Obama lookalike in demand for inauguration season

January 14, 2013 | Modified: January 14, 2013 at 5:01 am
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In this image from video, President Barack Obama lookalike Larry Graves speaks during an interview. Graves has the security detail, the prominent ears and the U.S. flag pin, but substitute teacher Graves is no Barack Obama. He’s a professional lookalike for the president. They have something else in common, too: a frantic schedule leading up to the inauguration. "It’s definitely a busy time," Graves said. "Between the campaign season and the inauguration, it’s been prime time. Barack Obama is a respectable guy. People want to have him at their parties." (AP Photo)

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.