises

  36. Posted by Tony Stark in New York:

    Hey Denis!

    Me again! Sorry man, but I noticed that someone says if you were going into Politics.. If so, can I be on your cabinet????

    Thanks man, you still rock!

    Your Pal,

    Tony Stark

    Stark Enterprises

  37. Posted by Kevyn Andrews in St. Pete, FL:

    Hello Mr. Leary. I am a big fan and have a very important question.

    Have you found a place that sells coffee flavored coffee?

  38. Posted by Lindsay Coleman in Melbourne:

    What do you feel is the legacy of your work on MTV in the early 90s? Do you see any of your work influencing the channel today?

  39. Posted by annie kalotschke in tuxedo, ny:

    hi denis - my friend darlene and I discuss "rescue me" on our thread on the EricCarmen.com message board. Basically, you have 2 women who have a great time dishing over our mutual crush on you and we LOVE your hair.
    We love the show's writing and the brilliant cast.
    I am wondering what feedback the NYFD gives you and your partner about your overall protrayal of the department?
    love ya - annie

  40. Posted by Daniel Cauterucci in Los Angeles:

    I admire how you're willing to push the envelope and stretch the boundaries. That said, I wonder if there are any fears that stop or motivate you to keep breaking new terrain?

  41. Posted by Van Wolfe in Maple Valley, WA:

    Out of your entire career what is the project you enjoyed the most?

  42. Posted by Terry Davis in Lubbock Texas:

    Love your work especially stand up. Any new material in the works, maybe a DVD?

  43. Posted by Mark Mc Vicker in Antrim N. Ireland:

    When you receive your knew catalogue through the post which page do you turn to first? When I was a boy it was the toy section now its the lingerie.

  44. Posted by Regina Gale Martin in Fairfield,Ohio:

    Im asuming you think a recount should have been done in Fla. Do you think if Vice President Al Gore would have been more agressive in demanding a recount he could have won the Presency? If he had won I can only immagine what could have come about in our USA. I guess you want to show what could have been if a few 1,000 votes could have changed are history? I think its a great ideal and I cant wait to see your movie. P.S. Where do you get the time for this movie between your comedy,series. and your volentary work?

  45. Posted by Michael McCollough in Chambersburg, PA:

    I'm a huge fan, Denis! It's been 11 years since Lock 'N Load, Denis. Any thoughts to doing another comedy special? I'm also curious to know if you bid on the Redsox jersey they dug out of the foundation for the new Yankee Stadium. I love ya Leary, but cut my Yankees some slack ;)

  46. Posted by Glenn Dudman in Ottawa, Canada:

    Just a comment ... favourite movie is The Ref ... our favourite Christmas movie that we watch every year!
    Brings the Christmas spirit out in all of us. :-) Thanks for all your great work!

  47. Posted by Liz Hamilton in Honolulu:

    Denis: Your character is Rescue Me is strongly sexual. Women lust after him, and except for the fiction surrounding the beach house fire and resulting effect on him, he is stalwartly virile. How was this conceived--as a story device that would be interesting, or as a desire to create a character whose manliness reflected upon his creator- you?

  48. Posted by Richard Rivers in Chicago:

    Hello Mr. Hicks, I am a great fan of yours, and am happy to see that you survived that brief case of death due to pancreatic cancer. I like your old, pre-cosmetic-surgery face better, though. Why did you make yourself look like a washed-up Woosterite?

    Anyway, that's not my question. My question is: do you ever plan to be funny/original again? Because you seem to have hit a 14-year slump. Might want to do something about that. Also, have you ever considered asking Philip Morris USA to sponsor your act? I mean, it'd be nice to get something back, since you're already putting their kids through college, right? Think about it.

    Sincerely,
    This guy

  49. Posted by Robbie Ardura in Alexandria:

    Hey Mr. Leary I know this is going to sound stupid and probably repetitive also, but I really want to be an actor and I was wondering if you could give me some good contact numbers of agents that can get me into the business really fast.

