Johnny Lechner has been dubbed the "real-life Van Wilder". He has been attending college as an undergrad since 1994. Johnny recently gave ABCDList.Net an exclusive interview. See where Johnny rates at ABCDList.Net or discuss other celebrities at our forum.
ABCDList.Net: Your college life is obviously a big part of who you are, but you are also a musician, filmmaker, and actor. Tell us more about "Johnny Hollywood".
Lechner: Last year I felt as if I had done everything imaginable with the college years. I had gained national attention for just following my heart and staying in school. I had been a guest on Letterman, studied abroad in Europe and Africa, and was featured on the front page of the New York Times. I had gone on a dozen spring breaks, was quoted in Newsweek Magazine, wrote a book about my extended college adventures, had a law named after me, acted in my first movie, and was even named to People Magazine’s Hottest Bachelor List. Anyway, I was wrong...
ABCDList.Net: The 24/7 live MOBILE webcam is truly innovative. Where did you get this idea?
Lechner: The idea was presented to me and I decided to give it a ride.
ABCDList.Net: Do you care what people think of you… i.e., the "slacker" stereotype?
Lechner: A few years ago it did bother me, but not now. Now I just find it funny. Without knowing me, people have this crazy image in their head that I am out partying every night and sleeping in until noon. I may be doing it a few times a week, but I am also active and motivated in many areas of campus and society. I have been an A/B student for many years at an accredited University where I have become (quite possibly) the most educated undergraduate in the world. Some of my involvement on campus has included the founding of the organization M.A.S.A.V. (Men Against Sexual Assault and Violence), serving as the Special Events Coordinator for the College, and starting a scholarship program for non-traditional aged college students. I have also been active with various volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity, Camp Hope (a camp for children that have lost a parent or loved one), the UW-W Praire Restoration Project, UW-W Adopt a Quad, Camp Evergreen (camp for physically and mentally disabled), and Camp Getaway (camp for inner-city Chicago children that are infected with HIV or AIDS).
ABCDList.Net: Do you have a real job?
Lechner: If I wanted a job, I would have graduated.
ABCDList.Net: When can we expect a return of Johnny Lechner's Diesel Powered Cinema of Laughter?
Lechner: Soon.
ABCDList.Net: The nicest celebrity you've met?
Lechner: Ludacris
ABCDList.Net: The most obnoxious celebrity you've met?
Lechner: none yet
ABCDList.Net: 13 years as a college student must be some sort of record. Have you met other undergrad marathoners or copycats?
Lechner: I get tons of emails every week from people saying that they plan on beating my record.
ABCDList.Net: What would you do if someone gave you a million dollars?
Lechner: I wish I had a better answer, but I’d probably be doing exactly what it is that I am doing now. Maybe, I’d buy a DeLorean or something.
ABCDList.Net: How many times have you been naked in public?
Lechner: I'm not sure who started this whole myth of college kids streaking all of the time, but do not believe the hype. I haven't gone streaking since last semester.
ABCDList.Net: If you could meet one person, dead or alive, who would it be?
Lechner: Hugh Hefner would have to be the person. I always joke that I have two major goals right now. I want to fall in love and I want to go to the Playboy Mansion. Hopefully these two do not end up happening on the same night.
ABCDList.Net: If you could MAKE one person, dead or alive, who would it be?
Lechner: none.
ABCDList.Net: What's next for Johnny Lechner?
Lechner: I’m writing songs for a new CD and then I’ll be starring in my second movie this upcoming summer.
ABCDList.Net: Class of 2008?
Lechner: There is a countdown clock on my website. www.JohnnyLechner.com
