Chris Cunningham, better known to the world as Chris Crocker, emerged as a viral-video star back in 2007, when his “Leave Britney Alone” clip garnered more than four million views in two days. But he’ll be getting more mainstream cred as the subject of the upcoming HBO documentary, Me @ the Zoo, which airs June 25. The film—named for the first clip ever uploaded on YouTube—follows Crocker’s evolution from an Internet meme, with subsequent stops and starts along the way, to where he is today.
Queerty’s Benjamin Beaton spoke with Crocker at the Zoo‘s Tribeca Film Festival screening, where the 24-year-old native Tennesseean revealed directors Chris Moukarbel and Valerie Veatch didn’t originally plan to make the film all about him at all:
“It was going to be about reality, the performance of just being yourself on camera,” he says. “They were interviewing other reality stars. They came to find that one of Chris’ close family friends was from ten minutes away from my house. As Chris and Valerie would come down and shoot more footage, [things] just started to unfold. I guess my story just overtook their original idea.”
Below Crocker discusses the film, his porn prospects and his plans for the future.
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Me @ The Zoo debuts June 25 on HBO.
In Zoo, it seems like you have kind of a parental relationship with your mom. Is that accurate?
The minute I was brought into this world, I had a kid of my own. Because I have had to be a mentor and watch over my mother all the time. In that way, I know what it’s like to want the best for someone and feel parental.
Do you see yourself as a role model?
I’m not a role model, no. Maybe a mentor. I do things I don’t encourage other kids to do because I have a different sense of self, like posting naked pictures online. So I definitely don’t see myself as a role model.
But if kids write to me on YouTube I always write them back, and I always get kids telling me I make them feel more confident going into school, with my tell-it-like-it-is attitude. If I can impart confidence in kids I’m more than happy to write back.
Do you have any plans to leave Tennessee?
Yes, I’m moving to New York City this June. I’m very excited! I’m glad I have a network now, that’s why it has taken me so long to sort out where I want to go next. I have my friends from the film now, my music producers live here, and my new friends live here.
How is your music career going? What’s the status of your album, Beyond?
The music is going really well! I have sold almost 100,000 songs with no label. [We are doing Beyond] single by single right now, and letting it compile. If it turns into an album then it does. But I’m also really impulsive. When I make a video, I instantly want to put it online, and when I make a song I instantly want to put it on iTunes.
I have about 13 or 14 songs on iTunes, so it is like there is an album already. I’m so impatient in terms of waiting for an album to formulate, I like to just get the singles out there. I’m addicted to reaction, I love it. As soon as I finish something I want to hear what they think about it.
Speaking of public reaction, you had announced you were going into porn. Is that still in the works?
I don’t know, I mean I already have so many nudes out there that if I’m in a nice hotel with great lighting and I want to whip out my penis, it might happen. I can’t take back the nudes I have out there already. After this movie came out I now have a lot of offers from producers and stuff. But doing a full-fledged porn is different from having nudes out, so I don’t know yet. We’ll have to see. The book is not closed or open, it’s just there.
Are you excited Britney is going to be a judge on The X-Factor?
I think she is going to chew her gum and be like, “That was really cool, you did great, you have such an amazing talent!” She will just talk in circles and bullshit—which will be great!
GregR
Wow. He is super cute.
Cam
He is a good example of why a person shouldn’t just go with every impulse that they have. He already sounds a bit regretful of a few things.
Everybody does things they wish they could take back, he just did them with an audience. Seems like he is becoming fairly grounded.
reality
Can we please just act like this piece of trash never existed? Jesus christ.
BJ McFrisky
This cutie is the same freak who wailed, “Leave Britney alooooone” ??? Wow, I guess some people can clean up right nice.
jason
Chris Crocker aspires to making porn? Darling, you’ve mistaken the gutter for the stars.
james
Moving to NYC? LMFAO! great another gay with dreams of moving to the big city, only to get consumed by NYC and get addicted to meth and whore himself out. Well at least with doing porn, he has covered the “whoring out” part. You’re half way there CHRIS!
jt
typical <>>
angelo
f a m e w h o r e
kevin
AHHHH yes it gets better… (really?) what a bunch of cynical nasty twats..