  50. Posted by Adrian Wilhelmsen in Houston, TX:

    Ok, I really do like your work, but I especially like to see you on late night talk shows. You are very funny off-the-cuff, but you seem genuine and a bit nervous. A regular Joe. So considering this, what you've accomplished and what is just beyond the horizon, what is your dream gig? What is the one thing in life that you would like to do or accompish and why?

  51. Posted by Xavier Vergara in Mclean:

    Who is the hottest actress you've ever had sex with?

  52. Posted by R. D. McClenagan in Maryville, Tennessee:

    Denis,
    What is your perfect night out? Where do you go? What do you do?

  53. Posted by Huy Truong in Oklahoma City:

    Mr. Leary,

    Does it eat you up inside that your whole persona is a derivative of the late great Bill Hicks, or do you have no conscience whatsoever?

  54. Posted by Tom Coffee (yes, it’s my real name jack) in Rochester, MN (not originally from here):

    Hola Senior Leary,

    Once upon a time, you mentioned in a stand up comedy bit (No Cure for Cancer maybe?) that your kids wanted a dog, and you ended up w/ some little dog named Pongo (I think? – therefore it's true?). However, you wanted some big badass Irish Wolfhound. Some years later, you were on a benefit show (thanks for volunteering and helping out people in need, by the way, you Irish bastard) and you “phoned in” your performance by video. I guess the folks with cancer only needed a video from you? Couldn't muster up an actual appearance b/c the Valvoline oil commercial couldn't be rescheduled? Just kidding, lol. Yes, I just loled myself… and it was awesome… lol.

    In your video you appeared with some Irish Wolfhounds. Are they yours? If so, how are they as a breed? Good around kids? I was thinking of getting one or two. I could google it, but I'm just too lazy, and I don't have kids. But it's so fun pranking them. And yeah, I'm thinking of Irish Wolfhounds b/c I recently found out I descend from Irish stock.

    Long story, but my relatives traced our roots back to Ireland. Great, I'm just another wallet stealing Mick. Well that does explain my pick pocketing, but why do like to put things into people's pockets? Right, I like to plant evidence on people and call the cops. It's really fun; you should try it sometime, lol. And really, harmless pranks are universal, not just Irish.

    When I planted evidence on my friend Mike, and called the cops, it was hilarious when they were taking him to jail. He screamed and yelled, “I'm innocent! That bloody knife isn't mine!” It was soooooo funny when they tasered him. He didn't really like the butt sex though. I kept trying to tell him it was just his cellmate, Bubba, trying to show his affection. Everybody expresses love in their own beautiful way. Mike really is a great guy. One of these days I have to call the cops and tell them the “evidence” was planted. Mike and I are going to have a good laugh about that one, lol, but I digress.

    Thanks for all your comedy I've seen over the years. If I haven't seen it, well, maybe it wasn't that good? Everyone sucks sometimes. I like to say, if you can stop sucking part of the time, maybe that's a good way to stay out of jail? That reminds me of a prank I pulled on my buddy Paul once. It involved him, a blindfold, and a horse. Real classic innocent prank. I don't know why he gags when he sees horses now. And really, Paul is awesome. My best friend in the world. I mean who doesn't like to be tied up, dowsed w/ gasoline, and set on fire? I love him like a brother.

    Thanks again,

    Tom

    P.S. Sure I've got a good memory, but where did I put my car keys?... oh yeah, my prank on John. He's just hilarious! When he was trapped in the port-a-john he was going on and on about, “I'm claustrophobic! Get me out of here! Hands are coming out of the wall and touching me! Stop! STOP!” Too funny. Great guy too. Cheers!

  55. Posted by T.C. (yes, they’re my real initials, jack) in Rochester, MN (not originally from here):

    Please understand, all that earlier was just kidding. Joking aside, how are Irish Wolfhounds, if you really do have any? I truly am thinking of getting one.

    Thanks. Great to hear and see your comedy, watch your work with charities, and the dramatic acting. I even caught one of your indie films involving a mentally ill individual in an institution, if I remember correctly. Really touching. Seriously. Thanks again.

    Tom

  56. Posted by Jen May in :

    What's it like looking like a beat up version of Kevin Bacon?

