Californication's Evan Handler writes, acts, survives cancer

Evan Handler, the menschy, chrome-domed sidekick to David Duchovny’s self-loathing author on Californication, has many other talents.

Handler was a Broadway star before he earned Hollywood’s approval as Charlotte’s love interest in the last season of Sex and the City. Early in his career, he was diagnosed with leukemia — an illness he survived but that curiously made him MORE anxiously neurotic about life instead of less. He’s chronicled that experience with wry humor in magazines and several books, including his latest memoir, “It’s Only Temporary: The Good News and the Bad News of Being Alive.”

The book is a series of vignettes from Handler’s life, loosely structured so that he reveals himself as he would to a new friend — via stories that come not in chronological order, but rather as increasing insights into his character.

Intrigued? Check out this interview he gave to The Debutante Ball — a great blog for bibliophiles. The Debs asked Handler whether he prefers writing, stage acting, or being on the screen. His reply, naturally, is that it’s complicated:

“I’m an enjoyer on a case-by-case basis, for the most part. Each script, each project, each team of collaborators has the potential to be enjoyable or torturous. When the dish blends, then ecstasy can ensue. I’m happy to say that right now, with my home life nourishing me luxuriously, and Californication about the most easy-going, enjoyable, and – in my opinion – high quality job I’ve had, things are feeling very good.”

Californication’s second season is currently filming, and will be for the next 10 weeks. If you want to see what Handler’s up to in his off hours, check out his web site for book signing dates (most are on the West Coast), excerpts from his books, and lots of critical praise for his work.

Photo: Randy Tepper/Showtime