>> and he's even met the president. >> he said, hi, i'm chris. and when i get nervous i get high pitched so i'm like, hi, chris. >> and somebody who knows the first president better than anybody else. the first brother-in-law. >> what do do you say when you see him? >> mr. president or the guy who goes to his left all the time on the basketball court. >> michelle's brother, craig. this is "piers morgan tonight." >> google chris and you'll get more than 2.5 million results, "glee's" overnight sensation, fans hanging on his every word. he's here and i, too, will be hanging on your every word. >> thank you, thank you. >> i don't know why i do this to myself because i picked up "entertainment weekly" the cover, which has eluded me so far. >> it's coming. >> two copies of hollywood reporter this year alone. there you are on both of them. and then this one, which absolutely, i have to be honest, sickened me. i have spent 46 years in journalism and broadcasting, desperate to get on the top 100 of "time" magazine's most influential people. there you are, first shout. you're not even inside, you're on the cover, under the banner. >> right under the "m". >> the most prominent head. >> right, the "m" on on my forehead. >> how old are you? >> i'm turning 21 in two weeks. >> this is ridiculous. how did you do this? >> i have a fantastic publicity team. i mean -- >> when you pick up "time" magazine, you weren't even -- you weren't doing anything before you got this job, were you? >> no, no. i was just a student and i was in high school a few months before i got the show and i was in college two weeks. when i officially got it. i was working in the dry cleaners? the summer. >> earning how much? >> oeshg, gosh. >> let me get more annoyed. >> dry cleaners i was making, i think, $7.25 an hour. i think that was minimum wage at the time. >> you were earning $7.25 an hour. in a dpri cleaners. >> yes. >> when you get a call saying, are you available to be the heart throb star of the biggest tv show in america? >> i wish it was that picturesque but -- >> pretty well is like that. >> in a way, yeah, yeah. i mean, i was just -- >> what were you when you got the call? >> it's driving back from the last audition. and i was -- my mom was driving. and i -- we were just passing santa monica pier. the phone rang. she answered it and she looked at me with that look and i knew i had it. >> what's the look? >> the look was like -- looked like she should be driving, paying attention to the road. that's the look i was giving back to her but it was like, oh, the look. >> how did you feel? what an extraordinary story for you. did you realize when you got that call how big it might be? did you have an inkling? >> absolutely not. had i had any notion that it would become what it was, i would be insane. who could have predicted all this. >> i was trying to think of anyone in recent time that has gone from where you started at the dry cleaners to the cover "time" magazine within a year. i mean, it's absolutely startling. >> it is. it's so surreal that whenever i have a minute to myself and i stop and think about it, i get so lost in this cloud nine world it's so hard to come back down from it. >> did you dream of being famous? were you like all these kids -- you know, a bit of acting and singing, were you thinking in your head, i really want to be, whoever, tom cruise and -- >> oh, no. >> zac efron? >> no. >> who were were your ilgds? >> i never thought i would be heart throb stature. i always dreamed of being respected but i never had any aspiration of being famous or just being known. >> who did you look up to? who were your celebrity idols? >> oh, gosh. yikes. honestly, i don't know if i really had any because there wasn't anyone there for me to look up top yeah, first there was no -- >> really, you didn't have anyone you thought, i want to be like them? >> everybody wants to be lady gaga at some point or another. >> i didn't want to -- >> no, you're lying. everyone. >> i have never woke up thinking, i want to be lady gaga. >> have you ever wanted to be oprah? >> not actually oprah. >> i did. >> really? >> i did. >> this is fascinating. >> why wouldn't you want to be oprah? >> who wouldn't be? are you kidding? if you don't, there's something wrong with you. >> funny enough, oprah i do get, yet yes. lady gaga -- >> no, she was never like -- she's very inspirational for my character but -- i don't know. i didn't have a hero growing up, unfortunately. >> did you always want to be an actor? >> yes. i was 3 years old and i was watching a movie, and i remember the credit came on. and i remember asking my mom why it was over. and i just desperately wanted to be on the other side of it. and, you know, as