  57. Posted by Jen May in :

    Oh and I loved you in Hollow Man.

  58. Posted by Ryan Curran in Meridian:

    Just how much does the late 90's 22 day "smash" of a song "I am an a**hole" feel like a shotgun blast to the face and cause a ginormous lack of interest with the opposite sex?

  59. Posted by Michael Gillis in Hampton, Va:

    Don't listen to the a$$h0l3s that compare you to Bill Hicks. If they were right, every comic out there would be another Lenny Bruce. I know, dated referance but a fitting one. Bill was the voice in the wilderness that pointed us in the right direction. Besides, the people who think you're a clone of Bill are probably rabid Ellen Degeneres fans. I don't know if you'll ever get this but Bill had the idea and while the other Dennis was trying to be clever with obscure references you were out there showing us that the system was indeed still very much broken. And to those of you out there reading this thinking boy boston stole all of BH's material, Hicks never did a bit about the different effects of bubblegum schnapps. Yes, the voicebox bit was Hicks' first, but that was all Denis used. Watch Cancer and Load and then after you pull your collective heads out of your asses, you'll see that "Dr." Denis Leary is still very funny.

    P.S.: Your roll as Fallon in Judgement Night was AWESOME! Don' t move, Don't whisper, Don't even BREATHE! That and Demolition Man.

    Will O.J. ever be forgiven?

    Later, Mr. Friendly.

  60. Posted by Zac in :

    Dear Denny,

    When are you going to retire?

    Counting the days,
    Your friend,
    Zac

  61. Posted by Brendan McCann in Royersford, PA:

    hey how did you get your start as a comedian?

  62. Posted by John Butcher in Buffalo, NY:

    Hello Dennis, Your character on Rescue me drinks whiskey like water. Do you prefer the hard stuff or are you more of a beer guy in real life. What is your favorite drink and if you were stuck on a deserted island would you prefer a case of Samuel Adams Boston Lager or Guinness Draught?

  63. Posted by Linda Cooper in Washington, DC:

    Dear Mr. Leary,

    I am a fan. I adore your sarcasm and humor. When will you be doing another stand-up tour? And will you please please please come to Washington, DC? We need you here the population of this city is filled with stuffed shirts who cannot abide a good rant and I think that is just what they need.

    Love ya!
    Linda

  64. Posted by Fire Marshall Bill in Boston:

    Please let us know when you plan on saying at least one funny thing.

  65. Posted by Galvin Smith in Norman, OK:

    Why did you edited out Lenny Clarke's joke during your 2003 roast when he said "there was a carton of cigarettes backstage from Bill Hicks with the message, 'Wish I had gotten these to you sooner.'"?

    How did it felt when Greg Giraldo owned you hard on Tough Crowd?

    How does it feel to be a total hack?

  66. Posted by Tony G in Edmond:

    Hello Leary

    I was a huge fan of Bill Hicks before I saw your stand up No Cure For Cancer. Your over the top contrived persona made me want to barf and I was truly disgusted at the blatantly plagiarism. My question is, why are you such a fag?

  67. Posted by Phil Dewalt in LA:

    What's your favorite project you've been involved with? Mine is the Roast you had because it gives me great pleasure to see people rip you a new one while you sit there and plaster on a fake smile to match your fake persona, you shameless scum.

  68. Posted by Conor McLaughlin in Ithaca NY:

    In your comedy routines No Cure for Cancer and Lock and Load, you talk a lot about your kids and them driving you insane. Do you have any updated stories now that they have gone through/are still going through their teenage years?

  69. Posted by sangay wangchuk in bhutan:

    what makes you to act as an actor? which movie are you shooting currently.

  70. Posted by Penn Ambrocio in Washington DC:

    Do you really love NyQuil so much? I was in High school when I heard that whole bit and I still laugh a little when I drink nyQuil. thanks for making me laugh in movies like ice age, the matchmaker and the ref among my favorites.
    Penn

  71. Posted by douglas sato in boise:

    how do you bring such an intensity to your characters that makes them so compelling?

