The actor and writer of many talents stakes a claim to his comedic set.

By Justin Monroe; Photography by Chris McPherson; (HAIR) GINA BONAQUISTI; (MAKEUP) SHAUNA GIESBRECHT; (PHOTOS) HOMELESS MAN: ISTOCK

He’s never been featured in a Kings of Comedy movie, but Thomas Lennon wears a crown. If ye doubt, simply watch as the 38-year-old actor and writer rules over improv stages, movie theaters and the boob tube this spring. Best known as closeted, short-shorts-clad Lieutenant Jim Dangle on Reno 911! Lennon can be seen playing Paul Rudd’s man-date in I Love You, Man; Zac Efron’s dorky BFF in 17 Again; and Wilbur, one half of the Wright Brothers, in Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian (which he co-wrote with his regular writing partner, Ben Garant). In between his myriad projects, he sat with Complex to discuss testicle insurance and glory holes (in that order).

Are you ever concerned that your 911 calls might go unanswered because Reno parodies cops?

Thomas Lennon: Certainly, but cops love the show so much, it’s almost weird. It actually got me out of some serious trouble not too long ago. I looked out my front porch late at night and saw a guy with bolt cutters stealing my bicycle. I did what any concerned citizen would do: I chased him with my BB rifle for three blocks until he threw the bike down and ran. What I didn’t know was that all my neighbors had called the cops saying, “There’s a man with a rifle running in the middle of the street saying he’s gonna kill somebody.” The guy didn’t have my bike anymore, so it basically looked like I was just a crazed guy on a shooting rampage.

But the cops recognized you?

Thomas Lennon: Of the 17 cops that showed up on the scene, the 17th was a big fan.

How ironic. Dangle’s bike always gets stolen on Reno.

Thomas Lennon: Yeah, that was a level of irony that was not really that funny when I was handcuffed in the cop car.

Are you considered a gay icon for your work as Lt. Dangle?

Thomas Lennon: I think I was once in a photo quiz in Out magazine called “Match the gay icon with the photo.” So, I guess so, yes.

Dangle’s become a pretty popular Halloween costume. Is there any concern about what those imposters are out there doing?

Thomas Lennon: Oh, I’d say there’s nothing but concern—I mean, any dude who really, really wants to dress up like Lt. Dangle for Halloween has probably got some issues. He either wants to shave his legs or try the pantyhose. It’s a gateway costume. Next Halloween you might be dressed up like Frank N. Furter.

Seeing as the uniform consists of tight short-shorts, have you insured your testicles?

Thomas Lennon: I haven’t, and I probably should have, ’cause I could have made a couple claims. After six straight years in them, I’m at the level of permanent damage. Home // CELEBRITIES // THE SHOTCALLER // Thomas Lennon