Jonathan Goldsmith

August 1, 2013

I don't always post to Reddit, but when I do, I do it from Central Vietnam's former DMZ. I am Jonathan Goldsmith, I play the Most Interesting Man in the World. Ask Me Anything.

Hello Reddit. You may have seen my picture on this site from time to time. In addition to playing the Most Interesting Man in the World I have also been in 350 movies and television series including: Dallas, Adam-12, Knight Rider, CHiPs, Eight Is Enough, The Rockford Files, Hawaii Five-O, Barnaby Jones, MacGyver, Murder, She Wrote, Charlie's Angels, Manimal, The Fall Guy, Dynasty, T.J. Hooker, Hardcastle and McCormick, Magnum, P.I., Knots Landing, and The A-Team,

I am doing this AMA in support of the work of a group I just joined, Clear Path International and our partner Mines Advisory Group. Here in Vietnam men, women and children are still being injured by landmines and bombs left over from the Vietnam War. I have spent the last few days touring CPI and MAG projects, visiting clearance sites and learning a lot about the people here and the hardships they still face, 40 years after U.S. combat operations ceased in August of 1973.

Video Proof

It is very important to me that this AMA helps raise money for Clear Path and Mines Advisory Group. Make a donation to our efforts here.

This is the first part of a month-long AMA series to benefit Clear Path International and Mines Advisory Group's work in Vietnam. Fiuture AMA's will include John Densmore of the Doors, John Perry Barlow co-founder of the ELectronic Frontier Foundation and lyricist of the Grateful Dead, Ben Taylor, John Perkins and Tommy Tallarico.

All of us at Clear Path and MAG are thrilled to see that REDDITGIFTS is helping to sponsor our efforts! Click here and purchase a t-shirt. Five dollars for every shirt sold goes to assist landmine and bomb accident survivors.

OK Reddit... Ask Me Anything.

Goodnight Reddit, it's 1 o'clock in the morning here in Vietnam. Thank you so much. It's the end of a 20 hour day and the MAG and CPI team here with me needs to get to bed so we can do it all again tomorrow.. [Please donate to our efforts here: bitly.com/17lC6iZ



Hello, Mr.Goldsmith and thank you for taking the time to do this AMA. My whole family absolutley loves your commercials! What I want to know is do you really prefer Dos Equis?

But of course.


Do you get free beer?

There's nothing free in life, dont you know that?


How does it feel being the Most Interesting Man in the World?

Everybody has to do something, this is quite a nice gig. My mother would have been very proud.


What is the most interesting fact you have learned this week?

The women in Vietnam are absolutely exquisite and charming. The food is exceptional.


Hey Mr. Goldsmith, thanks for doing this AMA. I am just curious, having once been a red-shirted ensign on Star Trek (the Original Series), how does it feel to now be playing a cooler character than even James T. Kirk? Do you get stopped on the street often? Stay Thirsty My Friend!

Let me set the record straight... I have never appeared on Star Trek, if I remember correctly that is, which is always dubious.


As the most interesting man in the world.. Why Vietnam?

My neighbor, James Hathaway, founded an extremely important organization and introduced me to the incredible work that Clear Path International and MAG are doing, and I wanted to help in any way I could


How many women have you dated since you are the Most Interesting Man in the World after all?

You would be very surprised at the answer.


I had no idea about your efforts in Vietnam with Clear Path International. That's very admirable work you're doing to help and raise awareness.

Do you have a favorite moment with meeting a person or explosive victim in Vietnam so far?

I was left with one strong impression, the Vietnamese people are incredibly humble and charming and hospitable. Gracious in every way.


What brought you to Vietnam in the first place?

An opportunity to assist with an extremely important cause. Although the war has been over 40 years, every day, people in this beautiful country suffer terrible injuries and many die and will for years to come. Hard to believe that more bombs fell on Vietnam than dropped by the allies in the whole of WWI and WWII combined. To see the pathetic human toll and not do something about it is something I can't do.


