John Hodgman surprises people when he operates his iPhone

Hodgman says that not playing the role of PC did leave a hole in his creative life, but as a writer, he knew he could go off on different adventures. (MyNorthwest.com Photo/Alyssa Kleven)

You have probably seen John Hodgman around. He makes regular appearances on The Daily Show, he’s Jonathan Ames’ arch nemesis on the HBO series “Bored to Death,” and has shown up in a variety of supporting film roles.

And of course, he was the PC.

“I had been a magazine writer and was forced to be an ‘expert,'” says Hodgman of his career before becoming Mac’s iconic arch-rival. He says that has a writer and public radio host he had some fans – but nothing like the recognition that would come his way following his foray into advertisement icon.

“People who listen to you on the radio feel like they know you,” says Hodgman. “With television, you’re more like a ghost visiting them, you can’t interact with them like a friend.”

So when people see him out and about in real life, “People think it’s hilarious that I’m in three dimensions.” Apparently they also get a kick out of the “PC Guy” using an iPhone.”

Listen to the full, uncut interview with John Hodgman and his new book, “That is All.”

“I knew it wasn’t going to last,” says the now somewhat-disguised (now-mustached) Hodgman.”There is a reality warp, especially when you get that first rush of everybody seeing you for the first time.”

The ad campaign lasted much longer than Hodgman thought it would.

“It was very sad when it was over for me, not because I felt like it was inappropriate for it to end,” he says, “I suppose we sold all the computers, so it’s done.”

Hodgman says that not playing the role of PC did leave a hole in his creative life, but as a writer, he knew he could go off on different adventures.

Cut to a visit to Seattle; he’s promoting the third book in his trilogy “That Is All.” The trilogy, as he describes it, is fake trivia, “Like the nine U.S. presidents who had hooks for hands.”

And with the final book of the trilogy wrapped up, what lies ahead for Hodgman? A prequel perhaps? “I’m actually going to remake the first two books with a lot more CGI,” he jokes, saying he should amp it up for a younger audience.

Hodgman has at Town Hall Monday night, presented by Elliot Bay Book Company.