What happens when you put the Duck Dynasty men in a room with Katie Couric?
Katie Couric grills the Robertson men about their past (photo via Parade) Well, Couric starts out by asking them how in the world they went from backwoods hunters to spotlighted celebrities.
Willie took the initiative and told their story.
“Well we took the duck calls, and dad wanted to start making videos,” Willie says.
The only problem was that the Robertsons didn’t know how to make videos. They didn’t even own a camera. They were definitely not filmmakers.
So what they did was get the sound guys from their church, White’s Ferry Road Church of Christ, to shoot the original duck hunting videos. They pitched the videos to the Outdoor Channel and got picked up for regular programming. After the show started to air on TV, Duck Commander started getting overwhelmed with phone calls.
The stardom had begun.
“I remember when dad said, ‘Maybe we’ll make a T-shirt with Duck Commander on it,’” Willie continues. “And that was a good idea because we’ve sold a bunch of those.”
They’ve gotten so big and famous that Jep says it takes an extra 30 minutes just to go to the grocery store because he always gets stopped by fans.
Jep gives an example of the hardships of stardom.
“I was in the gym the other day and I was bench pressing and I got to much weight,” Jep says. “And I’m looking around and I see a guy taking pictures of me. I’m like, ‘I need help, man! Put that phone down!’”
After a hearty laugh from the audience and from the guys on the couch, Jep says, “It’s been different, but cool.”
It sure has been “cool” for the Robertsons. I’d say they’re pretty comfortable with life right now.
Watch the full interview below:
