http://www.tvguide.com/newsgossip/insider/

Joe Millionaire: What the Butler Saw

Once upon a time, Paul Hogan's closest brush with fame was being confused with the star of Crocodile Dundee. However, since being pressed into service by the Fox hit Joe Millionaire, the merry old Englishman — not to mention his deceitful employer, noufaux riche playboy Evan Marriott — has become a bona fide celebrity. Naturally, now we want to know all about them. But would the genial major-domo tell tales on the erstwhile construction worker and sometime underwear model? Intent on finding out, TV Guide Online got Hogan on the horn, and guess what — the butler did it! — Ben Katner

TV Guide Online: How did a fine, upstanding gent like yourself get involved in a project like this?
Paul Hogan: Just luck, mate. A couple of months ago, I was between jobs, and the president called me up and said, "We've got this gig over in France — a reality program with 20-odd young women. A couple of old chaps have got money, and they want someone to run the chateau." I had nothing to do at the time, so it sounded like a wonderful idea.

TVGO: What was your first impression of your "boss," Evan? He hardly seems like a guy who'd have a tough time getting a date.
Hogan: (Laughs) I was a bit surprised. I thought to myself, "This is an unusual way to go about finding a mate," especially for a young bloke. Then again, I thought, "Maybe he's having trouble meeting sincere people." This is certainly an interesting way of going about it. There's the Internet, there's bars...

TVGO: … and God bless 'em, there's Fox. Let's talk about Evan's etiquette training. How did he really do?
Hogan: He was a pretty good student, quick on the uptake. Everybody's got sort of a dream about going to live in a French chateau and eating fine food and drinking fine wine and living the life of the rich and famous, but with that , so you can enjoy it, comes the necessity of learning how to enjoy it. The tricks of the trade, so to speak. It's not difficult, it's just a matter of being exposed to it, which a lot of people these days aren't. So we exposed him to it.

TVGO: Nine out of 10 of the ladies wouldn't have noticed if he'd used his salad fork on his shrimp cocktail, anyway, right?
Hogan: Exactly. And to be perfectly honest, I've seen that happen time and time again. But if you have an attentive staff, they'll notice that and make sure that a replacement fork is put back there. If you've got all these eating irons in front of you and you get to the end and discover that you're left with one knife and no fork, that can be a bit embarrassing, especially if a great big steak!

TVGO: Been there. Although Evan went through an extensive tutorial in wine selection, theoretically, if he had millions of dollars, wouldn't that buy him the right to just crack open a Pabst Blue Ribbon if he likes?
Hogan: Of course. If he wants to have a beer, he can have a beer. And he did have a beer. He drinks quite a bit of it! (Laughs) I didn't mean that derogatorily. He just enjoys his beer.

TVGO: I'd need a good six-pack, too, to hang with some of those, um, ladies. What did you make of Evan's would-be wives?
Hogan: Every time we had an elimination, I was having bets with the camera crew. I didn't do too badly either, actually. After the initial chop, I was pretty spot on. There were a couple of girls that I really got on well with. They were great kids — a lot closer to my daughter's age than mine. But there were a couple who had really nice, sweet personalities, as you'll see as the show progresses.

TVGO: C'mon, Jeeves, out with it! I want names! Did you take a butler's oath of silence, or what?
Hogan: No, they're not forbidding me from saying anything, but I don't want to ruin the show for anyone.

TVGO: Oh, fine. Tell me this, then — did any of the women pump you for information about Evan?
Hogan: They were very friendly, but they were a little bit reluctant to come to me. They knew that I had Evan's ear, and also, they weren't too sure whether I was part of the production crew or not.

TVGO: Just as well. I'm sure they would have found out pretty fast how tight-lipped you can be.
Hogan: (Laughs) Yes. Exactly.

TVGO: Some of the women seemed rather frighteningly aggressive. Of course, I won't mention any names — and I especially won't mention Heidi, Heidi, Heidi!
Hogan: She's a keeper, that one, isn't she! (Laughs) As far as she's concerned, I think you'll enjoy tonight's show (airing at 9 pm/ET).

The Heidi comment was interesting to me. Does it just mean that we see more classy "ballsy" behavior, or does it mean that we get to see her reaction to not getting more jewelry? Hee hee hee - wouldn't want to miss that.

Me? The Mole? Ya think? Well, I AM Evil.

• Heidi, Heidi, Heidi HO!,Q, 11:20 AM, 01-13-03
• RE: TV Guide Online article - interview with Paul Hogan,Mon Cherie, 10:59 PM, 01-13-03
  • RE: TV Guide Online article - interview with Paul Hogan,Swami, 02:39 PM, 01-14-03
  • He grew on me,Bebo, 02:58 PM, 01-14-03
    • RE: He grew on me,Sophie, 03:33 PM, 01-17-03

Well Well Well, our Heidi is mentioned by the tight lipped butler. But as you point out, what does it mean. That we will see her continue or just that her behavior sticks out to him.

I'm going with her not getting much further, maybe she is the fifth choice, but goes prior to the F4, ie no individual dates. I can see "Joe" keeping her this week to sort out if he feels he can handle her "spunk" should I call it. Then realizing she is too much and letting her go before getting down to the nitty gritty with the F4.

Thanks Bebo for the info.

And Look Post # 700.

I just love Paul. I wish we could kidnap him and make him do summaries, his commentaries make me feel all warm and fuzzy.

Mon

Count me as another fan of Paul. His butler-y presence is the glue that makes the show work. If only we could put his wit & personality into Joe's body... *swoon*

Swami