What happened to the 'Dude You're Getting A Dell' Guy
Вставка
- Опубліковано 6 жов 2024
- Ben Curtis is a 33-year-old actor best known for his role as the "Dell Dude." He appeared in 26 different commercials for the once goliath PC company in the early 2000s and became a national sensation for his "Dude, you're getting a Dell!" catchphrase.
After the cops busted Curtis for attempting to buy drugs, though, Dell immediately severed ties with the young actor. Curtis tells us about his time as the "Dell Dude," how much money he made, where all that money went, and what he's up to now.
------------------------------------------------
Follow BI Video on Twitter: bit.ly/1oS68Zs
Follow BI Video On Facebook: on. 1bkB8qg
Read more: www.businessins...
------------------------------------------------
Business Insider is the fastest growing business news site in the US. Our mission: to tell you all you need to know about the big world around you. The BI Video team focuses on technology, strategy and science with an emphasis on unique storytelling and data that appeals to the next generation of leaders - the digital generation.
Lovin the honesty about his struggles
ditto.he learned from his mistakes.seems like a nice guy
thank you. that means a lot
I mean, it was pot, LOL! Maybe he was dabbling with other things too, but weed is literally whatever.
Yeah loved that too...respect 💯
I hope we see him again on the screen
Dell needs to bring this guy back for hilarity and old times sake.
He should be Uncle Steve in the new ones. Some kid is excited he's getting a Dell for Xmas, but he told uncle steve about it, and you know how sloppy drunk uncle steve is, he needs weed money! Lifted
Agreed! Bring him back for NOSTALGIA'S sake!
He should be back weed is legal now for christ’ sake he commited no crime 🤣👍🏽 i think we loved him more when we knew he was getting high publicly not that we didnt know he was getting high we knew 😁 I even purchased the dell inspiron 2350 because of him😜 I still dig your comedy Ben it is like the Seinfeld reruns to me... Dell did you in gotta hate ‘em !
I couldn't agree more ;-) Write them and tell them!
Thanks guys!
Meanwhile at Dell:
"I have a great idea... let's hired a kid that looks and acts stoned to sell our computer.... then fire him for being a stoner because we don't want the public thinking we hire potheads"
Chester Copperpot this is the best comment on youtube.
Like the early Sartun commercials.
Corporate cunts
Ben needs to sue Dell specially now that police is not supposed to arrest smokers or petty weed consumption kids 🤣
Chester Copperpot The original Goonie! 🏴☠️
Imagine the judge said to him "Dude, you are getting a cell!"
that was the tagline on cnn headline news. so I also made it the name of my one man show
Savage judge
Priceless!
i wonder what the police told him "dude you're getting arrested"
"Dude! Your gettin a cell!"
"dude, you're going to jail"
Dude, this is a cell.
they said "dude you're getting a cell!"
They'll ruin your life over a little bit of weed.
Very likable guy - open and honest about his life. What's there not to like?
I definitely thought he was paid more than that though but it just goes to show things aren't always what you think they are. I hope he does make a comeback because he seems to be a really cool guy.
Best of luck to you, Dell dude :)
We had a great time chatting with Ben Curtis. He had so many fun stories to tell. He's busy with a bunch of different projects and ventures, so be sure to follow him on Twitter here: twitter.com/actorbencurtis
+Mike Hawk It's funny, I never even consider the fact that actors in commercials (especially spokesmen) are, well, actors. They're either that good, or I just don't care enough. Sucks that he was blacklisted for such a trivial thing. There are hacks who make their entire career on the premise of drug abuse.
