Why He's No. 31

More than just a one-trick pony, Cook has proven himself to be one of America's most promising new comedic actors. Over the past decade alone, he's appeared in big-budget fare like Mystery Men (1997), Stuck on You (2003), Waiting... (2005), and Employee of the Month (2006) as well as on hit shows like Suddenly Susan, Saturday Night Live and Crank Yankers. With six more productions in the hopper, it's easy to see why Time Magazine named Cook one of the 100 most influential people of 2006.

Back Stage

Does too much Cook ruin the broth? We're about to find out in the year ahead as Dane stars in six films, including Farce of the Penguins, Mr. Brooks, Good Luck Chuck, Transformers, and Dan in Real Life. Dane also hopes to continue to perform stand-up. "I love stand-up, it's my baby, and 15 years in it's getting better and better," he says.

"On stage I am the actor, director and the bouncer all at the same time. Fear does not exist in this dojo does it? NO SENSI! Sorry, when I get excited I have to toss in some Karate Kid quotes."

- Dane Cook

Forcaste

Sometimes referred to as "The most popular guy on MySpace," Beantown comedian Dane Cook has used the social networking website to launch himself into superstardom. In fact, his legions of frenzied fans helped make his CD, Retaliation, the most successful comedy album since Steve Martin's A Wild and Crazy Guy. "I've been blessed to have a job where I can give the 9-to-5ers a bit of a relief when life gets heavy, and I like to interact with those people," he says. "I like to let them know that I'm hearing them and I appreciate them."