Michael Ian Black Talks Miley Cyrus's Tongue, Jim Carrey Being a 'Dilettante' And His New Book About a Naked Boy [EXCLUSIVE]
Actor Michael Ian Black spoke to Enstars about his upcoming children's book, Naked, Jim Carrey being a "dilettante" and his concern for Miley Cyrus's tongue.
The Burning Love star was in comedic mode, even off the stage and with no cameras or audience facing him, on Tuesday at a benefit event for Hurricane Sandy relief in New York City. His answers to most questions were delivered with a hint of sarcasm and a straight face.
The 42-year-old comedian has his hands full this year: he finished working on his second children's book, Naked, stars in two new TV shows and is already writing a new "adult" book.
Black collaborated with artist Debbie Ohi on his second kids book. She also worked with him on his first children's book, I'm Bored!
"It's about a kid who likes to be naked, he is running around, screaming, being happy celebrating his nudity," Black said.
Earlier this month, Jim Carrey made his debut in the world of children's literature with How Roland Rolls. Black admits to being completely clueless about the actor and comedian's foray into writing.
"Well look, I am a very accomplished children's book author, I don't keep track of these dilettante celebrity authors, that's not what I do," he said, before adding, "It's not about a naked kid is it?"
Realizing that it was nowhere close to the theme of his own book, Black expressed relief ("Thank goodness!").
The author also spoke about two new TV shows he will be working on. Black is signed on to co-host Trust Me I'm A Gameshow Host for TBS and act in Us and Them for Fox. When asked if his involvement extended to writing for either show, Black responded, "No, just showing up and showing my gorgeous gorgeous face."
The stand-up comic admitted to being very clued out of all things pop culture right now -- "I am so unaware of pop culture right now. There is a show called Sleepy Hollow, I know about that. Yeah, once you get much past Washington Irving I don't really know that much" -- but he is a touch concerned about Miley Cyrus, saying, "I am worried that her tongue is trying to escape."
Black is also working on a new book that has a deadline some time in February 2014, though he assured us that he wouldn't have it in on time. That one's not going to be a children's book.
"It's an adult book, it's not erotica, it's just an adult book," he said.
Black came out to show support for the Nyad Swim for Relief event, where swimmer Diana Nyad took to the waters for 48 hours to help raise funds benefiting victims of Hurricane Sandy. Black admitted that he was there as a celebrity guest because he had "a lot of free time."
But is he athletically inclined?
"I know how to swim [but] I am not good at swimming," he said. "I'll swim like three strokes and tread water for a little while, then swim three more and then get out."