i got older i found out what movies actually were, actors playing these roles and those kids weren't actually living the adventures you saw them living but i knew i want to be a part of that world. >> when was the moment with "glee" when you realized your life wouldn't be the same? when did it pop for you? >> i think it's a constant bubble that gets popped more and more. >> there must have been a moment when the ratings came in. >> it's your first thing, you think as soon as the pilot airs first time, it's going to be this huge thing and you won't be able to walk outside. it doesn't work out that way. it's more of a gradual process. >> for you, what was the pinch me moment? >> oh, god. what was the first pinch me moment? >> the moment when you rang your mom and you were carried carried away on the phone. >> maybe the first time i was recognized or maybe it was -- maybe it was the first time i drove up to paramount studios and had a place for my car to go. that was crazy. >> through the gates. >> through the gates. they didn't call the stuart. >> i had the same moment when i signed up for "america's got talent" and the first day of filming the live shows was through those famous gates. >> yeah, yeah. it's awesome. >> that is a moment, isn't it? >> it's an amazing feeling, yes. >> you're thinking this is a long way from the dry cleaners. >> absolutely. getting work, being a working actor was the moment for me, when i -- when i really had the realization. >> and then "glee" explodes and your character becomes this iconic character really fast. and you -- i think you're very smart in the way you handled the character and brand and everything else. >> thank you. >> you do this extraordinary speech at golden globes which i want to play a clip of first. >> chris colfer. ♪ ♪ smell of wine and >> i have to think ryan murphy for being my fairy god father. everybody at fox, robert orick for submitting me to the show when there was nothing to submit me for. our amazing, amazing -- >> i get high-pitched when i get nervous. >> you guys are -- you guys deserve this as much as i do. most importantly, to all the amazing kids that watch our show and the kids that our show celebrates who are constantly told no by the people in their environments, by bullies at school they can be who they are or have what they want because of who they are. well, screw that, kids. >> i mean, that for me was the moment for you. obviously, you won the golden globe, that's big enough, but actually, i remember the media reaction after you made that short but perfectly phrased speech. and you became the poster boy for kids who are being bullied. for whatever reason. it wasn't -- there's something wrong. it wasn't just about kids who may be gay or whatever. it's just kids who feel they're outsiders, right? >> absolutely. i think maybe somewhere in my mind i knew that when i made that speech that kurt was affecting more than gay kids, affecting kids being bullied in general. i don't remember that moment at all. i was such an adrenaline high -- >> if your voice had gotten much higher i would recommend you joining the bee gees. it was out of control. >> cue imagine the dogs that would have been howling -- >> windows cracks. >> -- for miles and miles. gosh, people's glasses would have been breaking. >> what a thrilling moment. >> yes. >> and then to have the poise to come up with what you did, whether you planned or not, and by the sound you did not. when you were walking up, what did you think? >> i was thinking don't trip on a chair or table on the way up there because it was so possible because there were so many things in my way. honestly, i don't remember anything. i remember getting up there and saying what i felt and then looking out into the audience and thanking everyone i could feelly see and remember who they were. i saw people but i couldn't remember their name at the moment. and then thank god i was a big speech and debate kid in high school and thank god i was otherwise i would have spoken pannish up there. >> obviously, i would imagine all people who get bullied at school, you can probably remember these bullies. >> yes. >> does it please you you're able to have this wonderful moment of payback, really? >> now, there's a diplomatic answer i could give but -- >> give me the straight answer. >> -- absolutely, yes, oh, god, yes, yes. those individuals, it's almost like you want to say suck it to them. i should have just sad that, given names and social security numbers instead. no it's great. >> do you remember their names? >> yes, of course. >> any one in particular i would like to smoke out? >> no, i hated them all equally. >> tell me about that period when you were being bullied because