Honestly, it wasn't my idea!
When artists have to create so many characters, it's rough to be entirely original, so they look at real people for inspiration. I was an easy mark, for the same reason that I loved putting Ken Williams (Sierra's founder and CEO during its successful period) in the games--we knew we wouldn't get sued!
But when Art Director Bil Skirvin put me up-front and clearly recognizible in Leisure Suit Larry 6: Shape Up or Slip Out!, I got the last laugh on him! You see, I have a friend named Art who looks so much like me that we're often mistaken for brothers.
So, rather than giving myself a "starring role" in Larry6, I just named that character Art, in honor of my friend--and pulling one on the artists' little joke!