  72. Posted by Ken in Moncton, Canada:

    Holy Mac, some of these comments are freaking crazy. My question for Denis is this: In the late '80's and early '90's your rapid fire rant (in the song A**hole) on the middle eastern culture and glorifiing the American way seemed to echo mainstream America. Do you still hold the same ideals that you had back then or has your positioning changed? Do you think America has changed? If so, for better or for worse. Thanks. Keep up the good work and pls address the contraversial comments below. Who the hell is Bill Hicks?

  73. Posted by FdiR in NJ:

    Denis - Following the 2000 election, there were vows and promises to revamp the voting machines and election process. Nothing has changed. Why do you think those promises are unfulfilled and who are the culprits? Also, what are your thoughts - do things need to be improved and what would you propose to those in charge?

    My wife and I enjoy most of your work - Thanks for the years of entertainment!

  74. Posted by James Downing in Arlington Va:

    Did you ever get any heat for having the cameos from Jesus and Mary Magdalene in Rescue Me? Jesus cruising around in an SUV and having sex can be offensive to some. Any chance of seeing them again?

  75. Posted by Patricia Loureiro in Lisbon - Portugal:

    Dear Mr. Leary, how much of you can we see in your character in Rescue Me? Are there personal characteristics of yourself that you've brought to the character?

  76. Posted by Colette Gilchrist in Westport, Co Mayo, Ireland:

    On your own - in the car, in the shower, brushing your teeth: are you funny?

  77. Posted by Amy Lavalley in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada:

    Denis, you are the type of guy who women love and men would love to hang out with. What's the the girliest thing you've ever done?

  78. Posted by Paulette Haglund in Southbridge:

    I have been a fan since your first episode of Rescue Me, probably because my son is a fire fighter in Centerville on the cape and the cast of Rescue Me seems so real Many shows are more like soaps instead of real life. My question, why is there such a long break for this show. I really miss you guys. What's up with that?

  79. Posted by c.s.stephenson in kennesw:

    Do you think the Pope's recent visit to the US will rejuvenate the church and draw people back in to mass?

  80. Posted by Jean Sanders in Louisvlle Kentucky USA:

    First I want to say I admire and respect your work with NYC firefighters keep up the good work ! I was just wondering do you ever consider going back on the road and doing another comedy tour ? In my opinion No Cure for Cancer is fabulous

  81. Posted by CMWallace in NYC:

    My colleagues and I are completely addicted to Rescue Me. We discuss every episode and were very disappointed to learn that we have to wait so long for the next season to air. My question is why have there been so many deaths on the show? I know it is supposed to be realistic, but if I had that many deaths in my family, I'd be suicidal. I was particularly hurt by the death of Johnny Gavin who was my favorite character. He was the voice of reason in the midst of chaos.

    Best,
    CMW

  82. Posted by jeff long in Minneapolis:

    What ever happened to coffee flavored coffee?

  83. Posted by B. Parmar in Vancouver, BC:

    Hi Denis,

    Is Cam Neely the best power forward to play the game? What do you think of Milan Lucic's rookie season especially the playoffs? Are the B's back?

  84. Posted by Gurman Bal in San Ramon, CA:

    Hi Denis,

    I love your work on "Rescue Me". To me, the show is about much more than firefighters. It's an exploration of working class America.

    With all the Republican exploitation of patriotism, do you think the GOP has done right by the FDNY, NYPD and 9/11other first responders?

  85. Posted by Flash Burns in Arlington:

    Dennis,

    Love your work. My question is:
    When are you going to quit smoking?

    All the Best
    Flash

  86. Posted by Chloe Jones in Paris, FR by way of Boston, MA:

    Hey Denis--

    I'd just gotten used to the fact that the Sox are champions again (and NO WAY would I believe you have anything but heartfelt disdain for the Yankees), but now I need to loathe my beloved Pats, what with Belicheck being some kind of pathological cheater. What's a fan to do?!

    On a more serious note, I have an enormous respect for your work on behalf of firefighters across the nation. How has the mixing of your personal experiences and loss informed, and then been affected by, your philanthropy?

