Get to know ’70s-obsessed author, actor, and publicist Mike Pingel, who recently released the book Betty White Rules the World: The Ultimate and Unauthorized Guide to Television’s Grande Dame.
By Brandon Voss
1. What turns you on, creatively or otherwise?
Mike Pingel: Creatively, a good topic for a book. Take my new book Betty White Rules the World — Betty really turned me on with her wit, work ethic, and longevity. It was an honor to write a fun book about our favorite First Lady of Hollywood. Otherwise, dates, kisses, and sexy bath time.
2. What’s a good tip for someone who wants to be you for Halloween?
Wear a Charlie’s Angels T-shirt, bell bottoms, Nikes, and grab a skateboard. I’m a complete ’70s geek!
3. Which celebrity’s hair do you covet most?
Anyone who has a full head of hair, such as Jared Padalecki, Chris Hemsworth, Ryan Gosling, and Tom Cruise. I’ve been balding for many years now, so I always say I have hair envy.
4. What would your death-row last meal be?
My mom’s homemade Chinese orange chicken. It’s a meal the whole family pitches in to make, but it takes a while to prepare and is eaten entirely too fast. We only have it once a year — so it’s a pretty special dinner.
5. What’s your juiciest vice or guiltiest pleasure?
Charlie’s Angels collecting. I love to surf the web and find a new item for my collection or something that I’ve never seen before. It’s hard to find something new these days since I have over 1,000 different Charlie’s Angels items in my collection, but I have found there is always something new to find.
6. What extravagant purchase should probably make you feel guiltier?
Any clothing item over $100. I’m pretty thrifty with my clothing purchases. Granted, if I had money to spend… I would not feel too guilty then!
7. When’s the last time you wanted to slap someone?
This past week, the week before, and the week before that… and most likely tomorrow! I’m a pretty easygoing guy, but I come across self-centered people now and then — I do live in Hollywood. I have a list of names, but I prefer not to list them.
8. What most likely made that stain on your outfit?
Oh, my… depends what time of day you would be asking. It could be coffee, food, Scruff.
9. Describe your favorite undergarment.
Right now I’m loving a new pair of boxer-briefs, which are light blue with a print of toast, bacon, and eggs on them. I wore them on a date the other night — and he really liked them too.
10. What’s a lie you’ve told more than once?
I really try not to lie. I’m horrible about remembering those types of things. But I do always say, “I’m doing OK,” even when I’m not. I tell that lie a lot!
BONUS: Where do you see yourself in five minutes?
Cleaning the kitchen floor.
DLNQNT, February 2013.