I’ll be honest; I’m a big Ben Cohen fan, so when tasked with interviewing the former rugby player pin-up, now founder of StandUp anti-bullying foundation, prior to his upcoming appearance at XXL’s Bear Pride this weekend, I was a little intimidated. It’s weird to be talking to someone you once had a poster of on your bedroom wall.
XXL’s Mark Ames wrestled the mob of hungry bears off of Mr Cohen just long enough for us to have a chat, and thankfully, Ben was one of the sweetest and most gentlemanly guys I’ve ever had the pleasure of interviewing. I probably won’t ever mention Pooh Sticks to him again though.
Ben Cohen interview By James Egan
Hey Ben, how are you?
Not too bad, but busy. Busy, busy!
I was supposed to see you at a signing once, but my friend got too nervous and we didn’t go.
Oh, that’s crazy!
He’s regretted it ever since. When he found out I was speaking to you today he let out a pained squeal and ran away.
[laughs] Oh, bless.
You’re at XXL’s Bear Pride event this May Bank holiday, are you looking forward to it?
Of course I am! It’s always an experience.
What will you be doing?
I’ll be giving a talk and meeting people. People like to know what I’ve been up to and what I’m doing, in respect of the foundation. Where the money’s going and all that.
You’ve done quite a few signings and appearances for gay audiences. Do you ever get any weird requests? Like people asking you to flash them or if they can lick your arm?
Urgh, god no! Is that what your friend wanted to do?
I think so. I think that’s why we had to cancel. Hmmm. [Laughs.] No absolutely not. The great thing is, they’re all very respectful. I don’t do too many signings or appearances, but when I do, there’s a mutual respect. Which is very important.
How did you get involved with XXL?
They reached out to us, saying they’d like to hold an event for the foundation. We’re always looking for partnerships and people to help raise awareness and money.
You created Stand Up Foundation to combat bullying, was that specifically about bullying in a sporting environment?
It’s about bullying across the board. It’s about supporting organisations that do the real hard work. We raise awareness and funds and we give money away in grants to organisations. We wanted to support those organisations and not compete.
What drove you specifically to choose bullying as the cause you wanted to get behind?
My dad was murdered protecting someone from suffering at the hands of other people. That’s basically why. We wanted – I wanted – to be able to make a difference and be a role model. I like the idea of being a straight man bridging that gap between gay and straight communities, really breaking down stereotypes.
“It’s about bullying across the board. It’s about supporting organisations that do the real hard work” – Ben Cohen.
Now, seeing as it’s XXL Bear Pride, I’ve got some really terrible bear-based questions to ask you.
Okay…
Have you ever got a beehive stuck on your head, like Winnie the Pooh?
No.
Have you ever played ‘Pooh Sticks’? That sounds weird out loud.
…No [laughs]
Do you own any yellow tartan trousers like Rupert?
No, but that would be interesting if I did.
You could pick some up for XXL.
That would be hilarious!
Fozzie the Bear from the Muppets was a comedian, are you any good at telling jokes?
I’m shit! I’m too serious, that’s the problem.
Care Bears or Grizzly Bears?
Grizzly bears. No, actually, Care Bears. My kids are into Care Bears.
You’re a caring bear yourself, so you can identify.
Exactly.
Have you ever eaten a prickly pear like Baloo in Jungle Book?
…No?
Yogi Bear or Boo Boo?
Oh, Yogi Bear!
Why?
To be honest, that’s the only one I know.
Are you any good at catching salmon swimming upstream?
[laughs] Yes! Yes, with my bare hands!
Fantastic. Just to let you know, the lady in accounts just screamed “HE’S MINE!” across the office. So if you want a date with a small Jewish lady, the offer is there.
[laughs] Oh, well, I’m not Jewish.
She’s very disappointed.
I bet.
• XXL Bear Pride is Saturday 23rd May at Pulse (No. 1 Invicta Plaza, South Bank, SE1 9UF) from 10pm – 7am. Tickets £16/£9 members.
