Jeff Anderson attends Fan Expo Chicago 2022.
Interviews

Jeff Anderson talks Clerks, Clerks III, Clone Wars

Jeff Anderson attends Fan Expo Chicago 2022. Photo by Danielle Solzman.
Written by:Danielle SolzmanPosted on:

Jeff Anderson spoke with Solzy at the Movies about Clerks, Clerks III, and Star Wars: The Clone Wars during Fan Expo Chicago.

The actor, best known for playing Randal Graves in many Kevin Smith movies, is in town this weekend for the first Chicago edition of Fan Expo. He’s here along with several other Clerks stars through Sunday. The cast also did a Q&A panel at 2 PM on Friday afternoon. If you’re attending the con, be sure to stop by the tables for photos or autographs.

How are you enjoying your stay in Chicago this weekend?

Jeff Anderson: I’m loving it. Chicago is nice. We’re always happy to be in Chicago and Fan Expo seems to be a good show.

What do you typically look for in a character when you’re reading a screenplay?

Jeff Anderson: I don’t look for anything in a character when I’m reading a screenplay because I’m not an actor. I only read Kevin’s screenplays and it’s just like, it’s me.

How is the shorthand improved since doing Clerks many years ago?

Jeff Anderson: It’s improved somewhat although it’s getting harder to remember lines. It’s getting harder to remember my dialogue. But other than that, it’s the same shit,  different year.

Clerks III
[L-R]-Elias (Trevor Fehrman), Dante (Brian O’Halloran), Becky (Rosario Dawson), and Randal (Jeff Anderson)in the comedy film, CLERKS III, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of John Baer.
Clerks III is coming out this year.

Jeff Anderson: Oh, we’re excited about it. Trailer just came out. People seem to dig the trailer and we’re hoping people go see it.

When you first signed on for Clerks, did you imagine that you would still be doing the role?

Jeff Anderson: We all knew that at the time. We knew 30 years from now, we’d be signing autographs. No. (Laughs) I never thought anybody on earth would see this movie. The fact that it’s 30 years later, we just shot a third movie. We’re at Fan Expo signing autographs. It is the most bizarre, weird trip. Believe me, it’s weird.

How does it feel to be a part of the Star Wars universe?

Jeff Anderson: Ah, see, I got to be a small part of the Star Wars universe. It’s cool. I straight up auditioned for that little voiceover part and I got it. It was fun to go in there and do it. Now I can say I’m part of the Star Wars universe.

Have you had a chance to say hi to Ashley Eckstein and Matt Lanter?

Jeff Anderson: I have not. No, not yet. Are they here for this?

They’re down there (points to tables).

Jeff Anderson: I haven’t had a chance to say hi. I haven’t gone down there yet.

Thank you so much.

Jeff Anderson: Thank you. I appreciate it.

Fan Expo Chicago runs July 7-10, 2022 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill. Lionsgate, in partnership with Fathom Events, will be releasing CLERKS III exclusively in theaters on September 13 and 15, 2022.

Danielle Solzman

Danielle Solzman is native of Louisville, KY, and holds a BA in Public Relations from Northern Kentucky University and a MA in Media Communications from Webster University. She roots for her beloved Kentucky Wildcats, St. Louis Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, and Boston Celtics. Living less than a mile away from Wrigley Field in Chicago, she is an active reader (sports/entertainment/history/biographies/select fiction) and involved with the Chicago improv scene. She also sees many movies and reviews them. She has previously written for Redbird Rants, Wildcat Blue Nation, and Hidden Remote/Flicksided. From April 2016 through May 2017, her film reviews can be found on Creators.