CHANTILLY, Va. (AP) — The lanky man has the security detail, the prominent ears and the U.S. flag pin, but substitute teacher Larry Graves is no Barack Obama. He's a professional lookalike.
The two men have something else in common: a frantic schedule leading up to the inauguration. According to Graves' manager, companies can pay around $1,100 per appearance, and Graves is averaging about two to three requests each week before the inauguration.
During the 2008 primary season, the Montgomery Village, Md., resident realized he had a peculiar resemblance to Obama.
As part of his preparation, Graves adds makeup, darkens his eyebrows and lips, adds a prosthetic mole to the side of his nose and dusts a little white paint into his hair. He also tries to mimic the president's manner and speech.
