Double play's a hit for doppelganger

Bridges' Dubya impersonation reaps benefits

By WILLIAM TRIPLETT

For a self-described goof-off, Steve Bridges is one very busy man these days.

Before his appearance as George W. Bush at the White House Correspondents Dinner last month -- alongside the real McCoy -- the celeb impersonator was no stranger to "The Tonight Show" or the pricey rubber-chicken circuit. But things have really heated up since his White House appearance.

"Best career move as well as the highlight of my life so far," Bridges says.

Bridges' fee has climbed from $18,500 an appearance to $25,000 (effective Sept. 1), says his rep and booker, Randy Nolen. "We may even increase it again since we're already booking October."

The massive press coverage of Bridges' duet with Dubya led to guest spots on the "Today" show, "Good Morning America" and an in-character cameo on "Meet the Press."

Besides seeing a spike in private banquet dates, Nolen has also been approached by "several promoters" about lining up a multi-city tour in 1,200- to 1,500-seat theaters around the country. Bridges says he's still blown away by it all.

"What am I?" he quips. "A comedian. A goof-off. And I get to perform with the president of the United States!"