TJ
Who knew he was that cute? WTF.
Also @ James. Please have you seen that video? That child is no stranger to drugs.
And lastly OMG to the whole I’m a mentor thing. A porn star mentor? You give kids advice on how to make scary crazy videos about popstars and become famous? Not everyone has something to offer. 100,000 songs… OK.
Bob
He reiterated he does not see himself as a role model and that kids write to him on YouTube that his persona gives them confidence.
He has for years delivered DEFIANT videos for gay youth to feel empowered vicariously, who have been bullied.
JD
This guy needs to get over his 10 seconds of fame and move on with his life.
WewaBoi
Bitter much, guys? He seems like a sweet, down-to-earth guy who enjoys living his life without the traditional boundaries that are obviously all-consuming to bitter detractors. So he wants to perform for an audience, what’s wrong with that? There are plenty of young gay kids out there who are true to themselves, who enjoy performing, and who dream of having a better life – whatever that means to them. He has shown them that the dream is possible. If he gives some gay kids hope, then he’s a great role model. If you feel THAT judgemental about his life, go join a church.
Francis
What annoys me, as a working performer, is that guys like this shoot to fame with no qualifications whatsoever other than a reality/YouTube presence. Professional performers work their tails off to make good art, and this kid and other like him zip right by all of us – and they can’t do anything. The Kardashians, the Jersey Shore cast, this kid – why does it happen? I know life isn’t fair and them’s the breaks, but that doesn’t make it any less infuriating. Perhaps drama schools should stop with the Shakespeare and theater history classes and tell students to just make a YouTube video and watch the cash roll in.
reality
Stop telling people they are bitter because they don’t want to believe that this idiot is somehow someone we should be happy for. He’s trash. He always has been trash. He always will be trash.
Gay guys will support anything that they think will look good bottoming for them. Never mind someone’s personality. Are they hot?
fuck. you.
John
He seems sweet and full of himself… but isn’t at 24?
There isn’t much there there, is there? I wish him well and hope he can parlay his celewebrity into something lucrative.
Cam
@WewaBoi:
Could everybody please stop using the “True to themselves” line? That was the rambling of a drunk Paula Abdul.
It isn’t being “True to themselves”.
It is, “Hey, I think I want to be famous and acting doesn’t seem like a lot of work.”
I mean lets be realistic here. Anybody looking to do Porn isn’t really interested in hard work, (No pun intended)
Matt
I saw pics of Chris Crocker’s “Porn” it’s just him naked with some dude and it’s oral sex.
I have no idea if he actually took it further and went to a studio or did a video for Sean Cody or anything like that.
Bryan
Why’s he getting more attention?
Justin
@reality: Stop telling people they are bitter because they don’t want to believe that this idiot is somehow someone we should be happy for. He’s trash. He always has been trash. He always will be trash.
You tell someone to stop calling you bitter, then you go and say one of the most bitter things you could possibly say. I think someone needs a reality check.
Kent Oddvar Johansen
hello he’s just a smart boy! and I love the new look 😉
to all your haters out there, shut up and get a life!
jealousy is sooo yesterday 🙂
Devin
The commenters above clearly do not follow Chris Crocker at all and only know him for the Britney video.
Chris IS very talented. The documentary will be phenomenal, I’m sure.
Philip
@WewaBoi: Well said, my friend, and very balanced if I may say. I really respect this young Man for having the guts to go by his instincts. And thus far, is doing so well as a result. Good for him.
cthcody
I honestly don’t see how people assume he was handed all of this on a silver platter. That is not the case. Chris is genuine and has worked hard for many years now. He has rightfully earned this. All the hate is pathetic! His success obviously intimidates people. Chris is a very sweet person who wears his heart on his sleeve! Everybody who is so quick to judge him take a look at how YOU point the finger!
