The Dell Dude
Benjamin Bowmar Curtis (aka the Dell Dude and Slacker Steve) was born November 2, 1980 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Curtis is an American actor and former spokesman for Dell Computers. Curtis was prominently featured in the popular "Dell Dude" ads from 2000 to 2003.
As part of a commercial advertising campaign, Curtis portrayed the character Steven. This advertising campaign popularized the phrase "Dude, you're getting a Dell." The commercials would usually feature chipper Steven informing prospective buyers of all the perks of owning a Dell. When the party was sold on the idea he would close with the catchphrase "Dude, you're getting a Dell". The campaign was a huge success and not only helped bring prominence to Dell, but to Curtis as well.
On February 9, 2003, Curtis was caught attempting to buy a bag of marijuana on Manhattan's Lower East Side. Curtis was arrested and charged with criminal possession of marijuana. Due to recognizability of Curtis, word of the arrest spread quickly through the media. A chain email of the story even cropped-up as it was forwarded around the internet using the iconic parodied phrase "Dude, you're getting a cell!"
Due to his charitable works the judge in his case was lenient. The case was adjourned in contemplation of dismissal, such that the case would be dismissed and Curtis's record cleared if he remained clean for the next twelve months. Dell spokesman Venancio Figueroa maintained that Curtis' relationship with the company was "still in place." Despite this statement, Dell, Inc. however terminated Curtis' employment and ended its relationship with him soon afterward, citing unspecified violations of company policy; whether these violations were related to the arrest is unclear. However, it is believed that Curtis was already in the process of being phased-out in favor of a new pitch for Dell. In early 2003, the ad campaign was dropped in favor of a new set of commercials about three Dell interns.
(related; twamp sack ; dub sack, dime bag)
As part of a commercial advertising campaign, Curtis portrayed the character Steven. This advertising campaign popularized the phrase "Dude, you're getting a Dell." The commercials would usually feature chipper Steven informing prospective buyers of all the perks of owning a Dell. When the party was sold on the idea he would close with the catchphrase "Dude, you're getting a Dell". The campaign was a huge success and not only helped bring prominence to Dell, but to Curtis as well.
On February 9, 2003, Curtis was caught attempting to buy a bag of marijuana on Manhattan's Lower East Side. Curtis was arrested and charged with criminal possession of marijuana. Due to recognizability of Curtis, word of the arrest spread quickly through the media. A chain email of the story even cropped-up as it was forwarded around the internet using the iconic parodied phrase "Dude, you're getting a cell!"
Due to his charitable works the judge in his case was lenient. The case was adjourned in contemplation of dismissal, such that the case would be dismissed and Curtis's record cleared if he remained clean for the next twelve months. Dell spokesman Venancio Figueroa maintained that Curtis' relationship with the company was "still in place." Despite this statement, Dell, Inc. however terminated Curtis' employment and ended its relationship with him soon afterward, citing unspecified violations of company policy; whether these violations were related to the arrest is unclear. However, it is believed that Curtis was already in the process of being phased-out in favor of a new pitch for Dell. In early 2003, the ad campaign was dropped in favor of a new set of commercials about three Dell interns.
(related; twamp sack ; dub sack, dime bag)
