Quick Bio

From a role in Judd Apatow's Knocked Up to writing and starring in Forgetting Sarah Marshall and finally proving he has staying power in the bromantic comedy smash I Love You, Man, Jason Segel might be one of the most unlikely leading men in Hollywood. And his latest film, Bad Teacher, is a great reminder that almost nothing's better than a good old-fashioned foul-mouthed comedy.

We talked to Segel about the film.

So, in your new film, Bad Teacher, you play the role of a phys-ed teacher who is trying to get in Cameron Diaz's panties?
Jason Segel : Erm, yes! He is an ineffably confident guy for no reason. I always thought that idea was funny. You know, the out-of-shape gym teacher who just thinks he’s amazing.

How was it working with Cameron on this?

JS : Fantastic! I had met her a couple of times casually, but spending this amount of time with her has been awesome. Between her and Justin [Timberlake], I really feel like I have made new friends, which is a great feeling.

Was it a bit awkward working with her because she's so hot?

JS : She is incredibly good-looking. I mean, see, my approach is a lot like my character's. I just constantly hit on her and was very comfortable with the fact that she had zero interest in me.

This has been the trickiest position for men since forever -- I mean, trying to win a woman over that seems impossible. What do you do in these situations offscreen?

JS : Really, my approach is very similar to my character's. I just go at it with determination, though I am really not very easily turned away.
What advice do you give to a man who is trying to win a woman over?

JS : Yeah, I mean just having the utmost confidence in who you are makes all the difference. It’s a very, very sexually attractive quality to have.

What about being soft?

JS : [Laughs] Physically or emotionally?

Let's go with emotionally.

JS : [Laughs] I guess having a sensitive side is always important. I mean, I can’t give away my witch’s brew either. If every actor tried to do what I do, I would be out of a job. There are way better-looking guys.

Really? Because I read somewhere that you were top 12, mostly for having that amazing fatherly figure.

JS : Oh, wow! What? Really? Where? I mean, was it Blind Monthly? [Laughs] "Fatherly figure." Wow. For my child-bearing hips, right? Well, now you are talking to the 25-pound-slimmer Jason Segel.

That's no good. You need the cookie dough.

JS : I know. I have muscles under my shirt now. It’s really gross.

So, have you been in any embarrassing situations while trying to win over a woman?

JS : No, I had a really embarrassing moment while trying to get back a woman. I stood outside her door. We just broke up, and she came out. I had so much time to think about what to say, and all I said to her was, “I have had so much time to think about what to say. I know you want to to leave me, though I refuse to let you go.” I spoke pretty much the whole of “Ain't Too Proud to Beg” by The Temptations before she finally stopped me and looked at me with pure pity and said, “It’s over.”

Aw, that's sad. Now you can move on. And you're like the wind with a million opportunities and windows ahead. Also, the figure!

JS : I know! I bet she regrets it now!

I'm sure she does! Since you got naked in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, everyone wants to see you buck-naked again. What have you started?

JS : I tell you, you get your penis out once, and everyone expects it in the rest of your movies. I mean, I will guarantee that by the end of my career, I will show it at least one more time.

Are you a shower or a grower?

JS : I can’t give that secret away either.

Are you both?

JS : Now, that would be nice!

So, what's next for you?

JS : The reality is, I only make around one movie a year. I’m not churning out three or four films a year. I’m not as busy as I would like to be. I have The Muppets coming out on Thanksgiving, which Im really excited about, and The Five-Year Engagement -- which I am filming now -- where I’m reunited with Nick Stoller and Emily Blunt.