triump pooped on him hard
OMG are you SEROUS!! Actors have to SELL THEMSELVES in commercials, IF you can't sell yourself you won't make a Sale! I BOUGHT my computer BECAUSE of THIS GUY!! (ok, mostly I dont buy stuff based on people IN commercials, BUT THIS ONE I TOTALLY did lmfao...) (my sister is an Actor, I know (and YES actOR for females too, its the profession, not the person, you dont call a female doctor a doctress, or a female teacher a teachress, so unless there is an AWARD CEREMONY, where they want both male and females to benefit, there are only ACTORS!! dayzpage.blogspot.com
thank you so much Mikel. that means a lot. I have made my comeback. Was on Maisel Season 2 and OITNB Season 6 and doing this now: ua-cam.com/video/f-ZzcjjW7yA/v-deo.html
He was a really good actor back then, and I miss seeing those commercials when I was little. Whenever I go on my Dell computer, it makes me think of him. And Ben (Dell Dude), good luck with your acting!
thank you so much Basher. that means a lot. I have made my comeback. Was on Maisel Season 2 and OITNB Season 6 and doing this now: ua-cam.com/video/f-ZzcjjW7yA/v-deo.html
"I was getting my weed delivered..." great line
it's funny because it's true
He was Door Dash before Door Dash was cool!
You're getting Adele.
God forbid.
😂😂😂😂😂
Not quite the same unless you like rolling in the deep. Bring the flour just in case......
ha ha
i wish
The dude ads nearly doubled Dell sales, and the CEO would not admit it was all "Steve." I never thought Jared was a good spokes-model for Subway; who wants a body like that? Yet he wound up a multi-millionaire, undoubtedly fueling his appetite for sex and drugs. Anyway, I've always liked Ben and wish him well.
thank you so much Robert. that means a lot. I have made my comeback. Was on Maisel Season 2 and OITNB Season 6 and doing this now: ua-cam.com/video/f-ZzcjjW7yA/v-deo.html
@@BenCurtis Awesome, Good luck with upcoming works. Great Day ;)
@@BenCurtis Dell Was STUPID to drop you and blacklist you for enjoying weed.
I don't think the sex and drugs compares to what he was actually arrested for..
I waited tables with Ben. He's a good dude.
thanks Thomas!
"Dude..you're gettin a Dell." He did come off as a pot head. Lol
takes one to know one ;-)
@@BenCurtis not really. Potheads stand out. Potheads are pretty stupid
David Kruse the irony, love it
The only reason I even knew the Dell brand.
You mean the guy who replicated the Dude Where’s My Car guys was a pothead? No way!
Very refreshing to see him own up to his past so candidly. I respect that
thank you so much. that means a lot. I have made my comeback. Was on Maisel Season 2 and OITNB Season 6 and doing this now: ua-cam.com/video/f-ZzcjjW7yA/v-deo.html
@@BenCurtis Fantastic!!! Thanks for your reply.
Dude's life was practically ruined all over smoking a plant that does nothing but makes you feel good.... Yep, seems legit. Of course he could have drank all of the cirrhosis causing liquor and smoked all the cancer causing cigarettes he wanted and nobody would've batted an eye though.
No, his life was not ruined at all. He made a lot of money and got to pay off all his student loans and spend a go amount on vacations and having fun.
The only consequence he suffered aside from his arrest was that he was let go from Dell, pretty much by the time his success as their spokesperson was played out. He did over 26 commercials, the whole dude thing was getting old, just like him.
He used the term "blacklisted" to describe how he felt, he was NOT actually blacklisted. Lots of actors have done drugs (and/or still do) and get work. The reason he had trouble getting work after the Dell campaign was because he was typecast as the smarmy "Dell guy" and casting agents thought he had no other talent. It happens to a lot actors when they become so closely associated with a role.
Now, his career is getting back on track and he seems to be running a successful yoga business, too.
chatterbox11 u got a point, thats good.
arch entity He doesn't have a point, and your observation of the hypocrisy is on point.
thank you so much . that means a lot. I have made my comeback. Was on Maisel Season 2 and OITNB Season 6 and doing this now: ua-cam.com/video/f-ZzcjjW7yA/v-deo.html
Wow, Loved this. It's funny how far we've come. Marijuana possession, decriminalized in many areas, ruined or stunted many careers in the past.
thank you so much. that means a lot. I have made my comeback and doing this now: ua-cam.com/video/f-ZzcjjW7yA/v-deo.html
Ugracjikrmacbimeiapur
Him getting arrested may have saved him. Marijuana is for losers
There's only a handful of countries where it's been decriminalised, even fewer where it's actually legal
It was so fair of him to say the tag line. I was so interested in his story that I didn't realize that I wanted to hear him say the tagline. But when he did, it made me smile
When it happened, I was so sad for him. Everyone makes mistakes and unfortunately, it impacts the rest of their lives. Glad to see he has turned his life around and pursuing his passion. Good luck, Ben “ Steven, the Dell Dude” Curtis. Wishing you well.
