Trying to build Brand awareness
America, meet Russell Brand.
In his native England, he’s a comedy giant – instantly identifiable by his Einstein-like tousle of black hair and form-fitting, chest-baring, glam-rock clothes – a television host and stand-up comic with his own radio show and weekly newspaper column.
In the U.S., he’s that British guy who was in the movie “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.”
That could change tonight, when Brand hosts the MTV Video Music Awards (9 p.m., cable channel 63 in Spokane, 43 in Coeur d’Alene).
“It’s amazing, because obviously I’m not known in this country, so it’s a really unusual situation to be in,” says the 33-year-old, noting that past hosts have been “really, really famous.”
“I think I’d be insane if I wasn’t anxious, although I’ve clinically been declared insane on several occasions. Perhaps my slight apprehension is a mark of my return to sanity.”
Brand might not be exaggerating about his diagnosis. At home he’s known for his hedonistic tendencies and drug-addled past, and he sought treatment for drug addiction and sex addiction.
He detailed his storied history in “My Booky Wook,” a memoir that was a best-seller in Britain and is due to be published in the U.S. in February.
A movie version of his story has been greenlit, but put on hold while Brand juggles other projects, including shaping his American image.
“Maybe that isn’t the best way for the people in America to get to know me because that book is kind of candid in some places,” he says.
Besides, his schedule is packed. He’ll appear with Adam Sandler and Keri Russell in the Christmas movie “Bedtime Stories.” He’s also co-writing and starring in a future Sandler film.
He’s reprising his “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” rock-star character in “Get Him to the Greek,” and he’s got another book in the works.
“My entire life is utterly defined by work and activity,” Brand says. “Luckily I work with really talented and well-organized people, otherwise I think I would become ill.”
He hopes to create a “celebratory” vibe for the Video Music Awards that keeps the spotlight on the performers and winners.
“The focus will only come on to me if spontaneity ensues,” he says. “It would be shortsighted and narcissistic for me to make it about me, although inevitably I will a bit.”
Rihanna, the Jonas Brothers, T.I. and Pink are among the performers set to appear on the live show. Britney Spears will make an appearance, and other surprises are planned.
“I’m hoping that spontaneity will play a part,” Brand says. “When you hear some of the performances that they’ve got planned, there’s so much technical precision required.
“How on Earth are they going to do that? Surely something is going to catch fire.”
It might just be Brand’s American image.
The birthday bunch
Jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins is 78. Singer Gloria Gaynor is 59. Singer Chrissie Hynde (The Pretenders) is 57. Actor Corbin Bernsen is 54. Actor Michael Emerson
(“Lost”) is 54. Model Angie Everhart is 39. Actor Tom Everett Scott is 38. Actress Shannon Elizabeth is 35. Actor Devon Sawa is 30. Actress Evan Rachel Wood is 21.