Josh Duhamel Fan Appreciation Page

Dear Josh/Leo fans,

Deb and I took a deep breath and boldly sent Josh some fan mail along with some questions the week of February 7th. Much to our surprise, Josh was kind enough to e-mail me on the 16th with answers. We hope you all enjoy the comments. Deb & I have to say, the thoughtfulness of the man made our day. Talent, looks, and a great personality? Wow! Enjoy.

Lori & Deb



He began:

Hi Lori!
First of all I just want to say that I am truly flattered that you have taken the time to create this web site. I don't even know what to say. All I can say is thank you. I would imagine that you have been a fan of AMC for quite a while and I realize how tough it is for a new character to be accepted by the fans. It's almost like walking into their living room uninvited. So needless to say, I was a little nervous that my character, as arrogant and abrasive as he is, would get completely bashed by the longtime viewers. This is why I am genuinely grateful for fans like Deb and yourself; you're making my life considerably less stressful. You have no idea. As for your questions I'll give it my best shot.

Questions and Answers:

Your birthday

My Birthday. 11/14/7? (I'll let you guess)

Your height (only because no one seems to believe you're only 6'2!)

My height. 6'3". I know I look like an awkward giant. I never felt so tall until I set foot on set with the other actors. All my friends from back home are tall.

Your hometown

"Back home" is Minot, ND. I lived there until I was 22, then left for California to try to get into dental school. Thank God I didn't get in.

Name(s) of your high school/college

I went to high school at Minot High and college at Minot State. Pretty exciting so far huh? I hope you weren't expecting anything too mysterious and intriguing. I'm very normal. OK, I'll proceed.

How many brothers/sisters?

I have three younger sisters: Ashlee-24, McKenzee-11, Kassidy-6. Ashlee lives in northern California and goes to San Jose State studying dietetics and nutrition. She's a health nut. My two younger sisters are officially "half-sisters", but they're real sisters to me. They, of course, still live in Minot and are perfect little devils.

Your mom & dad's professions?

My mother is a high school physical education teacher and is counting the days to her retirement. About two more years then it's full time golf and gardening. My dad owns an advertising company and lives in Pelican Lake Minnesota near Detroit lakes. Absolutely beautiful area. Perfect for his addiction to golf and fishing.

Single/Married?

I am single, but involved with a girl in Los Angeles, which has been the hardest thing to deal with since moving to New York. We've been dating for almost a year and a half.

Any kids?

No Kids, I don't think so anyway. Just kidding. No kids.

Any pets?

No pets either, that I'm sure of, but I'm considering getting a dog to have as little buddy to hang out with.

How did you get the role as Leo?

How did I get the role as Leo? Well, I believe I auditioned sometime in July in LA, but didn't hear anything more until about a month and half later when they said I was their number one choice for the part of Leo. I said "yeah right" and it took you well over a month to decide that I was your number one choice? About the time I found out I was their "number 1" I had just landed the lead in my first movie. Irony? I dunno. Well I can't really blame them for taking so long to decide, because my first audition was pretty weak. I'm just glad they picked me, I'm having a blast.

Which cast members do you hang out with?

Which cast members do I hang out with? Abby (Becca) and I hang out quite a bit. Rebecca (Greenlee) and I have become pretty good friends. By the way, she's nothing like her character. She's a very sweet girl who knits and bakes in her free time if you can believe it. Don't tell her I told you that! Forbes (Scott) is very cool. Michael Lowry (Jake) and I have gone out a couple of times. Kelly Ripa (Hayley) is probably the funniest woman I've ever met. Overall, the whole cast has been like instant family. Very welcoming. Very Friendly. I can't say enough about them. This move to New York wasn't an easy one for me, but they have made me love to go to work every day.

What was the worst job you ever had?

My worst job? I have had some doozies. From hard labor construction, digging trenches with pick-axes. Removing old gas tanks from gas stations and installing new ones. Landscaping. Shoveling rock. Worked an overnight shift at a warehouse breaking down boxes of hardware supplies then storing them. That really sucked. I drove heavy machinery (backhoes, excavators, bulldozers etc.) Actually that was fun. So, Leo and I are a lot alike in that we love to roll up our sleeves and put in a hard days work. Ha!

What is your dream job?

Dream job? Feature film with Nicholson, Spacey, Malkovich and Pacino. Yeah right, I wish.

Whom would you like Leo paired with romantically?

Who should Leo be paired with romantically? I like the fact that Leo's flying solo right now. I don't want him to fall in love and get all soft and mushy. Boring. Let's hope he keeps that edge.

What do you do to relax?

To relax? Rent good movies with good actors, go have a beer, listen to music.

Who is your favorite musical artist?

Love the new Carlos Santana.

What inspires you?

It's hard to explain what inspires me. A lot of different things, things you wouldn't think. Making my parents and family proud. Seeing awesome actors in their best roles. Nelson Mandela's 1994 inaugural speech. If you get a chance, read it. Truly inspiring. Other things too, but I can't tell you too much right?

Is Leo's flair for fashion your style as well or is that the wardrobe people's creation?

Is Leo's style my style? No. Not even close. I hope that doesn't disappoint you, but I am a very casual dresser. In fact most of the time I feel uncomfortable in the clothes I'm wearing on the show, but I don't mind because that's Leo.

Thanks again in showing your appreciation of my character. It means a lot to me. More than you know. Oh, by the way, I know you're an English expert so go easy on my grammatical shortcomings. One more thing. My friend is making a web site as we speak and would kill me if I let anyone call their web site official but him. So I'm sorry I can't let you call it "official", but "unofficial" is more fun anyway right? Thanks again.---Josh

Need more?

Need even more? Click here to read Josh's answers to Janny!