This brings me back to my childhood. I remember these commercials like it was yesterday.
Stunt double for Aaron Paul?
no, but i've met him ;-)
He deserves more money and respect.
I agree!
Nice to know that he has been doing theater and films. People have been arrested for worse things than that. He seems like a likable guy, open and honest.
It's insane hearing his crime now. For something that's legal in most states now (completely or for medical use).
I'm here cause I saw him on WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
Could be worse: "Dude, you're getting a Toshiba!" OR "Dude, you're getting a Packard Bell!"
JohnRooney Gaming lmao
JohnRooney Gaming Dude, you're getting an MDG
jcblueinc :/ Dude, you're getting a Lenovo
JohnRooney Gaming I do have a Lenovo
jcblueinc So do I, in fact, I've had 3 in the past YEAR!! What model do you have?
“Vacations, cars, dinner with friends, drugs, paying off student loans…” 😂 I’m dead
We still love ya buddy. The catchphrase still lives 👍✌️🙏🤘
Loved him on the Dell commercials and loved this interview. What a cool guy! ❤️
I think he more than deserves a second chance. I understand Dell's strict no drugs policy, and I respect it. But I also respect honesty, and when someone owns up to what they did and is honest about it and apologizes from the heart, then they absolutely deserve a second chance. He also said he's been "pot free" for two years now. He cleaned up his act. Good guy. Loved his old commercials. Very entertaining. Give him another chance folks... Come on!!!
+Darren Krukiel He didn't "clean up his act," He just stopped smoking like a lot of people do when they get older. Marijuana isn't something that you can become physically addicted to.
+Jason ok By "cleaning up his act" I meant he stopped using an illegal substance which is still against the law to possess or use in every state except for Colorado and Washington. If you use illegal drugs or substances, and you get stoned all the time, then you are not a good role model and should not be on television or working in any profession in my opinion. Marijuana is still illegal in 48 States, it has been proven to be a "gateway" to other more hardcore drugs for many people with "addiction" issues, and there is no definite or solid medical proof in the JAMA or out of any Medical Authority that it is not addictive. He "cleaned up his act" means that's exactly what he did. He stopped getting high and stoned off of a currently illegal substance. My comment shouldn't even warrant an explanation. I was praising the guy for seeing his faults and correcting them. And YES this WAS a fault.
Darren Krukiel Wow so much uneducated bullshit in one comment. But I expected that from someone who can't think for themselves. Nicotine and alcohol kill hundreds of thousands of people per year, are physically addictive (you can die from alcohol withdrawal), and guess what? It's *legal*. Marijuana is none of the above, but somehow it's worse because it's illegal. That's called not thinking for yourself. The only reason weed could be considered a "gateway" drug is because it's illegal and could be introduced to other drugs through their dealer, and when people realize that the government has been lying about pot for decades, they could assume they're lying about all the other drugs too. We need to either admit we're not a free country or stop putting people in jail/prison for putting something in their own body.
+Jason ok I shouldn't even respond to you any longer after you called me uneducated, but obviously I am dealing with a "Marijuana Legalization Millennial" who believes so much in someone's right to get "high" that he is going to say anything, and attempt to demean or insult anybody out there until he gets them to say that using an ILLEGAL DRUG is perfectly acceptable under the current circumstances. There was a recent study conducted at the Medical University of New Zealand. The study was conducted on subjects who were middle aged and smoked cannabis on a daily basis since they were teenagers. The brain scans of these individuals showed a much larger than normal area of white matter... dead brain cells in the rear area of the frontal lobes of the brain. The information on this study is available online at www.drugabuse.gov it can also be "Googled". So there is medical proof that marijuana (cannabis) is not safe. Secondly, I never said anything about alcohol or cigarettes being safe.
