I recently caught up with Powers at his home in California’s Hidden Hills. Read on for his thoughts on the possibility of “Sin City 2,” the secret to a long marriage in Hollywood, and being inducted into the Texas Film Hall of Fame.

Jane: You were recently inducted into the Texas Film Hall of Fame. What was it like receiving an award in the state where you were born?

Powers: Being inducted into the Texas Film Hall of Fame was an extraordinary event for me.  I was moved and deeply honored to be recognized by my fellow Texans.  As an actor, I’ve been fortunate enough to work and travel pretty much all over the world, but I’ve always thought of myself as a Texan first.  I was actually somewhat surprised by the many extremely talented and successful people who’ve been inducted into the Texas Film Hall of Fame. It’s a very impressive list.

Jane: You played President Noah Daniels on “24.” Are you politically active in real life? What do you think of our new President?

Powers: I never comment on politics!

Jane: People keep coming back on “24.” Any intel on whether your character of Noah Daniels will return?

Powers: People do keep returning on “24.” I have no idea at this time whether Noah Daniels will return, but I had a wonderful time playing him and being part of such an innovative show.  It is absolutely some of the best writing on television and an incredibly talented creative team.

Jane: One of our favorite movies in this house is “Tombstone,” and Curly Bill is a great character. What was it like being part of that movie?

Powers: Having grown up in Texas, to be in any western is a dream come true for me, particularly if it turns out to be a huge success and indeed a classic like “Tombstone.” The cast are all my heroes.  I was amazed that we were able to assemble all that talent in one movie. I think that, because the script was so brilliant, anyone wouldn’t resist trying to be a part of it.  It is absolutely one of my favorite experiences in my career.

Jane: You’ve voiced the part of Gorilla Grodd / Red Tornado in “Justice League,” and also Lex Luthor in “Superman: Brainiac Attacks.” Is it fun voicing comic-book characters? What’s it like being part of comic-book history?

Powers: I love doing voiceovers, in general, particularly anything involving baseball or sports, as I’ve done for Fox Sports, ESPN, and the MLB Channel. Cartoons are fascinating. When I do them, I feel like a kid again. They seem to allow me to do characters in voice that I’m not allowed to put on screen. Cartoons are my son’s favorite thing that I do.

Jane: I’ve read that they’re doing “Sin City 2,” with a possible release date of 2010. Any thoughts on the “Sin City” movies and/or your character of Senator Roark?

Powers: Ever since the first “Sin City” was released, there has been talk of “Sin City 2.”  In fact, it’s been written everywhere that we are indeed doing it.  However, at this point, there is no concrete evidence that it will happen. I sure hope that it will and that I’ll be allowed to be part of it.

Jane: Mickey Rourke, of course, was in “Sin City.” Any thoughts on his comeback?

Powers: I think Mickey Rourke’s “comeback” is amazing. He has given many unique performances throughout his career, and “The Wrestler” is just one more on that list. He’s a great talent, and we should all welcome him back.

Jane: You and Pamela have been married since 1969. What’s the secret to your longevity, when most Hollywood marriages implode shortly after the ceremony?

Powers: I don’t have all the answers to the longevity of my marriage to Pamela, other than she is absolutely my best friend, and I wouldn’t have had any success without her. Maybe it’s because we knew one another before any kind of success in show business was ever a thought in my mind. At any rate, she and my family are more important to me than anything to do with the movie business.

Jane: Heading into your 60s, do you think you’ll be like Ernest Borgnine and work into your 90s? What’s the secret to getting good parts as you get older?

Powers: I hope I live to be 100 and they’ll keep allowing me to do what I do!  If I knew the secret to getting good parts, maybe I’d work more often. Throughout my entire career, I’ve tried to always gravitate to the best projects being done by the best people. Having lasted 29 years in the film business, my formula seems to be working. I believe I get points for lasting – why change now!

Jane: Are you working on any movie, TV or theater projects right now?

Powers: I’m currently developing an independent film that I hope will be shot in Texas.

Jane: Anything else you’d like to add?

Powers: It’s good to be alive and living in the greatest country on earth!

Photo Credits: Newscom

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Read on as he talks about whipping Jason Statham’s ass, being awed by Leonard Nimoy, working with Andre Braugher on “Thief,” and the magic that is “Grand Theft Auto.”

JANE: You play a Mexican mob boss in “Crank” High Voltage.” Did you study other movie mob bosses to get a feel for it?

CLIFTON: I studied the two brothers in the original piece. I watched them attempt to be sort of a modern day “Scarface” imitator, and I say ‘modern day’ because my two younger brothers would have NO knowledge of the Howard Hawks’ “Scarface” [circa 1932].