Tam
WTH? Chris Crocker is one of the few worthwhile queer celebrities under 30. He’s smart, and surprisingly attractive. As for the fame whoring, I don’t think anyone who spends their days compulsively sharing their every thought on Queerty is in any position to criticise. I say let him have his 30 minutes. He’s not doing any harm, and its much more well deserved than some of the crap out there.
Derek Williams
A heartstoppingly incredible human being.
Jeff
So cute! I would love to see him get pounded. The first time I saw his new look, I was completely stunned and turned on at the same time. I love his normal look now. I follow him on twitter as well and he is actually quite smart and funny.
Darren
She really needs to get over herself!
Lifer
But who’s gonna look after his mama????
James
I don’t think there is anything at all wrong with Chris. The same cannot be said of some of the people who have written so negatively here. Go your own way, Chris – it’s the only life you get, buddy.
Hephaestion
Great interview. Chris, stay away from drugs of all kinds and stay away from assholes with no intellect and you’ll go far.
Jamsiefromtheblock
Why are you talking about him like you know him? I know this is society and you’re allowed to have your own opinion, but don’t make yourself look Like an idiot. Yeah, he’s moving to new York, which is predominantly a city with a higher population of homosexuals, but not every “gay” wants to go there. Chris is actually an intelligent, intellectual male, and the only reason you hate him is because you’re just angry that you’re not brave enough to put yourself out there and voice your opinions on certain matters that hit close to home for you. Chris is also an inspiration to lots of people. Not because he’s gay and so am I. Not because he’s out there. But because he has heart. More heart than any of his haters could ever possess.
Cascadethewarrior
@Francis: Don’t get mad at Chris because you aren’t born with a star quality. Some people have to work harder than others to achieve the same goals, that’s just the way life is get over it. You are just bitter because you are doing twice as much work with less outcome. Get mad at your self for not getting to where you’re getting not at others you hater.
Cascadethewarrior
@reality: You are bitter. What has Chris done to you? Exactly, nothing.
Cam
@Devin: said…
“The commenters above clearly do not follow Chris Crocker at all and only know him for the Britney video.”
_________________________
Is this a joke? I LOVE the way you say that people “CLEARLY don’t follow Chris Crocker” as if it is some kind of put down.
I’m sorry, but “Following” some sort of quasi once was, is something you should be embarrassed about.
Danny
If Chris Crocker really had 15 minutes of fame, he’d be LONG GONE by now. So yeah, that excuse is just stupid. Everyone here obviously just hates on him because of the Britney video or just because he’s gay. He seems like a really great guy and I love his videos and songs and can’t wait to see the doc. I’m young and watching his videos really brings confidence to myself, and I will continue to support him. So why are ya’ll wasting your time on him when you claim to not like him?
mikeandrewsdantescove
I’m disappointed that Chi Chi and Chris Crocker won’t be doing a porn together. After all the big up, this should have happened.
Model – Allen A
http://moveamountain13.blogspot.com/2012/05/model-allen.html
lex
all i see is haters haters haters dam …. i love Chris he is so fucking inspirational. he cute as a girl or a boy and i respect him more then almost anyone out there because he tells it like it is and all you hater can hate because he’s probably doing better then all of y’all, you know like the documentary about him…. yea bet you don’t have one do you
Devin
@Devin UH…. It’s to point out that you wouldn’t even consider him a “once was” if you knew everything he has been doing consistently for years. He is NOT what the public thinks and that is why he has a doc, you fucking moron.
Kevin
Dude. I’m going to make this the simplest post on here. Ready? Here we go:
If you don’t fucking like him, do not watch him. If you feel he has something you should have, go take a few steps back and see what you did wrong that he did right. Then, go cry in the corner and think to yourself, “Everyone hates me”.. you emo bitches. He’s a success. Get over it. Why are people so upset when someone else gets success? You should be happy for that person no matter how they got it. Some of you just really have no lives. You put him down so hard and say all these things about him and how HE has no life, yet you find time to stalk him and watch all of his videos, read his blogs, follow him on twitter, etc. WHO is the one with NO LIFE? Look in the mirror, dick.
