I saw him give his performance on Leno last night too. And I have to say that repeating his jokes was okay. But not great. The problem with mass media is that you really can not repeat the same jokes too many times even if they are funny because people get bored very, very easily.
I've seen Robin Williams use one or two jokes over again per interview, but that's it. Hopefully Dat will keep working on his jokes. And get some writers to help him out. Because right now he needs an arsenal of jokes but it looks like he has simply a pea shooter of a repetoire.
RE: The interview process... why Dat blew it.
I have to say that Dat is great. I really admire the guy, but he needs a good publicist at this point. The problem with television and film is that once one's words are capture they're forever. And that means to be a bit more mindful of the topics that should be discussed prior to going into Leno or any of the other big guns. For example:
1.) Talking about how is brother thought he was gay.
I think Dat may have overthought this one. Maybe in his determination to show that he is a heterosexual asian man in this culture he felt that he had to say something. But less in this case is more.
I think people already accepted him for who he is. And they make no judgment about his race. The vast majority of people in America pride themselves on being fair, especially in this PC culture. It is best to accept this fact that people just want to have fun and they will like those entertainers who help them accomplish that goal.
Leno was correct in stopping the interview at that point. Think: damage control. If Dat had continued on with the interview, who knows what he might have said! Egads!
2.) Dat almost pulled a "Ben Affleck" with the girlfriend question.
Now we do not really know if Ben Affleck cheated on JeLLo/JLo or not. But the fact is, right now the general impression is that he did. And if there is one thing that the American public will not tolerate is unfaithfulness. If you are dating someone, then the answer to Leno's question is very simple. "Yes, I'm currently seeing someone right now." And if you're interested in the possibilities of moving on to other girls, joke about it. "Why? Would someone really like to date me?"
And then play stupid and unassuming. Don't come off as cocky at any point. But be confident and respectful of the honor of being in any situation that warrants media attention.
3.) And watch the pride issue.
I do not think that Dat has this problem. However, I also think that when he goes on to shows like Leno he will need to make certain that he always seem a bit unassuming and grateful. Otherwise, if he ever sees proud or boastful, he will seem like a jerk. Study the way that some of the biggest celebrities tackle the role of interviewee and you will notice that those with staying power are composed, do not indicate any feelings other than appreciation and friendliness and an unassuming nature. There is tact involved here. A lot of it. It's like going to an interview, but the interviewer is 275 million people who WANT to believe in you, get to know you, and be your best friend. So, be courteous, kind, and gracious.
Don't pull a Russell Wong/Ben Affleck...
The problem facing a lot of young performers will be to want to feel that they've "made it" by being on Leno, or some other show, or even on television at all. However, it does not mean that they have. They are simply being given their 15 minutes of exposure for the moment.
As a result, it may seem more like an opportunity to beam with pride. It is not. To do so would be to "pull a Russell Wong" during the earlier part of his career when people were saying how egotistical/vain/egocentric he was. Was he? I have no idea. But it certain was the general impression surrounding him.
The same can actually be said about Ben Affleck (no offense to the guy, don't know him personally, but he's allowed a lot of this to happen to himself). On project greenlight and elsewhere he has bragged openly about being People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive, and spoken from the place of being a Player in Hollywood. Don't do this. Don't toot your own horn. Let someone else do that. Think: Bob Hope. Did he ever do that? He's a good example of what to do. Affleck and the early Russell Wong are not.
No, the idea is to go into the interview, have fun, be funny, witty, silly and GRACIOUS. Remember, at the end of the day, entertainment is just entertainment. Nothing more or less.
Social stigmas that seem to plague the image and attitudes of a lot of young Asian American entertainers is the impressions of being cocky and arrogant. Especially if one is male. However, this is not a good tactical move because arrogance (false confidence) only turns people off.
Wisdom counts. Cockiness does not.
Anyway, wish Dat the best of luck. I think he's a good guy, will be rooting for him.