Jon Heder 'Napoleon Dynamite': Actor Jon Heder Tuesday, June 22, 2 p.m. ET Jon Heder is a 26-year-old Brigham Young University student who is majoring in 3-D Animation along with his identical twin brother Daniel. Both began their school career in the Film Studies program. Jon was raised in Salem, Oregon in a family of 6 children. He currently lives in Springville, Utah with his wife Kirsten. He has acted in several student productions and was the lead in the award-winning short film Peluca, which was written and directed by Napoleon Dynamite helmer Jared Hess. Visit the Napoleon Dynamite Web site

See a clip from the film

WILMINGTON, NC: How do you find it possible to stay in character with a role that is so different from yourself?



Jon Heder: Acting. What helped the mostwith this role is that I understood the character and where he was coming from. It was a relaxing role. Half the movie he has his eyes half closed. It was relaxing. It's kind of a natural thing.



Houston, Tx: Hello Jon!!! I read that you are very religious and a Mormon. Tell me, who are your role models personally and professionally?



Jon Heder: My father is the best man that I know. He's my ultimate role model. I've we're looking to religion. Jesus Christ. I'm a Christian.



Exton, PA: Any director you dream of working with ?



Jon Heder: I would love to work with the Cohen brothers or Tim Burton. Those are my top choices.



Evansville, In: Who is your favorite character on "Saved by the Bell"?



Jon Heder: I couldn't say Screech. I'd have to say Mr. Bilding. He was a goofy guy and he loved the children even though he had to take all of the jokes they pulled on him.



Knoxville, TN: I've seen the trailor for Napoleon Dynamite and was wondering if the Beastie Boys' music videos had any inspiration for the wardrobe of this movie?



Jon Heder: I don't think so. I'm guessing it might have been a subconscious inspiration.



Chicago, IL: So what is the year suppose to be in Napo Dyno anyways? Loved it by the way. I was thinking early 90s, but what about the Backstreet Boys dance sequence by Summer? There is just so much 80s its hard to ignore.



Jon Heder: The year is 2003 or 2004. It's supposed to be now. However, you can't ignore the 80s and 90s influences. Because in a small town like Preston, Idaho, they're not up-to-date on everything.



toronto canada: how much improvision was there in your dialogue and physical mannerisms?



Jon Heder: We nailed the character down with the short film that we made based on the same character. For the movie, alot of the physical movement came from me. Dialog wise, most of it was scripted. There are a few moments that I might have thrown in an extra "Gosh!" Jared scripted it really well.



Washington, DC: I saw your movie at a pre-screening last month and totally loved it! How did you learn to dance like that?



Jon Heder: It was all freestyle dance moves. I got up there, they played the music and I just started moving. I never took dance classes. My main practice was in front of the mirror. Michael Jackson music videos and watching dancing like John Travolta. No formal training. I just told them to play the music and I'll feel the flow and move my body accordingly.



Fairfax, VA: I'd love to see a sequel to "Napoleon Dynamite." Is that a possibility? Would you do a sequel? What is your next movie?



Jon Heder: I don't think they're making a sequel. If Jared wanted to make a sequel than I would do it. If Jared wasn't involved I'd probably say no.



Memphis, TN: Jon, I haven't seen your film but have read some good reviews! I'm planning on seeing the special screening here in Memphis in mid-July. I know a bit about the character Napoleon Dynamite. To what degree are you like your character in real life?



Jon Heder: I'm 50 percent like my character in real life. I don't look at all like him, at least I don't think so. I don't dress like he does. I normally smile, but I'm very similar in alot of our same experiences. He loves Boy Scouts, I love Boy Scouts. I probably said things similar. When I got mad I probably said "Gosh, dang it." I had my awkward stages growing up too. But I'm not as clueless as he is.



Cedar Hills, UT: Jon, as a fellow BYU alumn, I wanted to congratulate you on the film's success. We can't wait to see it! Which current actor working today would you like to pattern your career after? Also, is there anything better in the world than cheese fries at Training Table?



Jon Heder: I like the range that Johnny Depp has. I don't think I can become an actor like him. Jeff Bridges has a great range too. I really like Giovanni Ribisi. I like Will Farrell's work alot.

I think strawberry limeade at the Sonic is better.



Tallahassee, Florida: What is your favorite part about being involved with this film?



Jon Heder: My favorite part is being Napoleon Dynamite. Being involved is the best part. It's been an amazing time. It's a really funny film. Jared Hess is an amazingly funny guy. I feel lucky to work with him. The actors I got to work with and the script...it's just my kinda movie.



Hollywood, CA: Congrats on the movie. My friends and I can't stop quoting it, which is truly the sign of a cult classic. Are you actively seeking other film roles, or do you think you'll concentrate on animation?



Jon Heder: I would like to do both. I am actively trying to find some other roles right now. At the same time, I'm working on my animation. I love animation and I feel like that's more of a solid skill that I have. I was able to pull off this role, but who knows what lies in the future for me.



Chicago, IL: Do you get stopped on the street by people who recognize you as Napo Dyno? In other words, do you really look so awesome?



Jon Heder: I haven't really been stopped by people yet. I think the movie still has small exposure and my true image has small exposure. So far, I haven't been stopped on the street. I've been stopped at film festivals.



los angeles, ca: where did the character of napoleon - as you played him - come from? was it something you had to develop from scratch or is it a composite of people you know?



Jon Heder: Jared Hess who wrote and directed the film. He wrote the character. When we first got together for the short film, we worked on Napoleon together. The character came from both of us. We both knew people or personalities of people. A lot of Napoleon came from my younger brothers and his younger brothers.



Comment from Jon Heder: Napoleon says: "Thank you all for surfing cyberspace and I'll see you guys around. I guess."

