Many are familiar with the awesome quotes (that will f*ck you up with all kinds of truth) from Eastbound and Down‘s Kenny Powers, but few realize the many real-life inspirations behind the fictional legend. Following Powers’ life lessons may get his followers nowhere, but at least they’ll have fun in the process. Powers always aimed to reclaim his own former glory, but the story behind the man is a riveting one indeed.
As this video reveals, Powers’ character name was taken from the 1970s stuntman who strapped a freaking rocket to his Lincoln Continental and tried to hop a body of water. Things did not go well in true Powers fashion. Atlanta Braves reliever John Rocker inspired many of the HBO Powers’ unfortunate statements against minorities. As far as Powers’ tendency to take out cameramen goes, Mets Reliever Kenny Rogers may have had a hand in that character trait. However, the most important detail of all — Powers’ glorious mullet — sprang from the head of Mitch “Wild Thing” Williams.
When it came down to the nitty gritty, the Eastbound and Down writers couldn’t simply pattern the character after one guy. Powers is kind of a big deal, so inspiration came from far and wide to make him come to life onscreen. Danny McBride was in charge of bringing it all together in epic fashion, and the man (unlike the character) delivered.