That said, I turned to tradition. I mentioned to Mark [Neveldine, director/writer] and Brian [Taylor, director/writer] that I would be Old School, from the Motherland of Mexico, not some Cuban hybrid drug dealer from a movie. My influences would be more real, coming from Mayan and Aztec influences, Sinaloa Gangsters, etc.

I discovered the Patron Saint Jesus Malverde through my research, the Saint of all drug traffickers. A Mexican Robin Hood of sorts who was turned in by his best friend for 10,000 pesos and hung from a Hickory Tree in 1914. That is where most of my attire in the film comes from, that and Elvis Presley circa ‘68-’71.  If there ever was a charismatic bad guy to study, check out Glen Ford in “3:10 To Yuma” [circa 1957]. NOBODY can touch that!

JANE: Totally agree on that! So talk a little about your character. Do you interact with Jason Statham and/or Amy Smart?

CLIFTON: I do interact with Statham in the film and also Amy, but only at lunch! I have a beef to settle with Statham’s character in the film because he killed my brothers. I asked Mark and Brian to let me have my Cat o’ 9 tails ASAP so that I could bring an original spin in how I use it. Also so that I can have an ease with it, making it mine. In acquiring the weapon early on, I was able to incorporate Nunchaku techniques to an ancient weapon giving it a new spin, something very different than what was seen in “The Passion of the Christ.”

JANE: Did you have to buff out for the role?

CLIFTON: Not for this one, but the cat o’ 9 tails was made out of Cocobolo wood or maple, I can’t remember anymore. They’re both very dense, heavy woods, incredibly hard on the forearms and shoulder blades. So I had Robert Alonzo – stunt head on “Star Trek” and an old friend from Loyola High School – come down and work out all my muscle injuries on the spot, so that I could continue whipping the crap out of Statham!

JANE: It looks like you’ve play a lot of bad guys. What’s more fun to play – good guys or bad guys?

CLIFTON: Hmmm, I’ve had this conversation time and again, and I must say it’s fun to be the bad guy. It really depends on the material, but I’m usually not the good guy.

JANE: I read where you almost got a role in “Saving Private Ryan,” but that Steven Spielberg has his eye on you. Any Spielberg films coming up?

CLIFTON: I said that back in ‘96 after learning a German monologue in three days that’s still stuck in my head! To answer the Spielberg question, not yet, but I have read a few of his pieces. We just haven’t found the right one.  In due time; until then, I’ll be patient and continue to work hard at my craft.

JANE: You’re a fan of Gary Oldman. What is it about his work you like?

CLIFTON: You go all the way back to “Sid and Nancy” and then to his directorial debut, his choices always say something. He’s not afraid to take big chances. Gary was always doing these amazing things, just watch him in Phil Joanou’s film “State of Grace” as the troubled brother Jackie Flannery! Constantly on the edge!

JANE: You play another bad guy – Ayel, right-hand to Eric Bana’s Nero – in “Star Trek.” What was it like being part of a  “Star Trek” movie and part of “Star Trek” history?

CLIFTON: I’m not a Trekkie, but I’m a huge J.J. Abrams fan, kid dynamite for real!  I don’t believe it hit me until I got to set and J.J. was talking me through the scene. It was then that I casually looked around and thought it all to look very sci fi … I thought this is kinda like a “Star Trek” set, “wait a minute … it IS STAR TREK!!!” And then my heart started racing. To add to it, I could hear Leonard Nimoy talking to somebody on set. “Is that the voice of ‘In Search Of’?? “No, you idiot, that’s f’n SPOCK, and YOU’RE SHOOTING STAR TREK for J.J.!!! I took a little breather, calmed my heart, and reminded myself that I’ve made a movie or two before! In regards to me knowing what it’s like to be a part of “Star Trek” History, I’m not sure yet. Ask me again when I’m 50!

JANE: It’s a deal! So do you think your character will come back for any other (possible upcoming) “Star Trek” movies?

CLIFTON: I have no clue, but if I do, I hope my character gets to meet a really hot Romulan!

JANE: You also voiced a part in “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.“ What was it like being part of a GTA game?

CLIFTON: GTA rules! I love this game, so when my lawyer called me and told me about it, I was like “YEAH I want to do GTA!” It was a very different process. The game was still being made, so I was watching stuff that wasn’t yet complete. My original dialogue was to be done in a day. I had never done this process before, so I asked for it to be broken up into two days so that I could come home, think about what I did, and come back the next day and be even better. I hope the fans liked it!

JANE: You’ve done both movies and TV, including “Alias” and “Thief.” Any preference? Would you like to do another TV series?

