Final Five Questions with Ben Curtis
The original Dell Dude has grown as an actor and as a man.
While you probably recognize him as the infamous “Dell Computer Dude,” Ben Curtis is an internationally recognized actor, musician, public speaker, mental health advocate, and life coach. He’s been featured in People Magazine, The Tonight Show, NBC, Reuters, Good Morning America, and more. He now travels the world teaching tools for self care, compassion, healing, and freedom. He does all this through workshops, retreats, personal coaching and speaking — with a special emphasis revitalizing men and manhood itself.
Out of his commitment to wellness, Dell Technologies brought him back 20 years later as a spokesperson and brand ambassador. When he isn’t leading, teaching, or speaking on his podcast Dude You’re Getting Well, you might catch Ben as a guest star on your favorite TV show, or maybe even on stage in New York or at a music festival, rocking out with his wife (Cassie Fireman) and their award-winning indie-folk band, Dirty Mae.
Recently, Ben stopped by Why I’ll Never Make It to share his story from fame to failure and all points in-between. He’s also a 9/11 survivor and his comeback journey is an extraordinary one to hear. That conversation continues here as he answers five final questions for WINMI with additional input from other interviews he’s given.
1. What job within the arts do you feel is the most undervalued and why is it so important?
Teachers — they spend the most time with our children (the future leaders of the world)…It’s important for people to be creative and express themselves. If there are no creative outlets, things like violence start to happen. Studies have shown that art and music in schools really save lives but arts programs are the first things cut from school budgets. (BWW)
2. What does success or “making it” mean to you in your life and career?
Having joy and fulfillment and ease and mastery in my field. This is a long question to answer in text. It has manifested in many ways and not in others.
3. In what ways has the industry changed since you first started?
Feeling like I’m not in control or need to convince others of my greatness just to get an audition for a job I know that I could do in my sleep…The summer after my sophomore year, I started sending out headshots, and I actually stayed in New York for the summer. And I walked my headshots in the offices and was told no or this or that, and actually I started getting a couple of opportunities. Some people were like, “Wow, this guy has some balls!” Yeah, I really hustled for that. (DreamNation)
4. Describe a personal lesson that has taken you awhile to learn or one that you are still working on to this day?
Shame , self sabotage, and self care…Success can be stripped and you can be forgotten overnight. But we are greater than any one job or one opportunity. And everyone makes mistakes, so as long as you’re willing to grow from them, you can achieve anything. (Medium)
5. What’s the most useful advice you’ve received AND how did you apply it to your life or career?
If you don’t take care of yourself and learn to love yourself you’ll never be satisfied no matter how much success, money, or fame you get. I have loved this personally…You only get one life (at a time) and life is so short. Tomorrow is never promised. But if you don’t try to pursue your dreams, you’ll never have a shot at living them and chances are you’re living someone else’s. (Medium)
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Host/Producer
