Out actor John Duff does double duty as cool dudes in Full House! and Bayside!
By Brandon Voss
What do A.C. Slater and Jesse Katsopolis have in common? Besides being two of the biggest sitcom hearthrobs of the early '90s, they're both played by John Duff in the unauthorized parodies Bayside! The Musical! and Full House! The Musical!, which are now running in repertory at Theater 80. We spoke to the out actor about how he fills those big shoes — and bad wigs. Have mercy!
Next: With both musicals running in rep, what’s it like to go back and forth between playing Slater and Jesse? And is one wig less hideous than the other?
John Duff: The Slater wig actually kind of hurts to wear, so definitely Team Jesse on that. Costume-wise, if I'm having a bloated moment, the last thing I want to do is put on the Slater costumes. Sam Harvey plays Zack — have you seen his body? It's absurd. I have to be on my A-game at all times for Bayside! In terms of the script, they both say "mama" a lot, but the speaking voices and the physical manifestations are entirely different. There's about a 10-year age difference between the characters, so Jesse is physically much less exhausting.
Slater's gay in Bayside!, but is Jesse strictly a ladies’ man?
Yes, Jesse is a total ladies' man. I pretty much say that verbatim within the first five minutes of the show. That said, I guess all of the guys in Full House! have one big gay moment — we have a really special tribute to San Francisco.
How do you think John Stamos would feel about your interpretation?
I think he'd be flattered. I borrow a lot from him. It's a parody, but I think of parodies as tributes. I am nuanced in the art of John Stamos-ing, and I think he'd see that. Plus, I sing my ass off.
Perez Hilton plays Danny Tanner in Full House! What’s it been like to work with him?
Honestly, Perez is the best. He is a great friend, a great father, great actor, and one hard-working man. It's so refreshing to be around someone who is so forthright and honest. I have a big personality, and I'm very opinionated; people take that the wrong way all the time, but he's always understood and encouraged me. He gives me great advice, we fight about divas, gossip about boys — it's really exactly what you'd hope friendship with Perez Hilton is like.
What has playing two iconic heartthrobs done for your social life?
I don't know if I'd say I have a social life. But I do have an Instagram: @iamjohnduff.
Next, February 2016.