Q&A with a Mythbuster
By Jeff Frankel
Tory Belleci of The Discovery Channel’s popular program, Mythbusters, spoke at the Bart Luedeke Center Theater last Saturday. Before going on, he had the chance to talk about his most daring stunts on the popular show.
Q: You said you would want to go over the Niagara Falls in a barrel. It seems pretty dangerous; ever think you should let Buster handle that one?
A: We would try and rig Buster up so that we can tell, when he hits the water, how much [of an impact] he took. By that information, we can find out if he survived the fall.
Q: What’s it like working at M5 Industries?
A: It’s great. We have such a close-knit group of people that we work with. It’s tough because you’re working long hours doing a stressful job. It’s amazing that everyone works together so well.
Q: In the show, you are the go-to guy when it comes to performing the more dangerous stunts. Why’s that?
A: I’ve always been a daredevil. When I was a kid I used to ride motorcycles; I was very stupid in a sense. I used to jump off my parents house onto a mattress. There is a big group of people who have done that. That’s why Jackass is so successful because there are so many people that do the same thing. I just happen to be that guy to try it.
Q: Do you have any plans for more on-camera work; let’s say if and when Mythbusters ends?
A: I’ve got some ideas that I have been pitching around. I never wanted to be a host [or] be in front of the camera. That’s why I got into the film industry, because I wanted to be behind the scenes. But now, it’s fun, it pays better than being behind the scenes. I’m trying to come up with some ideas with TV shows I can host, but if Mythbusters gets canceled, I’m really going to push to go make a feature [film]. That’s what I’ve always wanted to do.
