NEWS OF THE cutbacks was heart-wrenching for hardcore fans who think “Steven” is adorable, elating for those who think he’s just annoying. But Curtis isn’t fading out just yet. Curtis, 21, spoke to NEWSWEEK’s Vanessa Juarez about his big-time career objectives, student life at New York University and if he gets any grief for the ads. Excerpts:

NEWSWEEK: So Dell’s cutting back on the “Dude, you’re getting a Dell” campaign. How did that come about?

Ben Curtis: I don’t know. That’s their position. We don’t discuss that. My job is to act in the campaign. So if they’re cutting back, they’re cutting back.

You’ll have some extra time on your hands. Planning on working on anything else?

I’m in this show right now full-time, and then I’m hoping to go study full-time at the Royal Academy in London.

What’s the show?

I’m working on a restoration comedy right now, a 19th-century farce we’ve modernized. It’s the main-stage production at the Experimental Theatre Wing of New York University. And I’m playing the lead.

You’ve been quoted elsewhere saying that you admired Sean Penn’s career.

Yeah, because he does character work as well as straight roles.

What’s your favorite Penn role?

It’s more like his acting in general. “Dead Man Walking” is one of my favorites. I also follow Johnny Depp a lot. It’s hard to just pick one. It’s just respecting people who really have passion for their craft and work as hard as they can on their character. Phillip Seymour Hoffman does that, too.

Obviously you want to do more than comic roles.

I feel that comedy is more natural for me, but drama is one of my great strengths. I feel like a pretty versatile actor and I’m planning on doing anything that I love and believe in.

What other aspirations do you have? Theater? Film? TV?

Definitely theater and film. Directing and writing, as well.

What Broadway show would you be most interested in being in?

My best friend just got the lead in “The Graduate,” and that would be a great role. I haven’t even seen what’s recently been out on Broadway because I’ve been training so much. My favorite show used to be “Rent,” but I haven’t seen it in a long time, and it’s been on for so long and, you know, things change.

Can we get back to talking about Dell a bit? Do you own one?

Yes, I do.

Do people at school give you lip for being the Dell guy?

No, not usually. Especially not in the acting program. They highly respect it because it’s a craft.

Did you have anything to do with incorporating the word “Dude” into the campaign?

It came about from the writers. But they said to try a few different things, and “Dude, you’re getting a Dell” was one of them.

Do you call your friends “Dude?”

Not really. No, I mean, occasionally. People say it. I mean, I said it before I did the commercials and sometimes now, but I don’t say it very often.

Is it because you’re more aware of it?

I mean, every time I hear it I think about it. Yeah, I guess I am. I’m pretty used to it. I get annoyed by it because people like to just yell [the slogan] at me out on the streets because they think I’m Steven.

So people just yell at you?

Or they yell, “Hey, Dell Dude.” They’ll just scream at me. They don’t care, and laugh. It’s nice, especially if I’m on the phone.

Are you tired or bored of being the Dell Dude?

It’s been a very rewarding thing. It’s not a matter of being tired of it. I can always find freshness in the role. I just have fun with it every time. It’s a great job.

If you were asked to star in the sequel to “Dude, Where’s My Car,” would you do it?

No.

Are you tired of me asking “Dude” questions?

Honestly, yes. [Pauses] But it’s part of the job though, so I don’t mind it. But I am tired of it.