Darren Krukiel On this certain topic you are uneducated or ignorant, whichever term you prefer. That study was proven to be flawed as it didn't consider other reasons for the decline. www.sciencemag.org/news/2016/01/twins-study-finds-no-evidence-marijuana-lowers-iq-teens Other studies show the same results in twins, one that smoked weed and the other that didn't. Either way the huge majority of people that smoke weed don't do it regularly and definitely not daily. Just because some people have addictive personalities and can become addicted to pretty much anything, doesn't mean it should be illegal. People will still do it, it won't be as safe, and occasional users can have their lives ruined by having a drug charge on their record. I made the point about alcohol and cigarettes because your main problem is that it's "ILLEGAL!!1!!1"
Man he was a part of my Childhood, and anytime I hear someone say Dude, before they can say anything else I finish with "You're getting a Dell" 99% of them have no clue what it's from.
It's not uncommon for actors to turn to Drugs and Alcohol, Glad he got out of it and is doing better.
Straight up, as an 8 year Best Buy employee, I swear at least one of our training videos had this guy presenting it. Even introduced himself as the 'Dell Dude' and did a modified version of 'that line'.
I remember that Dell Steve guy
thank you so much. I have made my comeback. Was on Maisel Season 2 and OITNB Season 6 and doing this now: ua-cam.com/video/f-ZzcjjW7yA/v-deo.html
Dell kinda went down the toilet after they fired this guy. I loved his commercials.
thank you so much.. that means a lot. I have made my comeback. Was on Maisel Season 2 and OITNB Season 6 and doing this now: ua-cam.com/video/f-ZzcjjW7yA/v-deo.html
This guy MADE dell. In fact, he was the reason my parents bought a dell for our family computer back then.
thank you so much . that means a lot. I have made my comeback. Was on Maisel Season 2 and OITNB Season 6 and doing this now: ua-cam.com/video/f-ZzcjjW7yA/v-deo.html
Heard a Dell commercial on the radio today and thought of him
In 2020 kinda sad to know he hasn't actually had that comeback, but at least he's got work.
I have made my comeback. Was on Maisel Season 2 and OITNB Season 6 and doing this now: ua-cam.com/video/f-ZzcjjW7yA/v-deo.html
Glad to hear from you!
I'm watching this on a Dell XPS 13 laptop lol
love it!
Your story is inspirational! Excellent attitude and I’m happy that you have made a comeback. Whatever happened with dell just remember that for a generation of folks you ARE the dell brand and that’s really why I thought to look you up. The PC industry collapsed without you anyway
We loved him and still do !!
thank you so much . that means a lot. I have made my comeback. Was on Maisel Season 2 and OITNB Season 6 and doing this now: ua-cam.com/video/f-ZzcjjW7yA/v-deo.html
I was wondering what happened to him. Had a big crush on him back then. I hope he keeps making progress in his career.
thank you Cory. that's so sweet. follow me on IG? instagram.com/bencurtisofficial to see what i'm up to now
Comeback commercials for different computer company: "Dude, your Dell Sucks!"
at least he admits to spending some of it on drugs
redrum0127 but it took him like 5 seconds
At least he's honest
the truth shall set you free. i'm an honest guy
@@BenCurtis hey it's all good, i've been there too.
thanks for the commercials, they are still the best thing dell ever came out with.
Everyone likes a comeback story...props on the honesty
I love that we can refresh this phrase as “Dude, you’re getting Adele!”
you can!
It's funny because Dell was perfectly fine with an actor playing a stoner selling their computers.
Ben is awesome. We had a couple of guys in our high-school class who were exactly the same - charismatic, loved by students, teachers and parents. It's too bad about his (temporary) down-spot in his career, but I'm glad he got back on his feet.