I stayed up an extra 3 hours later to make this. How do you feel about the level of popularity of your memes?

I'm very honored and consider it a mantle of pride to live up to. For the most part the jokes are enjoyable and I am grateful that people take the time.


First off, my dad and I are very large fans of the commercials. So this is awesome. You never failed to make us laugh

  1. How did you get the part in this commercial ?
  2. Was this persona of "the most interesting man" something you or dos equis came up with ? 3.What is your favorite place to travel ?
  1. The beginning was a cattle call of over 500 people. I didn't think I was what they wanted for the role and forgot about it. a month later... it was 200 people. Then 6 more weeks went by and they still had not found who they were looking for. They went on a casting mission both nationally and internationally. I screen tested with three other fellows and I was the lucky one. Listen closely and you wil hear the sound of knocking wood.

First off, my dad and I are very large fans of the commercials. So this is awesome. You never failed to make us laugh

  1. How did you get the part in this commercial ?
  2. Was this persona of "the most interesting man" something you or dos equis came up with ? 3.What is your favorite place to travel ?
  1. A collaboration I think.They have the best writers in the world.

  2. My favorite places to travel are the Caribean, Rome, England, and now Vietnam


I just wanted to say you recently moved to my area and all i've heard is how nice and approachable you are. Are you finding time to relax and enjoy this beautiful VT summer?

I moved to VT because I needed to find the time for serenity in a very special and beautiful area.


How would you say your life has changed since the campaign was launched several years back? Are you constantly recognized on the street? If so, does the attention get frustrating after a while?

I get better tables at restaurants, but most importantly I am able to help important charities. I would be more bothered if the recognition stopped!


What is one piece of advice that you could give to someone to try to lead a life worth telling others about?

Be truthful to yourself and others.


What is one piece of advice that you could give to someone to try to lead a life worth telling others about?

Dont let anybody determine your worth, follow your dreams, and drive your own ship


Sir, thanks for this AMA! Aside from your extensive acting career, what would you consider to be the most interesting thing about yourself?

edit: left a word out.

One can't be interesting unless they are interested. I have always thought out of the box. Never mind getting lost, and love the discovery of experience that comes with experiencing life.


I have a feeling you were born to be the most interesting man on earth.

thanks for the AMA!

That's very kind of you, but...


Do you realize that you have INSANE sex appeal to women (and men) of all ages?

For example, I'm a 26 year old female and would readily... Ahem... Well you know.

I think you're great, keep doing what you do!

It has been rumored and I rather like it.


What event/moment made you realize that the commercial you made was something special?

When I was recognized by a 7 year old in a Mexican restaurant as what he wanted to be when he grew up, and a week later in NYC being knighted with an old man's cane on a bus. He was in his eighties and he said "Sonny when I come back, I want to be you."


Who do you think is the second most interesting man in the world?
How about the most interesting woman?

Nelson Mandela is actually first, but don't blow my cover


Hello sir, Thank you for doing this ama, my only question is....

What kind of ice cream is your favorite?

I don't favor ice cream, but when I do it's coffee.


What is your favorite "Most interesting man in the world" fact?

He once warned a psychic.


Do you feel like you have to be interesting with people all the time? Do you regret doing the commercials?

No, I'm just myself. Of course not, I have no regrets about doing the commercials. Why would I?


What are the 7 words Eskimos use to call your beard?

1) lovely 2)strong 3) ticklish 4) charming 5) mysterious 6) tasty 7) electric


An AMA from officially the most interesting man in the world? This is going to be bigger than Obama. My question: who has been the most interesting person you've met on your travels?

President Obama


The Most Interesting Man in the World seems like one of those jobs where no one has anything bad to say about it: granted, I'm in the UK, where it's not so big, but I've never heard it discussed in less than glorious terms.

Is there a downside to it, or is it pretty smooth sailing?

I have recurring nightmares that my beard will catch fire.