obviously that speech you made applied to all kids being bullied. how did it make you feel? >> i would be embarrassed. i would walk by people i barely knew in the hallway and they would scream profanities at me that i didn't think were true at the time. of course, everyone else in the hall would laugh. of course, i had legendary comebacks but it's embarrassing. it's uncalled for. especially when they don't know you and they don't know them. and i was a really, really good kid. i wasn't necessarily the best student but i was a fantastic kid. it was just heart-wrenching, heartbreaking. >> when we come back, we'll talk about "glee," the phenom none. how important it is to not just you and the cast but to america now. the count on chevy event is here. your ticket to a cruze eco. 42 mpg and over 500 highway miles a tank. one of our 9 models over 30 mpg highway. fuel up, rock on. very well qualified lessees can get a low mileage lease on a chevy cruze eco for around $159 a month. or qualified buyers can get no monthly payments for 3 months. fuel economy based on epa estimates. deferred payments offer ends may 31st. [ male announcer ] every day thousands of people are switching from tylenol to advil. to learn more and get your special offer, go to takeadvil.com. take action. take advil. ♪ ♪ caught in a bad romance ♪ woo woo ♪ watch out ♪ caught in a bad romance that was the lady gaga episode of "glee," of course, which was brilliant to watch. i love lady gaga. to me me she's just a fae nom none who completely gets what it takes to be a modern day brand, doesn't she? >> she understands her fans. >> did you meet her? >> a couple times. >> what did you make of her? >> i completely embarrassed myself to no end. i mean, i bowed. who does that? >> you bowed? >> i bowed to lady gaga. >> she's not royalty. >> well, she had a crown on, so, you know, but -- >> what did she say to you? >> thank you. >> did you have to then do anything else? >> no. i kind of ran out of the -- no, no. thank god i didn't. it crossed my mind. i ran out after that. >> did you have a public conversation with her? >> no, absolutely. i don't think i'll have a proper conversation with her after that. >> way too nervous? >> yes. >> is she like an iconic figure for you? >> she's actually one of the first people in my generation whose music i liked. everyone before her i didn't care for too much, like growing up. there wasn't much to choose from. she's really the first person i've connected to her music and have liked it. >> here's an interesting question. you recently went to the white house correspondents dinner. there you are at one of the top tables. i'm always curious about the reality. when you meet, for example, the right-wing politicians or commentators, whatever, i bet it's all over you like a rash about "glee." >> everyone loves "glee." everyone loves "glee" and me in "glee." it's hysterical. >> you quietly know they're all voting for gay rights. >> i do watch c-span occasionally. it's great when people come up and, oh, my god, i love you, can i have a picture with you? sure, you don't believe in me and my right but, sure, sure you can have a picture to me. >> do you let them have the picture? >> i might as well. >> do you ever say, i know how you voted? >> here's the thing, what if somebody else comes along and they go, no, that gay kid from "glee" didn't give me a picture. i'll vote no. take that. >> will they change their minds because you gave them a picture? >> who knows? i think it's more likely they will change it positively if i give them a picture. you know who they are when they ask you. >> absolutely. >> and you know how they voted? >> yeah, usually, yeah. >> i love that. >> yeah. yeah. >> do you feel like you're winning when that you have moment? >> a little bit. it is kind of nice when people -- yeah, when people believe so strongly against you yet they want proof that they met you. it's kind of awesome. >> you've obviously become this, as i say, iconic figure. do you feel that america is fast becoming much less homophobic, or do you feel as gay rights become much more prominent and successes are being achieved in a funny way it's becoming -- in certain pockets more home mow phobic because they try to resist this change? >> you know, i don't know, because i know that i surround myself with positivity towards the situation and not negativity, but i certainly hope so and i certainly have witnessed firsthand the progress that's been made and some progress that myself and the show have made. so i like to believe, yes, it has definitely improved. >> you stopped googling yourself? because of all the abuse -- >> oh, god, yes. >> if it makes you feel better, you should have a look at my name on