Steve in Reel Life

Both Carell and stand-up favorite Cook are members of the cast who "come from comedy." Yet in spite of this comedic prowess, Carell downplays the humorous side of the film, saying that this is not a role he played for laughs. Instead, Carell assigns adjectives like "subdued" and "tender" to the project. "Wow, a subdued comedy about a widower -- that is just poisonous!" he joked, noting the promotional impotence of such a characterization. "Subdued, no jokes, widower, COME ON DOWN!"

But if "Dan in Real Life" doesn't elicit the side-splitting laughs of other films in the Carell catalogue, the actor enjoys it because of its ability to reach people and make them smile. Commenting on his impressions of the film, Carell remarks that "it really seemed to make people happy, and that, to me, was more important than anything."

Carell found such a change of pace exciting. It was the change of location that proved most daunting for the actor. "Honestly, being away from my family was the toughest part of it, because I'm not used to that. I'm there all of the time." But the people of Rhode Island -- the location where "Dan in Real Life" was filmed -- likely enjoyed the antics that Carell brought with him. Carell slyly wonders if we have heard any of the stories with him in long underwear, "running through the cities of Rhode Island, screaming like a banshee." That moment did not make it into the movie.

Looking ahead, Carell cites another film on his horizon in which he is paired opposite a big name -- Alan Arkin, who will play the chief in "Get Smart," set to come out in summer 2008. It will be Carell's second time starring opposite Arkin, who snagged an Oscar for his performance in the 2007 indie hit "Little Miss Sunshine."

Even with an Emmy-winning show, two Golden Globes on his mantel, and a new movie coming out, Carell doesn't let the fame go to his head. In fact, he remains grounded and honest with himself, admitting that fame has changed him -- but only a little. "I'm different in the sense that I never talk to my old friends now. I feel a much greater self-importance because now I have more money and power."