Teach me how to Beard like you! It's magnificently vigorous!

Anoint with stardust, rose petals, and weasel droppings.


what do you drink when you don't drink beer?

A gin martini or almost anything from the Isle of Islay.


[deleted]

Your free falling and butterfly swirls are fine, but need to be finessed.


are you prohibited from shaving your beard by any contract?(dos Equis) if you do shave it can you mail it to me for my famous guy beard collection?

No, I would feel lonely without it.


Samuel L. Jackson had a fundraising scheme where, if Reddit donated enough money (I think it was 100 grand), he'd say whatever the most upvoted post was. Max limit was 300 words.

Would you consider doing something similar? I don't remember how it turned out, but many donations were made due to it.

Sure. So long as it does not violate my morals contract and the money's in the bank.


Do you think you've taken on the persona in real life, or are you just naturally cool?

I can't help who I am.


Was that a real jungle cat in that commercial? Was it terrifying?

It was a cougar, they don't live in the jungle and we seemed to get along but I didn;t like turning my back on him.


I'll ask the obvious question, what's the most interesting thing you've ever done?

Sorry of someone else already asked.

Worked with handicapped children and taught in prison.


I'll be in central Vietnam in 3 days. Can I buy you a beer?

Leaving in two, but thanks.


Can we expect any new Most Interesting Man in the World Commercials anytime soon?

I hope so, watch the Dos Equis site.


What are your feelings toward the Old Spice guy?

Isiah is a friend and a charming gentleman.


Hello Mr. Goldsmith,

I lived in Afghanistan for a year. Land mines are such vile inventions. Thank you for bringing this up, I think more attention needs to be paid to this.

I hear you're a sailor, care to share any info on your boat or any sea stories? (I'm taking delivery of my 40 foot ketch after I come back from a short trip back to Afghanistan in about two months).

Yes, it's for sale. Call Heritage Yachts in Long Beach and ask for Tony.


How often do you get recognized? What's your most memorable encounter with a fan?

I get recognized very often. A set of twins jumped out of a Rolls Royce to meet me in Hollywood traffic.


First off, huge fan here and love your commercials. Second what kind of cars do you have?

1994 Jeep


I was watching an episode of The Wild Wild West a week ago where the guys were protecting a king. I argued with my girlfriend that you were in it, she didn't think it was you. You didn't list it in your credits above ... who was right?

You won the bet.


How many push-ups can you do consecutively?

Depends on the day, and the night before...


Of all your work in television and film:

Thanks for your charity work.

I am most proud of Go Tell the Spartans starring opposite Burt Lancaster. The most fun was one of the few chances I had to do comedy in a show called "Struck By Lightning"


Do you get free Dos Equis for life?

I hope so.


Hi Jonathan!

Thanks for doing this AMA, as a Vermonter I like to be able to brag that I live in the same state as The Most Interesting Man in the World!

Couple of questions for you:

  1. I noticed you have supported several other charities ranging from helping abused children, stopping sex trafficking in Cambodia, and even preserving Siberian Tigers. What has inspired you to contribute to these specific causes?
  2. What are you looking towards next in terms of lifetime goals or dreams you've had?
  3. What is your favorite thing about Vermont? :D

Thanks!

I noticed you have supported several other charities ranging from helping abused children, stopping sex trafficking in Cambodia, and even preserving Siberian Tigers. What has inspired you to contribute to these specific causes? Each touches something inside of me, near and dear to my heart and a personal connection

What are you looking towards next in terms of lifetime goals or dreams you've had? What is your favorite thing about Vermont? :D


Can you dance?

Of course


What are your long term goals for CPI and MAG? And what is something you would really like to accomplish that you already haven't?

To help fund funds and raise continuing awareness of the vital importance of saving lives, and preventing the horrible injuries from these horrendous weapons of a bygone war


i hear you speak fluent french, in russian. how is your vietnamese in spanish?

