Today I worked on a commercial, but instead of retiring in boredom to my usual cubbyhole next to wardrobe, I was entertained by the wonderfully weird, Tyler Nilson, “the most prolific hand model in this entire universe,” according to himself. Fortunately, the celestial success of this handy man hasn’t yet made him into a genuine hand diva. Tyler takes little seriously (including his cheese pulls). My kinda guy.
Tyler’s handsome hands have doubled for such hunks as David Beckham, John Slattery, Bret Favre and more.
Tyler says his “confidence” is what keeps him working with top directors, commanding more than impressive day rates. After recalling a campaign he shot in New York for Sharpie markers with Beckham, I asked why the production company didn’t hire a local hand model. His response: “I’ll tell you why. I’m the fuckin’ best.”
Tyler’s talents extend far beyond his fine phalanges. His sense of humor is what sets him apart from other parts models.
When Tyler isn’t lending a hand to big budget advertising, he and his silly sidekick, Nick Vitale, produce and star in Funny Or Die videos, with cameos featuring John C Reilly, Tim Meadows, Judd Apatow, Jake Kasdan and Chris Parnell.
If you ever wondered (you probably haven’t) what a day in the life of a hand model is like, check out Tyler in action shooting the new HTC smart phone…
Bad Hand Model from Tyler Nilson on Vimeo.
For all you fans of Footloose, watch Tyler bust a move (and pull a muscle)…
I kind of worship Beyonce. Tyler however finds black people “annoying”…
Tyler Nilson – DVD Extras from Tyler Nilson on Vimeo.
Haven’t ever laughed that hard on a hand job. Tyler kept me cackling all day. Yet my favorite Tyler truth is from his blog, Year of Weird:
“At one time I was younger than I am right now.” – Tyler
Handy Tip
I asked Tyler if he would contribute a handy beauty tip, to which he replied: “Don’t give a fuck and smile big and honest. Nothing more beautiful than that.”
Now that’s the serious truth.
Bet Tyler’s “cockumentary” came in handy when hand dubbing for Brett Favre. Thanks for the levity.
What would I do without you Schmootz? You keep me up on all the necessary news. I wasn’t aware that Mr. Favre’s hands were…uhm…full recently.
I’m learning so much about the hidden world of hand models, thanks to you, Adele. 😉
LOVE IT! thanks Addy:)
Yay! I was hoping you’d feel that way about my tribute to your handiness. You inspire me to lighten up and have more fun Tyler!
Thanks for the behind-the-scenes intrigue, Adele. I can’t tell you how great it is to know whose finger is pushing those iPhone icons.
Thanks Lynn, but actually Tyler does just about everything BUT the iPhone. Apparently Apple contracts a couple of exclusive hand models, one being Jason Karp (son of Bill Karp, the famous Handy Man I wrote about: https://adeleuddo.com/george-costanza-hand-model/handy-man/ ). I no longer see Jason since he shoots regularly for Apple, but maybe next time I see Bill, I’ll see about getting some more scoop… 🙂
Oh my word, I am just falling in love with ALL you “hand people”! Thank you for sharing all your “parts”! 🙂
Let the record show that I made the above comment BEFORE watching Mr. Nilson’s “cockumentary”
😉
Hahaaa DD! I too was a bit shocked to realize the extent of Tyler’s parts modeling career…. I tried to warn 😉
I can’t believe i missed another blog…shame on me. Parts models are the coolest people 🙂 especially YOU xx
i seem to be speechless which is unusual for me!
Nance, if a little penis shocked you…well, I guess I’m also shocked 😉