It's not easy to push Frank Conniff's buttons.
The "Mystery Science Theater 3000" cult figure — described on his Twitter account as a "writer, comedian, TV's Frank" — is very mellow. He sat for an interview while in Minneapolis for Lizz Winstead's annual show at the Cedar Cultural Center. The Cedar has one of the most interesting green rooms in the Twin Cities with its tall walls plastered with posters of acts that have performed there.
I was so overwhelmed by the surroundings and company, I forgot to say "Push the button, Frank," to Conniff during our startribune.com/video.
Q: Because you are a geek icon, you must have some pretty crazy fan stories?
A: I think my fans are more normal than I am so they don't seem that weird to me. When we do live shows for "Mystery Science Theater," when we do personal appearances, a lot of people come with their kids and families and they grew up watching the show. I think they have a weird story about me.
Q: Who are your comic influences?
A: Woody Allen — comic influence, not a relationship influence. There's another comic I'm a fan of, I'm not going to mention his name. But I also like Bob Newhart, Nichols & May, Jonathan Winters. The Smothers Brothers were a big influence on me growing up. More modern people: Patton Oswalt, Dana Gould. Just anyone who's funny has an effect on me, usually.
Q: Do you remember the first joke you wrote?