CLIFTON: I look for challenging projects and interesting characters to play. One reason I opted to do “Thief” was that being on FX, I knew it was the closest to film without being film and, of course, to have an opportunity to work with the gracious uber talented Andre Braugher. Collaborating with him was such a joy and fun part of the process that I looked forward to every single week, an hour or two on the phone discussing our places in this piece and our truths. Norman Morrill was also the show runner and here’s a man who really cares about his work. I was lucky. If I were to do TV again, it would probably be on my own Internet channel, with all my friends writing and directing our own stuff, just having fun doing what we love to do. I will always continue to make films.

JANE: Anything else you’d like to add?

CLIFTON: I just got nominated for two CMT awards for directing The Zac Brown Band’s video “Chicken Fried,” and I’m wrapping up The Soul of John Black’s video “Betty Jean.” Tonight, I’ll be leaving to go to Texas to start a documentary on my Grandfather, Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez.

I also have a film called “Extract” with Ben Affleck and Jason Bateman being released by Miramax on September 4, 2009. And I’ve finished working on “Boondock Saints 2″ and the next Broken Lizard film “Freeloaders.”

JANE: Thanks so much for your time!

Below, Clifton Collins Jr. honors his grandfather, Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez, who received a posthumous Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Images: PR Photos; Lionsgate Films

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She plays a secretary in Zac Efron’s "17 Again" (in theaters this Friday), a secretary in "Bedtime Stories" (on DVD this week), and a neighbor on "Surviving Suburbia," Bob Saget’s new show airing Mondays at 9:30 p.m. on ABC. Read on for my exclusive interview with Lorna and her thoughts on working with Zac Efron, Adam Sandler, Bob Saget and Angelina Jolie.

JANE: So many actors are hit and miss, but you’ve been working steadily since the 1990s, and you’ve scored roles in so many movies and TV shows. Do you have a secret formula for working steadily all those years?

LORNA: Casting directors and producers want to feel secure when they hire you. They want to know they don’t have to worry about you when on set. So, you want to be as prepared as possible and remember, when you go into the room, they are on your side. They want you to do well. Also, I try to get along with everyone on set, no matter what.

JANE: You’ve built a career playing neighbors and peripheral characters. Is it fun to play a lot of different characters?

LORNA: I’m a character actor, so that’s what I do. I got into acting because I like playing different characters and showing a range of emotion for each role. Of course, some are more fun than others.

JANE: Bob Saget has been such a major force in the TV business for so long (my tween-aged daughter has watched "Full House" from start to finish about five times now, so I’m pretty familiar with Danny Tanner!). What’s it like being part of a Bob Saget show?

LORNA: It’s terrific. I LOVE BOB! He is great to work with, supportive, and he has a built-in audience … so that’s never bad. Plus, he’s constantly coming up with newer and funnier bits.

JANE: Is Bob Saget as foul-mouthed and as much of an off-color jokester as I’ve heard he is?! 

LORNA: Yes. But, not as much of one as I am. I can match him any day.

JANE: I just watched the first episode of "Surviving Suburbia."  Tell us a little about your character on the show.

LORNA: Monica (my character) is the cantankerous neighbor who is friends with Bob’s wife, but Bob, not so much… You will see more of their true relationship in the April 20th episode titled "DMV."

JANE: What’s up with playing a secretary in both "Bedtime Stories" and "17 Again"? Do you have that "secretarial" look?

LORNA: Well — that’s the kind of part written for character women. It’s what we’re offered.

JANE: Is Adam Sandler as funny in person as he is on-screen?

LORNA: Yes! Adam is one of God’s gifts to the planet. However nice you think he may be, he is, in real life, 10 times more. He is kind and polite. He loves dogs and his little girl and everyone around him. We all love him back. It’s a wonderful place to work.

JANE: What was it like working with Zac Efron in "17 Again"? Was he fending off tween girls all the time?

LORNA: Yes. But, he was also fending off me!

JANE: I need to go back and watch "Wanted" again and look for you. Did you interact with Angelina Jolie, and what was it like making that movie?

LORNA: I didn’t work with Angie, but I did meet her. It’s hard to believe, but she is more beautiful in real life than on the screen, even without make-up. We were in Prague for the majority of my scenes, and it was beautiful. I loved it. The people of Prague are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. I was so impressed by the film when I did see it, I was thrilled to be involved.

JANE: Wow, the lineup of actors in "The Great Buck Howard" is amazing: Tom Hanks, John Malkovich, Emily Blunt … I haven’t seen that movie yet, so tell me something amazing about it (other than the cast!) and why I should go see it.

LORNA: The writing. It’s a beautifully written, one-of-a-kind script.

JANE: What’s better/more fun? Working in movies or TV? Or doesn’t it matter?

LORNA: TV is faster, in general, but not always. The only thing that makes a difference would be the people you work with.