Happy to see you turn your life around
Triumph reminded me of you man. Best of wishes!
thank you I did some episodes with him. look us up on youtube. dell dude and triumph. Was also on Maisel Season 2 and OITNB Season 6 and doing this now: ua-cam.com/video/f-ZzcjjW7yA/v-deo.html
I still say this every time i see a dell
anyone remember the cowhide look boxes gateway computers came in? I thought the computer was going to look like that the first time I saw the boxes.
OMG !!! DUDE !!!! I MISS YOU !!! I LOVED U ON ALL YOUR COMMERCIALS. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU 🙏🏾❤💪
Early 2000’s nostalgia is really big right now. Dell should rehire him. Nobody cares about a pot charge anymore. It’s literally legal in nyc now.
I knew this guy when I was growing up he went to church with me his dad was the preacher at grace episcopal church in chattanooga tn his dad's name is Jim Curtis hope all is well with you ben I remember going to happening 29 with you at the dubose conference center in 91 or 92 oh the memories loved the Dell commercials back in the day
His dad did a short stint at our church too, St. James Episcopal in Marietta, GA. I think this was about 2000, right when the Dell commercials were becoming popular. Jim Curtis, remember him well.
@@DNR5586 he was a really good guy
Dude, I wish you nothing but the best.
thank you so much Mikey. Have you seen this? I do some coaching now that you might be interested in ua-cam.com/video/f-ZzcjjW7yA/v-deo.html
waiting on that "come back" lol
I have made my comeback. Was on Maisel Season 2 and OITNB Season 6 and doing this now: ua-cam.com/video/f-ZzcjjW7yA/v-deo.html
I loved this guy! Happy he's managed to make his future positive!
thank you so much. that means a lot. I have made my comeback. Was on Maisel Season 2 and OITNB Season 6 and doing this now: ua-cam.com/video/f-ZzcjjW7yA/v-deo.html
Dude your getting a dell!
Man. The hilarious thing is that those ads ran pretty much at the same time as Apple's switch ads and MacHeads took those Dell ads as a funny way to disparage PC users, specially those who used Dell-branded computers.
Bring him back. 1. Weed is legal now. 2. He's very likable. 3. He's very good at what he does. 6-26-22
Good for you Ben.
thank you so much . that means a lot. I have made my comeback. Was on Maisel Season 2 and OITNB Season 6 and doing this now: ua-cam.com/video/f-ZzcjjW7yA/v-deo.html
Either Dell needs to bring him back, or GEICO should have a rendition.
yes!!!
I've loved these commercials since I was a kid. Dude, I'm just glad to see you're doing fine. Good luck to you in the future.
It's 2023 and I randomly wondered whatever happened to this guy. He's actually a bigger cultural icon than actors that were "bigger" than he was. They faded away but he remains in our heads lol.
Woah same
There’s always hope just don’t give up
thank you so much. that means a lot. I have made my comeback. Was on Maisel Season 2 and OITNB Season 6 and doing this now: ua-cam.com/video/f-ZzcjjW7yA/v-deo.html
Proud of you bro. Keep Showing people that your setback will be your comeback.
I immediately had to search it. He eventually made it on orange is the new black!
yes I did!
It’s truly unbelievable to me that a marijuana possession charge cost this dude the best job of his life.. who knows where he would have gone had that one moment in time not happened. Poor guy.
It was one of those things, like the "Where's the beef?" lady, that would have died off anyways.
Dude is still dope to this very fuckin day. hope we do see more of him🤘
He visited Late Night With Conan O’brien when the the elementary kids were visiting. It was a business trip because a kid drew a picture of him with the caption: “Dude, you’re getting a pizza!”
Pulling for you DELL dude!! Show us what you GOT!!
thank you so much . that means a lot. I have made my comeback. Was on Maisel Season 2 and OITNB Season 6 and doing this now: ua-cam.com/video/f-ZzcjjW7yA/v-deo.html
Bring him back for dude your getting a new Dell commercial lol
I agree!
Household name! Lololol. Not even a little bit. But I loved your commercials as a teen.