  87. Posted by Kate Pace in Charlottesville:

    Dear Esteemed Mr. Leary,

    As a survivor of a house fire, I've noticed that some notable scenes in 'Rescue Me' strike a certain desperate chord felt mostly by those that have survived an extremely life-threatening situation. Have you ever been in a life threatening situation (fire, flood, etc.) and if so how does that reflect in your work on the show?

    Sincerely (and with great thanks for all your work comedic, charitable, and otherwise),

    Kate

  88. Posted by Joan Wendland in Sterling Virginia:

    I think some of the funniest work you've done are the songs. Can we hope that you might find the time to write and record some more?

  89. Posted by Thom Foolery in Poca:

    Mr. Leary

    Really love all the work you've done with LSD. OOPS! wrong Leary. So come on, are we supposed to believe that an Irish sexual stud is possible. (See Rescue Me). Are you going do anything as edgy as "The Job" was?

  90. Posted by Josh Blair in Syracuse, NY:

    Do you really think there is no cure for cancer?

  91. Posted by Michael Gavin in Cheektowaga, NY:

    How did you come up with the name Tommy Gavin for your lead character on "Rescue Me" .

  92. Posted by Jim Davis in Mechanicsburg, PA:

    Mr. Leary -
    I never was able to make this connection. What did Eskimo Pies have to do with your fascination with Cindy Crawford and House of Style? (from your commercial)
    Jim Davis

  93. Posted by Alex Seva in Fairfax, VA:

    First off, huge fan of your work both infront and behind the camera..My question is do you feel that Rescue Me will come back with the same intensity that the show began with, or has the whole writer strike affected the quality of the work? Any future quest appearances that you are hoping to land?

    -Alex S

  94. Posted by Brian Olson in Falls Church, VA:

    Your son is now 18 and your daughter is 16. Do you have material or work that is off limits to them?

  95. Posted by Jonathan C. McKinney in Florence, AL:

    What are you most thankful for?

  96. Posted by Adam Imbrogno in Kent:

    How do you respond to the criticism that your comedy routine is very similar to that of the late Bill Hicks?

  97. Posted by Kurt Dogg in Hamilton, Ontario:

    Do you still smoke?

  98. Posted by Eric Rousey in :

    Do you ever want to punch people who claim you stole from Bill Hicks right in their smug, self-righteous mouths? Because I do.

  99. Posted by bob hillman in marberry:

    who cares what you say

  100. Posted by Colm Boyle in Galway, Ireland:

    Do you see yourself as an Irishman born in America or an American of Irish descent?

  101. Posted by Michele Andrews in St. Petersburg, Florida:

    Mr Leary-
    I was once asked if I could sit down to dinner with anyone and have a conversation-- living or dead, who would it be?
    My answer was: Denis Leary
    Because I'm married to a cop for 22 years and your show was the first to really show what it was like in a squad, the good and the bad days.
    So I ask you the same :living or dead who would you like to have dinner with and why?
    Thank you for your consideration

  102. Posted by Frank Mondana in Los Angeles:

    While we seem to be discussing stealing. It would seem that there shoukld have only been one comment on the Hicks B.S.

    After all, wasn't anyone who posted a comment after the first "Hey Leary, you stole from Hicks!" note simply trying to be better/funnier than the one before it.

    That's just my opinion, I could be wrong.
    wocka-wocka

    The only original comedian was Ugh-Nug (of the Pangea-Nug's), the caveman who tripped and fell into the very first fire while staring at a cavechick, then whacked himself on the head with a burning timber trying to put out his cavehair. When he threw the timber out of the cave, everyone heard a sabre-tooth cat screetch (but never saw it).

  103. Posted by Stuart Cropley in Los Angeles:

    Do you have a 'the one that got a way' film role you wished you had gotten?

  104. Posted by clayton duddy in london, uk:

    Hi Denis. Just came across you in time. Remember doing an ad for holsten pils in the uk many years ago? Wasn't it weird when Jack Dee came along with a massive entourage late at night just to say a quick hi! Any uk plans these days?