google. seriously. >> the last time i googled myself i think was september 2009. >> and it's so shocking. what did you find there? what kind of thing? >> just high school again. it was high school all over again, people making fun of my voice, of the way i looked. i mean, it was just -- it was just bullying in another form. >> and that hurt? >> yeah, because, i mean, it's ridiculous when people have, like, strong opinions about you when it's about things you can't control, like an example, my voice. i cannot control how high pitched i get when i get excited. i wish i could control it. there are so many situations when i wish i wasn't squealing, but it just -- >> your voice didn't have that kind of tone to it you wouldn't be the singer you are. >> maybe not. maybe not. >> it's all hand in hand. >> it comes back. >> can't get everything you want. >> well, i mean -- >> talk about rubbing it in. i like that. you enjoy it. if i was on the cover of "time" magazine, i would carry this around with me all day long. >> hey, might as well because -- >> i really would. >> oh, thanks, thanks. i almost did. >> what did your mother say when she saw this? >> whenever i call -- my dad is always over the moon excited and so proud and just so excited. whenever i call my mom, my mom will get silent for like two minute on the phone and she'll go, like, who are you? she gets -- she apologizes. i'm so sorry, christopher, i don't mean to be silent. i'm so proud -- i just can't believe, you came out of me. it's crazy. >> my mother said to me, you're looking very pale. are you working too hard again? >> oh, that's sweet. >> mothers do that. they don't see you the way everybody else does. >> no, no. >> tell me about how the fame thing has impacted your life. i mean, are you finding you're getting more attractive because of the fame? >> oh, sure. i hope so. i don't know. i think -- >> you know what i mean. fame is such a sort of magnet to people, isn't it? >> kind of. a little bit. i mean, i think fame is great until the day comes when you are afraid to leave your house alone and then the day when your name is used as an adjective in a negative way. >> it's interesting. it's like culture, isn't it, of envy, of resentment of people's success. i mean, that goes with the territory, doesn't it? >> yeah. >> are you equipped to deal with all this? >> sometimes. sometimes not. sometimes i do get very overwhelmed with it, and sometimes -- i'm quite frightened by it, to be honest. >> it is scary. >> it is scary. it's very scary. and there really is a whole other world people don't see. they always see in front of the camera. they never really see the behind-the-scenes stuff. >> what's behind-the-scenes stuff with you? >> you know, like the security risks and the security issues that are very frightening, that people don't know about because i don't want them to know about, but -- >> what's the scariest thing that's happened to you? >> i was at a movie theater once, and i was by myself, stupidly, and i was semimobbed, but it got very physical and people were pulling at me and grabbing at me, and i had to call the police. and the next day i was covered in bruises because people got so physical with me. >> wow. >> yeah. >> and as it was going on, what were you thinking? >> not much. i went to my happy place. but -- >> i would go to my unhappy place. >> no, i definitely had to go to my happy place. >> were you worried about whether you might survive this? >> absolutely. i mean, it -- >> it was crazy, right? >> it's crazy. but it's really a mind trip because on one hand you want them to stop, you want it to stop, and on the other hand you know that if you -- since are you in the public eye f you are a raging jerk and say, get off me, leave me alone, then you know it will be written about the next day and, you know, people are going to say stuff -- it will be talk about what a jerk are you. >> have you had stalkers? >> not -- not really. some form of stalking is flattering, you know. >> yeah. if they're good looking. >> if they're very good looking i don't call it stalking. i call it pursuing. strongly pursuing. >> highway do you deal with the dating process when you're really famous? how do you trust people? >> i don't know. i mean, i think it's -- i don't know how you deal with it. i -- because i think there's always the question if -- what people's real intentions are. >> yeah. >> but i don't know. i think you just have to wish for the best. it's a gamble. >> life's a gamble, though, isn't it? >> life is a gamble. >> another short break. when we come back we'll talk about projects outside "glee," including this movie you're about to start making. 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