Police were like “Dude, you’re getting a prison cell 🤜”
But you weren't at the work place when it happened I would of got a lawyer and sued. Then moved to Colorado and opened a weed store.
I wish him well. How he combined obviously annoying yet lovable in the same character was mystifying. Lessons learned it's time to hit the ground running!
Lol, I feel like theater is 'Time out' when you are an actor. Especially after you have had a bit of a career. #butilikehim
interesting perspective. but I was trained in theater. have a degree in it from nyu and have been in multiple off broadway productions. if I could just make a living from theater, I would. It's way harder than film or tv. The best actors have always come from the theater. but I also love coaching. check this out: ua-cam.com/video/f-ZzcjjW7yA/v-deo.html
I loved seeing Triumph the Insult Comic Dog roast this guy
Almost $900 for a computer?!!...damn late 90s!!!
I always wondered what happened to him.
I wanna see him in more movies.
thank you so much. that means a lot. i'd like to do more movies too.Was on Maisel Season 2 and OITNB Season 6 and doing this now: ua-cam.com/video/f-ZzcjjW7yA/v-deo.html
Imagine. Being fired for buying weed. But fast forward to 2022 you're rewarded for it. I like this guy. Glad he's doing well. Well. 7 years ago.
Dude... I'm getting a dell.
The fact he was arrested for having weed is such bs, but sadly, that's how it is especially in the early 2000s before legal cbd and thc was around and before marijuana was legalized for medicinal use. Wonder if he got a role in one of those HBO shows recently...
+BI TECH: IF - I-F - Ben reads this, I LOVED you on Triumph's primary Election Special, 2016 (NO, I'm NOT paid to say this).
It is hysterical.
Ben, wish you all the best.
thank you so much Owen. We could use more Triumph. Have you seen this? I do some coaching now that you might be interested in ua-cam.com/video/f-ZzcjjW7yA/v-deo.html
Ben Curtis is back and Posted his first with Dell today
He could star in a movie about a guy who marries a British singer....Dude, You're Getting Adele!
You made my morning man. Very creative, thanks. 😀
I did a double take watching some show where he plays a guy who messes up the lives of his best friend and the guy's girlfriend. Hopefully a TV show is in his future.
thank you so much . that means a lot. I have made my comeback. Was on Maisel Season 2 and OITNB Season 6 and doing this now: ua-cam.com/video/f-ZzcjjW7yA/v-deo.html
I loved this guy when he did the Dell commercials, they were the best. Being released from the company for breaking policy is one thing, but blacklisted is uncalled for. Enjoyed this, always wondered what happened to him!
thank you so much . that means a lot. I have made my comeback. Was on Maisel Season 2 and OITNB Season 6 and doing this now: ua-cam.com/video/f-ZzcjjW7yA/v-deo.html
"Dude, you're going to hell" was a common joke around that time
in my family too. my dad was a priest
Ben honored to call you a friend
I saw him in a episode of what would u do
He on "What Would You Do" on Friday nights now!
yes I am! hi LInda!
@@BenCurtis lol I recognized you when I saw you!
Didn't realize Maggie Grace was in one of those old Dell commercials.
He was on a recent episode of "What Would You Do?".
i've done 16 of them to be exact ;-) thanks for the shout out here!
@@BenCurtis oh man I can't believe I never realized it was you before! Lol thanks for the response man. Best of Luck to you in your future endeavors!
is it bad the guys a my work still say this
nope! that's awesome
wish him the best, but seeing that this is 8 years old and I found it by searching what happed to the dude dell guy. but hope he becomes a big name
Glad to see he hasn't given up on his dream. What a shame that he was fired for such a relatively minor thing.
thank you so much . that means a lot. I have made my comeback. Was on Maisel Season 2 and OITNB Season 6 and doing this now: ua-cam.com/video/f-ZzcjjW7yA/v-deo.html
*That's me! Can't believe that was 5 years ago....*
@Ben Curtis , you was damon on bully right?
ua-cam.com/video/1UAYe8Y10JQ/v-deo.html