  105. Posted by Howard Fan in Hacienda Heights:

    You've given Artie Lange a cool role on the Rescue Me series. Do you have a favorite Artie Lange moment from your show? Good stories seem to gravitate to him - could be the extreme mass. He's great on Stern and I loved him on Rescue Me. Keep up the good work!

  106. Posted by Joshua Gear in Harlan Iowa:

    Mr. Leary, first off, I'm a huge fan. I discovered your excellent and talented stand-up work through specials on Comedy Central, and instantly became . My question: What achievement of yours (personally or professionally) has most defined your life? Thanks so much!

  107. Posted by jerk face in jerk city, IL:

    Hi Denis,
    why was The Job so much better than Rescue Me? Will your next series be about postal workers? What's it like working on a tv series with people who are actually talented, is it depressing?
    Thanks,
    Jerk Face

  108. Posted by Vic Karian in Warren:

    Who makes you laugh?

  109. Posted by Gwen Woods in Portland, Oregon:

    Rescue Me is hands down the best show on television! I am interested in knowing what types of books you read, and do you find inspiration in literature for the characters you play?

  110. Posted by Ineda Name in Los Angeles:

    Denis,

    I adore you!

    Will you be addressing the health issues of 9/11 rescue workers on Rescue Me? Also, how do you feel about Daniel Sunjata's involvement with the 9/11 Truth movement?

  111. Posted by Jonathan Maze in Auckland New Zealand:

    Hi Denis I used to watch No Cure for Cancer over and over. "I love to smoke, I love to smoke, I love to f***in' smoke - and I ain't never giving up!" you say in the film, but then I believe you gave up? Your son must be old enough to mow the lawn by now - how is it looking?

  112. Posted by Tracy Rhodes in West Chester, PA:

    When is Rescue Me coming back on?

  113. Posted by Roberta Thomas in Aloha,Oregon:

    In real life, are you anything like the character you play on Rescue Me?
    I just love that show!

  114. Posted by Karen Fu in Denver, CO:

    Is it difficult being a creator, producer, writer, and star for a TV series?

  115. Posted by Amy Lonergan in Sydney:

    Is there a difference between who you are & who you want to be?

  116. Posted by Catherine G. Pilie in Covington, La.:

    You are very involved in the Fireman organizations close to your heart and home.
    Did you want to be a fireman as a child?

  117. Posted by Catherine G. Pilie in Covington, La.:

    How involved are you still with the Emerson Strip and Sweat shop?
    Are you really a Green Bay Packers fan?

  118. Posted by Catherine G. Pilie in Covington, La.:

    Thank you so much for your generosity to the New Orleans Fire Department after Katrina. Have you visited New Orleans recently?

  119. Posted by Howard Jay Meyer in Brooklyn, New York:

    Why did you decide to play Michael Whouley in Recount?

  120. Posted by Robin Young in Hampstead:

    Is there any where you won't go on Rescue Me?

  121. Posted by Sofie Bakke Ringstad in Stavanger, Norway:

    Hi, Denis -

    it seems all comedians and actors have had some childhood inspiration (show on television, etc.). What was yours?

  122. Posted by Domenick Moore in Bloomsburg, PA:

    Dear Mr. Leary,

    You're renowned for your support of firefighters. Some small town companies are suffering from a dearth of younger-generation volunteers; there's no money or glamour, they say. What's your response?

    -Warmly,
    Domenick

  123. Posted by Dana Beckton in Philadelphia:

    Which character you've portrayed stayed with you the longest after filming was over?

  124. Posted by Hunter Lewis in Chapel Hill, NC:

    Hi, Denis. I'm a fan of yours and Greg Dulli (Twilight Singers). How did you two become friends?

  125. Posted by Peter McKay in Amherst, MA:

    What were the three most important life lessons you learned while you were at Emerson College?

  126. Posted by Barbara Bean in Dorchester MA:

    Your character on Rescue Me tried to quit smoking. It never ceases to confound me that many firefighters smoke (including one of my uncles) when they see so many fires caused by cigarettes (careless disposal, falling asleep with a lit cigarette). Did this fact influence that story line? Or were you actually trying to quit yourself?

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