What was it like working on “Starsky & Hutch?” It looks like you had a great time.
I did, I had a lot of fun playing the role.
What was life like on the set?
There were times when it was hard to not just burst out and laugh. But for us to just go back and forth and have the improv – we just had so much fun doing the whole thing.
So there was a lot of improv in your scene?
The scene that’s actually in the movie is all improv. We did the scene that was on the script first, but the one they ended up choosing was the actual improv’d scene.
Was it tough to keep up with Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson?
It actually wasn’t tough. I held my own and we just had a great time and just had a lot of fun.
Will there be a lot of outtakes from your locker room scene included on the DVD?
I hope so. I am hoping so. I haven’t seen it yet but I was hoping so because we did so much improv on the scene.
How long did it take them to film that scene?
The locker room scene we shot [in] two days and then the cheerleading scene was a day or two, so everything within a week.
What classic TV show would you like to see made into a movie?
You know I would really like to see – of course, it’s already in talks – but I would really like to see “Dukes of Hazzard.” “Dukes of Hazzard” would be really cool. “Bionic Woman” would be really cool. There’s quite a few out there that would be a lot of fun.
FRED WILLIAMSON (‘Captain Doby’):
How does Todd Philips run his set?
He doesn’t run his set. He’s very loose. He just sits there and watches that little funny TV set. When he comes walking toward you, you know you didn’t do something right. You don’t see him on the set – he’s around the corner in some little room watching that little monitor.
How much improv was allowed in your scenes?
Not a lot. Whenever you see the guys come on the set in the suit and ties, you know you said something that you weren’t supposed to say. It’s a little difficult.
What do you think about all these classic TV shows being made into movies?
If it works, they’ll keep making them. If it doesn’t, they’ll stop. Real simple.
When you were growing up, did you ever want to be a character in one of your favorite TV shows?
No, no way. I had a different idea and a different concept of what I wanted to be. I had an image of myself. After coming out of football I wanted to be the leading man. They wanted to kill me and have Schwarzenegger avenge my death. Kill Schwarzenegger and let me avenge his death. I had a whole different concept of what I wanted to do if I ever got into the movies. But I didn’t ever want to be in movies anyway. I’m a football player and an architect.
You never wanted to be in films?
No, I’m an architect. I wanted to design buildings. I did that for five years working for Bechtel Corporation. So that’s what I wanted to be.
So how did you end up in acting?
Well 9 to 5 just didn’t suit me. Once I stopped playing football, an hour for lunch, 9 to 5, couldn’t handle it. One night I was watching TV and saw the “Julia” show. I noticed the guest star was always her boyfriend. I said, “I’m better looking than those guys.” So I drove to Hollywood and I sold them on me being Diahann Carroll’s regular boyfriend on the “Julia” show.
What’s next for you?
(Smiling) Whatever I want.
Action movies?
I only make action movies, darling. Only.
MORE FROM THE PREMIERE OF "STARSKY & HUTCH:"
Snoop Dogg and Amy Smart Interviews
Ben Stiller and Todd Phillips Interviews
"Starsky & Hutch" Premiere Photos
ADDITIONAL "STARSKY & HUTCH" RESOURCES:
"Starsky & Hutch" Production Photos
"Starsky & Hutch" Trailer
"Starsky & Hutch" Credits, Movie News and Websites
