GETTING TO KNOW: JOHN HEDER

Jon Heder

You know him best as Napoleon Dynamite, but Jon Heder is breaking out of that infamous role starring opposite funnymen David Spade and Rob Schneider in The Benchwarmers (in theaters April 7). In the flick Jon plays a quirky (surprise!) nerd who never had the opportunity to play sports in high school because the local jocks dominated the field. Jon and friends get revenge for the new generation of "benchwarmers" as they take on little league teams across the county in an attempt to win a brand new baseball stadium where every kid is free to play. Here, thanks to our friends at Teenmag.com, is an interview with Jon…

TEEN: What was your middle school experience like, were you a benchwarmer like your character in the movie?

JON HEDER: I was kind of in between. I was kind of more in a neutral zone I think because I was definitely not the best on the team. Middle school was kind of like the turning point because in elementary school, I did soccer, basketball, baseball. Those were the main sports I did every year in the local boys and girls club. Those I didn't have to try out for, everyone gets a chance. Then in high school I did the sports you don't have to try out for like cross country or track or swimming. So, middle school was kind of like a mix. I remember actually trying out and making it on the A team, which was basketball. I was never the best, but I wasn't the worst. So, yeah I had some time on the bench and some time on the court.

TEEN: Are you getting used to the fact that people are going to recognize you as Napoleon Dynamite forever?

JH: Yeah, I mean when we showed it at Sundance, we knew that if this goes anywhere or this becomes a hit that, yeah, I'd probably be remembered as Napoleon Dynamite. But, there are a lot of actors out there who are remembered for their famous roles and I don't think that's such a bad thing.

TEEN: Do you think you will do serious dramas?

JH: I would like to do something that's somewhat dramatic. I don't see myself ever becoming that serious or doing stuff that's really, really dramatic. I would like to do stuff that doesn't have to be laugh out loud funny. I don't want to make people cry.

TEEN: Will there be a Napoleon Dynamite sequel?

JH: Right now there are no plans. I read it on the Internet sometimes, but I don't know where they hear it from. There's no yes or no.

TEEN: Would you do another one?

JH: I would do another one if it involved a lot of the same people. I mean if Jared Hess was writing and directing it again. And if it was a good script which I think it would be if he was writing it.

TEEN: Are there any Napoleon Dynamite groupies?

JH: Well, if there are they don't hang out with me. Just yesterday we were driving and saw these two girls all dressed up riding bikes and they were wearing all the old classic 80s stuff like headbands and knee high socks.