Daniel Lawrence Whitney, better known as Larry the Cable Guy, shot to superstardom on The Blue Collar Comedy tour. Born in 1963 and raised on an 80-acre farm in the small town of Pawnee City, Nebraska. He's since done numerous tours and several movies and released several gold comedy albums. His casting years later made him an iconic character in entertainment. Disney Pixar wisely cast him in Cars as Mater, a rusted-out old tow truck with a penchant for tipping tractors in the middle of the night. Cars is Back, this time for a short-run series called "Road Trip." The title explains it all McQueen and Mater take an epic road trip. We got a chance to zoom with about the experience.
STRIPLV: Why do you think that Mater has become such a beloved character for 16 years now? LARRY: I believe that Mater has become a beloved character for 16 years now because he is just lovable man. Mater enjoys life. He's a good friend, and what makes Mater happy is making other people happy. He's always the first one with the tow. He wants to help, and he might not be the best-tasting doughnut in the box. Whatever that means, but he's a good friend. He's just a good faithful friend to have. Everyone wants to have a good friend like Mater. He is sweet, he's lovable he's kind. He's uplifting, and don't we all need that today? He's uplifting and kind and always wants to help others. That's what Mater does. And he's funny! And man, I think that's a good reason. STRIPLV: Why do you think the audience relates to McQueen and Mater's longtime friendship? LARRY: I think that audiences relate to the relationship between Mater and McQueen is that I think everybody has a friend just like that. People have friends that are a little bit opposite of them. I know I do. I have a buddy of mine that is 180 degrees, which I am not. And I have been friends with him since 1986. And I will do anything for him. If he ever needs help. And I think a lot of people have friends like that. I think a lot of friends, every now and then, you get into a little tiff, but at the end of the day, nothing is going to break that friendship. And that's like Mater and McQueen. At the end of the day, no matter what happens through thick and thin, they are buddies. So, I think people can relate to that. I think everyone has a friend like that. Somebody that you can say anything to. And share things with, and you don't have to worry what they think about or worry about looking down on you. You know what I mean? I mean, everyone has a friend like that. Mater and McQueen are like that. STRIPLV: What has voicing the character of Mater meant to you personally? LARRY: Well, it's iconic. When I first got the part, I couldn't believe what it would turn into. The Cars franchise has turned into this iconic franchise. It's something that will always be around people will always remember. And to be able to voice Mater, who is one of obviously one of the main parts. It's indescribable, and I can't be thankful enough. When I think about it, I just tear up. It's just awesome we go to the theme park and hear Mater's voice in the theme park. You know I mean? For a kid that grew up in a town of 1,270 in Nebraska raising pigs and working a cattle truck, I'll be honest. That's pretty cool. STRIPLV: What was the best part about taking Mater on this wild cross-country road trip? LARRY: That's one of the best parts about being in this franchise. When you get the script, these guys that write the scripts, you know, they get Mater. They've been with him since the beginning, so I think I know I'm going to have something that's funny, and they will let me add whatever I want so it's working together it's just funny and fun. You know, when you asked me what did I learn in becoming Mater? I didn't really learn much because I know what Mater is like. I think what people will learn is that Mater and McQueen are spending a lot of time with each other. So they have a lot of those same little friendship quarrels, but other than that, I mean, for me, I think I've been through everything that Maters gone through my whole life (laughing). I'm not that bright, but I love people, and I love life. I think I'm kind of the same. STRIPLV: What do you think viewers, young and old, will take away from these shorts? LARRY: I think viewers will take away from this series is that a friend is a friend until the end. You know, I think that they will take away that being kind and wanting to help people in the end that is what is all about with me. They are going to take away what a good friendship is about, and they are also going to take away some great memories and great characters, and they are going to take away a lot of laughs. They will be entertained, that's for sure.