DeWayne Jessie was part of Universal Studios' stable of character actors when he was offered the role of Otis Day, the roadhouse rhythm -and - blues singer in "Animal House" - National Lampoon's occasionally raunchy but - unfailingly- funny tribute to college fraternity life. Now he's Otis - for life. "He's taken over,"Jessie admitted. "He's taken over as far as performing goes. But when I get my bills, it's DeWayne Jessie."

"About two days after the film was released, I got a call from a guy in Rhode Island wanting us to come out on the road," Jessie said.