By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
June 4, 2004
Before ‘N Sync and the Backstreet Boys, there was the New Kids on the Block. Joey McIntyre — the littlest kid — is now a married man of 31 who is touring to promote his new solo album, “8:09” (Artemis Records). A successful actor who has starred onstage (“tick, tick … BOOM!”) as well as in film (the upcoming “Tony ‘n’ Tina’s Wedding”) and TV (“Boston Public”), McIntyre is concentrating on his singing now.
Calling from California, the Boston-reared McIntyre recently called to chat about his career, his wife and, yes, a possible New Kids reunion.
HERE’S WHAT MCINTYRE HAD TO SAY:
On still being perceived as a kid: I’m a 31-year-old guy. I know how old and mature I am and what my life is all about. I’m not sure how people see me, but I know I like to do good work and things that are challenging. I don’t see being perceived as young as being a bad thing.
On still calling yourself Joey as opposed to Joe or Joseph: I don’t see what the big deal is with just keeping the name people know you by. Joey’s fine. My wife calls me Joseph. My friends call me Joey. It’s up to the individual on what they want to call me, but I like to think that my career doesn’t rest on whether I’m Joe or Joseph or Joey.
On a New Kids on the Block reunion: It seems like everyone has a reunion, whether they were together for two weeks or 10 years. If there was one, I’d have to be a part of it. It wouldn’t be a reunion without Joe Mac! [Laughs]
Which Kids are still friendly: We’re all friendly, but some I see more than others. Donnie [Wahlberg] and I talk the most out of everybody. I don’t see the other guys too much. Everyone’s busy doing their own things.
Acting vs. singing: When I was on “Boston Public,” some people said it seemed like I went from one to the other really easily, but right now I’m concentrating on the record. As far as acting, I have to be patient. I’ve been lucky so far whether it was stage or TV or movies, but at times it’s been frustrating because you have to balance both and take it as it comes.
Dealing with negative reviews and fans who turn on you: You can do something that’s really important to you and think you’re doing a good job, and a critic comes in and doesn’t agree. That’s the risk you take. You can’t hold your breath and think about what everyone else is thinking about you.
Living on the West Coast: I never thought I’d be a West Coast guy from Boston, but it has actually been wonderful. We have a little spot in New York and a place in Boston, but L.A. is our base.
Why you didn’t wait until Aug. 9 to release “8:09”: Because I can’t wait that long. Maybe there’ll be some August 9th connection still. Maybe it’ll be a hit record by then.
On last minute tweaking: There’s always plenty of anxiety when you’re working on a record. Until you hand over the final master to the record company, you’re constantly wanting to change it around.
How “Boston Public” is responsible for meeting your wife: When I came to L.A. to do the show, I needed a place to stay. My manager’s husband is a real estate broker who said I should meet this new girl in his office. She was one of those girls who flew under the New Kids radar. She wasn’t a fan. But the important thing is she likes my music now.
Your thoughts on marriage: It’s the most fun, best thing in the world. It’s a healthy thing, too. When you’re loved, you’re healthy and you just — I know this sounds corny — have that extra glow. We’re having a blast. I really met my match.
On dealing with writer’s block: You just keep doing what you’re doing. There are hard days and there are fun days. They’re all part of the deal.