Takes a bit of work, but ive got a lot of help


booby or booty?

bounty


What is your greatest fear ?

not leaving a legacy


Do cops let you off the hook when you get pulled over???

I wouldn't want to get anyone in trouble, but it is helpful


Do you have an apprentice, and if not, are you taking applications?

Go to the Dos Equis site and take their challenges


Hi Mr. Goldsmith! Would you please say something nice about me or give me a compliment so I can brag to everyone I know that the most interesting man in the world once complimented me? I'll give you a hug :)

Regards to a new friend


What's the most gratifying moment you've had in your line of work?

As an actor, or in my charity work?


Is your beard your source of power? How can I grow one like it? Magic?

One of many


Welcome to reddit! (as if you ever left)

What would you say is the most significant change in your life since you started working with Clear Path International? What is your average day like, working in Vietnam?

The ongoing rearranging of priorities and awareness of the fragility of life. My average day, it is a privilege to help those less fortunate and in danger


What is your best pickup line?

A line is not necessary, its in the eyes


What area of Vietnam is most affected by this problem? I was in Hue almost the entire summer and honestly forgot that this was something the people deal with.

Quang Tri is the most heavily contaminated province, which is where we are at the moment. MAG has cleared nearly 200,000 items of unexploded ordnance in Vietnam, and continues to clear thousands every year, and CPI has helped thousands of victims since the late 1990s.

This small and dedicated staff really need your help, they do great things


What's the most common question people ask you?

What's the most ridiculous question you've been asked?

What are the answers to both?

1) How did you get this role?

2) Did you ever act before?


To you, what is the most interesting FACT in the world!

That the only constant is change


Do the Vietnamese citizens resent the US? Who are the people clearing the mines? Are they Vietnamese? American? Ex-Military? Thank you, sir.

I've seen no resentment at all. The clearance I've been visiting is conducted entirely by Vietnamese people


Mr Goldsmith I have a few questions:

What was your favorite film, commercial etc, to be involved in?

What's a piece of advice you heard when younger that stuck with you all this time?

You mentioned having no regrets, but is there anything you would like to go back and re-experience?

1) In Film: Go Tell The Spartans. On Broadway: Tennessee William's Night of the Iguana. In Commercials: The Dos Equis Campaign

2) Never Give Up.

3) I never said that, I have my share.


Do you like Pho?

I love it


What is your favourite book?

Thats hard as I love to read, but Man's Unconquerable Mind


How do you stay so ridiculously handsome despite being 74?

Firstly thank you, I guess I have the Peter Pan Syndrome. Vanity and exercise help.


That has to be the best Ask Me Anything video proof ever

Thank you, and maybe the most important


How often are you recognized in public?

The folks who set this up wanted to cleared by the moderators so we would not get blocked while in a far off country.


Seriously, thank you for joining such a great cause. Land mines are a lasting legacy of a shitty war and it still kills people today. Thank you for helping to get rid of them for those people.

What kind of stories have you heard from survivors?

Firstly I must say that the survivors that I have met are an inspiration to me. Despite their grevious injuries they have all had incredible attitudes and are ever so grateful for the assistance that we have been able to deliver to them as result of the kindness of strangers. I met a man the other day who had lost both legs and an arm and now, as a result of CPI's assistance, he has two prosthetic limbs, plays soccer and is married with a young child. How fortunate I feel to be able to make a difference to the lives of these individuals. Thank you for helping us to create awareness and for your kind donations, which are doing so much good.


Do you have an insurance policy on your beard?

Well Betty Grable did her legs, maybe that's a good idea.


THIS IS THE BEST A.M.A. Up there with Nick Offerman 1+2 and Snoop Lion!

So glad to hear that. Reddit is truly a great venue to bring attention to some very worthy causes.


This interview was transcribed from an "ask me anything" question and answer session with Jonathan Goldsmith conducted on Reddit on 2013-08-01. The Reddit AMA can be found here.