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Who knew Undercover Brother is a polymath? Eddie Griffin is a jack of all trades, master of many.

The 42-year-old film actor best known from "Undercover Brother," the "Deuce Bigalow" films and "Scary Movie 3" is also a veteran TV actor, having starred in the UPN television series "Malcolm & Eddie" with Malcolm-Jamal Warner from 1996 to 2000.

But Griffin, born in Kansas City, Mo., always considered dance his first love. At 16, he opened his own dance studio and choreographed the Kansas City Chiefs' halftime shows.

But that's not all. Griffin, also an accomplished musician, is a frequent collaborator with rap superproducer Dr. Dre, as well as Snoop Dogg and T-Pain. Griffin was featured on Dre's "2001" album and his much-anticipated follow-up, due in early 2011.

A dare led him on the path to become a stand-up, and he will bring his wild stage persona and gesticulations to Utah this Saturday.

Griffin answered The Tribune's questions via e-mail, talking about his first time performing stand-up comedy, his chance meeting with his idol Richard Pryor, and his time as a reality-TV star in last year's "Eddie Griffin: Going for Broke."

What priority is music in your already busy career?

Doing music is relaxing for me. I do it because I really enjoy it. There isn't any pressure for me because when I go into the studio I'm like a kid in a candy store.

I understand you started your stand-up career on a dare. Tell me about that.

My cousin dared me to go onstage. Actually, he bet me $50 I wouldn't, and at the time I was dead broke, so I went up and stayed there 45 minutes. The club kicked me out because they were so pissed about how long I stayed up there. I got a standing ovation the first time and still got kicked out.

Do you bring your dance background consciously into your stand-up routine?

No, but it has come in handy on some jokes.

On "Malcolm & Eddie," you also wrote and directed four episodes, one of which starred Richard Pryor. Describe what it was like meeting and collaborating with Mr. Pryor.

When I met Richard for the first time, I was working the door at The Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood. I was in awe and shock when I met him, because he was the person I most admired in comedy. He saw me onstage that night and came up to me after my set and told me that I reminded him of himself 20 years earlier. From that night on, we had a father-son relationship. He came on the show for me because I asked him to. He was the best [stand-up comedian] ever.

What is your creative relationship with Dr. Dre?

I worked on "2001" with Dr. Dre. We are friends and he asked me to do it.

What was your goal when starting out with "Eddie Griffin: Going for Broke"?

I wanted people to get to know the real Eddie. They have known the comedian and actor, but I don't think people really knew who I was as a person. I didn't like having cameras follow me around 24-7, so I didn't sign on for a second season. —

Undercover in Utah: Eddie Griffin

When • Saturday, Dec. 18, at 7:30 and 10 p.m.

Where • Wiseguys, 2194 W. 3500 South, West Valley City

Tickets • $25 at door or wiseguyscomedy.com