UsualPlayers
seems like nice guy
don’t get the porn thing
Rachel J. Clark
Don’t knock someone else’s way of expressing themselves. If he’s not physically hurting himself or anyone else, who gives a damn. I personally admire Chris Crocker and what he stands for. Am I a porn fan? Not in the least. Would I express myself in that way? No. But if he is doing what makes him happy, you all should just SHOVE IT AND GO DO SOMETHING PRODUCTIVE WITH YOUR LIVES, PLEASE. He is an inspiration to a good many people, myself included. Maybe you love to hate him, but either way he will benefit because all press is good press, isn’t it? 🙂 He will, just like a real fighter, always come out on top. You haters are entitled to your opinion, and the rest of us are entitled not not give a fuck.
IBM
@WewaBoi: Nicely put.
IBM
@Rachel J. Clark: Beautifully put Rachel. Ian Liverpool UK
chris039
Wow.On’re a super handsome and nice
MisterTwister
LOL. Who???
chris039
angielski
polski
I’m Polish male
reality
I guess all of Chris’ livejournal friends invaded this thread?
Derek
No Reality you are just a nasty dick…..
reality
@Derek:
Nope, just calls em as I sees em.
I refuse to believe I am compelled as a gay man to like all gay men. This kid is an embarrassment. Everyone in the world, gay and straight alike, were making fun of his stupid outbursts and the filmmakers who did this self-indulgent documentary focused on him because their original concept was unsalable. They went with the lowest common denominator to attract attention since America loves to watch trash and train wrecks. He is the gay Anna Nicole Smith.
He should try to get an education and a job instead of chasing another 15 minutes of fame.
Also, fuck you.
Cascadethewarrior
@reality: It’s sad to see people just born to hate on others. Why wouldn’t he want to extend his “15 minutes” of fame? Only an idiot would try not to. Obviously just because you are gay you don’t have to like all gay people, just like all those hetero’s don’t have to like each other. BUT have you actually ever talked to Chris? Have you met him? Have you been in his shoes? No you probably haven’t so you really can’t speak as if you know him.
teto
Chris Crocker is an artist but, now, mainly an art object. He was a solid comedian in his early days, but he currently exists in that rap industry cycle where his relationship with his haters defines his work more than anything else. He constantly reminds me that everyone hates him, to the point that it blacks out any other message he has. His music is adequate but not notable, and his rants aren’t articulate thanks to his obession with answering haters. I would love to see the old Chris back- not in the sense of him necessarily doing comedy but in the sense that he used to feel genuinely playful about his audience. Now, he seems to be overwhelmed with sensitivity and put on the defense, still recovering from the terrible treatment he received from the mainstream media. I think ultimately the most unfair or sad thing that happened to Chris is that he was one of the original YouTube successes, but YouTube wanted a Disney channel experience of predictable entertainers who offended barely anyone, and so Chris was ditched when they made their “Mousketeer” lineup. I think everything since that time is ultimately a reaction to his success being denied by the general media, and he hasn’t recovered his sense of self. Like everyone else, he wanted to be loved. I was a fan, I suppose I’m still a fan, but lately if I catch one of his videos I just get the uncomfortable feeling he needs to log off the internet….like everyone else these days, including me.
Anyway, no matter how irritating or fame-hungry you find him to be, there’s no reason to hate him. There’s no reason to hate (or pay attention) to the Kardashians or Paris Hilton or anyone else you find embarrassing. If your intention is to hurt them, you should look in the mirror and ask yourself if that’s really such an enlightened thing to do.
Leakim
@james: just because that’s the way your life went… doesn’t give you the right to shit on others dreams….
ryan
@james:
wow! ass much?
MoJo
I am NOT a fan, but dude Really does make a cute boy!