JANE: Anything else you’d like to add?

LORNA: Watch "Surviving Suburbia" on ABC following "Dancing With The Stars" on Monday’s at 9:30pm!

JANE: Thanks so much for your time!

Image Credits: Lorna Scott; ABC; Bauer-Griffin

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Alexis Raben is currently heating up movie screens as a hot lesbian in "Miss March," co-starring in the sex-romp comedy with Zach Cregger and Trevor Moore. But you might be surprised to learn that she initially wanted to be a director. Read on for my exclusive interview with the star …

JANE: You created your first short film at the School of Visual Arts in New York when you were in high school. Is it your goal to be a filmmaker and/or director?

ALEXIS: It was originally my goal to be a director. I studied film at college and was beginning to pursue a directing career. Then there came a point where I felt limited in my skills in directing actors, and decided that experiencing their job first-hand would help me understand how to better facilitate actors’ performances and become a better director.

JANE: You really hadn’t done a lot of roles before landing a supporting role in 2007’s "The Invasion" with Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig. What was it like scoring such a cool role?

ALEXIS: It was a great time. In addition to the stars you already listed, I was also very excited to be working with the director, Oliver Hirschbiegel, whose work I’d been a fan of. 

JANE: Talk about your role in "Miss March." You play a pretty awesome lesbian! Is that weird?

ALEXIS: I think my character is pretty hysterical. I’m particularly fond of her  exclusive and unwavering focus on her girlfriend, her unapologetic lust, and her obliviousness to men and the rest of the world around her. The over-the-top comedic style of the film made playing such a highly sexual character easier and fun.

JANE: Prior to "Miss March," you had done darker roles. Was it fun getting to play comedy? Which is harder: drama or comedy?

ALEXIS: I couldn’t make such a distinction. Often in drama you have to go to difficult and dark places, which of course can have an impact on you off set as well as on. That can be a challenge, but a challenge we actors usually welcome with open arms. Comedy, on the other hand, can lend itself to a more pleasant and fun work experience. But one must not underestimate the great precision and focus comedy can require. Is it a cop out to say that I deeply enjoy both, though perhaps in slightly different ways? 

JANE: Do you think "Miss March" will appeal to Judd Apatow fans?

ALEXIS: Hard to say … But I imagine that "Miss March" may appeal to a younger audience.

JANE: Which actors and/or directors would you love to work with?

ALEXIS: I keep coming across new interesting and talented people every day … But if I look back, these are some of the directors that I’ve always dreamed of working with: Woody Allen, Mike Nichols, Francis Ford Coppola, Stephen Frears … So many actors, too, but if we’re going for dream-come-true: Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, Sean Penn, Daniel Day-Lewis …

Thinking back to your previous question, I would also love to find myself in  a Judd Apatow movie.

JANE: Would you like to venture into TV roles? Any shows you love?

ALEXIS: Absolutely! I think TV has grown so interesting in the last several years. I must admit I don’t get to keep up with as many TV shows as I’d like. For years, my all-time favorite was "The West Wing." I would love to do something like that.  Some of the ones I’ve enjoyed more recently are "Mad Men," "House," "Weeds," "30 Rock," and "Californication." I’m also looking forward to Edie Falco’s upcoming show "Nurse Jackie."

JANE: What’s up next for you?

ALEXIS: There are a few interesting things brewing. But, unfortunately, nothing is fully settled yet, so I must hold off from talking about it for now.

Note: "Outlanders," featuring Alexis Raben (below) and Jakub Tolak, is available on DVD April 6, 2009. Buy it on Amazon.com.

Photos courtesy of Jordyn Borczon

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Nicolas Cage is usually pretty thoughtful in interviews anyway, and he and Paul sat down and discussed his new movie "Knowing," religion, changing his last name, and everything in between.

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Part 1:

Part 2 after the jump…

Part 2:

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In a recent L.A. Times profile talking up his new movie “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” Brad says of his love for Angelina Jolie:

“It’s a tragedy in the sense that any love involves loss, and that’s the risk you take. And the greater the love, the greater the loss. I certainly feel that now with the woman I’m with, and the children that I have. But whatever the course may be, this time together is extraordinary.”

Blah blah blah, Brad. That may be true, but it just makes me feel that much worse for Jennifer Aniston. And I don’t even know her!

Image: Newscom, 2008

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They recently talked with Matt Lauer on “The Today Show,” and it’s fun to see such good friends working on a movie together again. Winslet has mentioned that they’re like brother and sister, and that certainly seems to be true here. Leo compares her detailed script notes to forensic science, and she praises him for being “less puny” than he used to be. They’re sweet together!

Check out the clip below, and watch the “Revolutionary Road” trailer here.

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