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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.
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.
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
ssguy42422 karma
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.
Iam_jgoldsmith_ama2772 karma
Sure. So long as it does not violate my morals contract and the money's in the bank.
te_pup2014 karma
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!
TheOakster1932 karma
Who do you think is the second most interesting man in the world?
How about the most interesting woman?
captshady1853 karma
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?
MBrandosHelperMonkey1847 karma
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?
Iam_jgoldsmith_ama2101 karma
I was left with one strong impression, the Vietnamese people are incredibly humble and charming and hospitable. Gracious in every way.
Iam_jgoldsmith_ama2658 karma
1) lovely 2)strong 3) ticklish 4) charming 5) mysterious 6) tasty 7) electric
OnlyDeathAwaits1566 karma
How many women have you dated since you are the Most Interesting Man in the World after all?
downvotesyouruglypet1387 karma
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?
Iam_jgoldsmith_ama2388 karma
The women in Vietnam are absolutely exquisite and charming. The food is exceptional.
rageengineer1278 karma
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?
somekindofbrett1230 karma
First off, my dad and I are very large fans of the commercials. So this is awesome. You never failed to make us laugh
- How did you get the part in this commercial ?
- Was this persona of "the most interesting man" something you or dos equis came up with ? 3.What is your favorite place to travel ?
Iam_jgoldsmith_ama2080 karma
- 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.
Iam_jgoldsmith_ama1316 karma
A collaboration I think.They have the best writers in the world.
My favorite places to travel are the Caribean, Rome, England, and now Vietnam
EstherHarshom1187 karma
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?
McTino1042 karma
How often do you get recognized? What's your most memorable encounter with a fan?
Iam_jgoldsmith_ama2121 karma
I get recognized very often. A set of twins jumped out of a Rolls Royce to meet me in Hollywood traffic.
littlemissmustache1002 karma
What event/moment made you realize that the commercial you made was something special?
Iam_jgoldsmith_ama2344 karma
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."
Canyoukoolaid898 karma
Hello sir, Thank you for doing this ama, my only question is....
What kind of ice cream is your favorite?
JackStalk865 karma
I stayed up an extra 3 hours later to make this. How do you feel about the level of popularity of your memes?
Iam_jgoldsmith_ama1681 karma
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.
Iam_jgoldsmith_ama1572 karma
Everybody has to do something, this is quite a nice gig. My mother would have been very proud.
Iam_jgoldsmith_ama1098 karma
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
chrono1465601 karma
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?
Iam_jgoldsmith_ama1440 karma
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!
connerysbeard577 karma
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?
Iam_jgoldsmith_ama952 karma
I moved to VT because I needed to find the time for serenity in a very special and beautiful area.
Iam_jgoldsmith_ama1556 karma
Your free falling and butterfly swirls are fine, but need to be finessed.
UberWhale506 karma
First off, huge fan here and love your commercials. Second what kind of cars do you have?
gjcbs475 karma
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!
Iam_jgoldsmith_ama1034 karma
Let me set the record straight... I have never appeared on Star Trek, if I remember correctly that is, which is always dubious.
HelixDnB444 karma
What is one piece of advice that you could give to someone to try to lead a life worth telling others about?
Iam_jgoldsmith_ama870 karma
Dont let anybody determine your worth, follow your dreams, and drive your own ship
greatvgnc1422 karma
Do you feel like you have to be interesting with people all the time? Do you regret doing the commercials?
Iam_jgoldsmith_ama887 karma
No, I'm just myself. Of course not, I have no regrets about doing the commercials. Why would I?
franundrum411 karma
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.
Iam_jgoldsmith_ama1338 karma
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.
TheOtherKav398 karma
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).
Iam_jgoldsmith_ama649 karma
Yes, it's for sale. Call Heritage Yachts in Long Beach and ask for Tony.
speaker_monkey377 karma
I'll ask the obvious question, what's the most interesting thing you've ever done?
Sorry of someone else already asked.
greybeck353 karma
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?
ChipSmash349 karma
Do you think you've taken on the persona in real life, or are you just naturally cool?
Iam_jgoldsmith_ama916 karma
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.
thefunivehad296 karma
i hear you speak fluent french, in russian. how is your vietnamese in spanish?
ronswansonba291 karma
Can we expect any new Most Interesting Man in the World Commercials anytime soon?
ThaddeusJP78 karma
Of all your work in television and film:
What are you most proud of?
What did you have the most fun doing?
Thanks for your charity work.
Iam_jgoldsmith_ama158 karma
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"
between0and150 karma
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?
Iam_jgoldsmith_ama92 karma
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
tugg-speedman2434 karma
What is your favorite "Most interesting man in the world" fact?
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