How would you describe your character in "Racing Stripes?"
The character’s name is Woodzie. He’s one of these old guys who hangs around a race track with his racing forms and the whole thing. He’s always looking to win the races. He stumbles on this little girl who is riding a zebra down the track. He gets kind of curious that maybe he can set up a sure thing. So Woodzie’s looking to spring it on somebody and make a big killing financially.
Do you ever bet on the horses?
No, I’m not a horse better. Every once in a while somebody will give me a sure thing and of course it’s not (laughing). But I never go to the track or anything.
You didn't have to ride any of the animals in this, but you did have to work around them on the set. Was that a difficult thing to do?
No. My character didn’t have anything to do with it. But I’ve worked where they’ve had animals before, and animal wranglers, the people who raise animals and train animals for films and television, they’re all very, very professional. They know what they’re doing and they know what they can get. You watch them and you do everything you can to support them. Because there’s a lot of time when you’re just waiting, waiting, waiting, you get into the rhythm of it and it’s fun. I had no trouble with it. I’m impressed with how professional they are and what they can get an animal to do. I mean, dogs and cats – that’s one thing. But when you get into the larger animals, that’s a different thing all together.
Does being involved in family fare interest you now?
I like to work. I imagine there are things I wouldn’t do, but I haven’t been offered those recently either. I go from one to the other. Hell, I’m an old man. I’m 70 years old. I’m supposed to be sitting on a rocking chair watching the sunset.
So you’re not ready to retire?
No, I won’t retire.
Good for you. At this point in your career, are you able to pick and choose the projects you want to be involved with?
No, I would love to say I’m taking the best of two things every time. I’m not. But I’m an actor and I like to just keep working. I just came back from doing a play in England for five months so I’m still trying to do it.
ADDITIONAL “RACING STRIPES” INTERVIEWS:
Hayden Panettiere / Frankie Muniz / Frederik Du Chau / Bruce Greenwood / Jeff Foxworthy / Jeff Gordon
