John Lehr stars in the hilarious TBS comedy 10 Items or Less, which he also co-produces and co-writes. If you don't have the opportunity to watch 10 Items or Less because your Tuesday nights are always taken up with other matters (in which case, get a TiVo!), then there's a good chance you've seen John in a very different role - as one of the cavemen in the Geico commercials. Among his other roles, he also acted alongside Christina Applegate in the short-lived show Jesse. You can stay up-to-date on John's career at his website JohnLehr.com.

Q: Growing up, what did you want your career to be?

JL: I had no idea. I was a class clown who talked a lot but I did get good grades. When I went to Northwestern for college, I knew I wanted to try out performing, but I majored in education because I never thought I'd really make any money at it.

Q: What's the best thing about working on a show like 10 Items or Less?

JL: The people are really great. We lucked out and have a really nice group. A lot of shows in Hollywood have this self-importance to them-like they are curing cancer or something. Nobody takes themselves too seriously and it doesn't feel too precious. We're just trying to make a really funny show.

Q: You're a big fan of improv work, how much of 10 Items or Less is improvised?

JL: All the dialogue is improvised. Every word. Nancy, Robert and I write a very detailed story outline but the cast never sees it. People show up to the set and Nancy fills them in on the back story. Then we roll cameras. Nancy makes adjustments as we go, but everything you see is completely improvised.

Q: How do you feel about comparisons between 10 Items or Less and the show The Office?

JL: If you like the Office, chances are good you will like this show. Both are work place comedies, but have similar camera work, and both have terrible bosses. I think we are a bit wackier.

Q: If you really managed a grocery store what would be the first policy that you'd enact?

JL: I would carpet the floors. The linoleum is so hard on your feet! It's no wonder everyone wears nurses shoes.

Q: You've played the part of one of the cavemen in a few of the hilarious Geico cavemen commercials. How much time is spent in makeup for those commercials?

JL: It takes three hours to put it on and one hour to take it off. It sort of feels like you have had your face dipped in glue and coated in fur. It's a great gig, though. I love doing those spots.

Q: Years ago, before your career took off, you spent some time as a substitute teacher; what did that experience teach you?

JL: Remember when you were in school? How did you treat the sub? I bet you gave them living hell. Well, kids are still like that. They hate your guts and want to make your life miserable. I taught inner city in Chicago and south central in L.A. When I taught for a while and started to get to know the kids, it was a little easier.

Q: What advice do you have for anyone who wishes to pursue a career in acting?

JL: Don't do it unless you have to. It is a brutal way to make a living. If you have to do it, do your own thing. Don't try to fit yourself into a square hole. Figure out what you do best and keep doing it. And learn how to wait tables, or if you are rich, spend your parents' money.

Q: What are your plans for 2008?

JL: My wife is pregnant with child #2 so I plan to go without sleep for 2008. I will rest in 2015, according to my friends who have kids. Hopefully we will get a third season of 10 Items so I can afford to put my kid in the ridiculous Los Angeles $10K a year scam called "pre-school."

Q: We end all interviews with word association. I say "wombat" and you say...

JL: Tomato.