Articles/Interviews: 5 Questions

Five Questions With Paul Walker

Paul Walker's career has allowed him to live out some of his childhood fantasies.For example, Walker dreamed of becoming a police officer, and later, a race car driver.In his new film, ``The Fast and the Furious'' he plays both - an undercover detective posing as an import-car street racer. Looking back on the role, Walker says he's still very ``pro-cop,'' but being a police officer in real life is too difficult a job for him to do.Acting has enabled him to assume other identities. He was a star quarterback in 1999's ``Varsity Blues'' and an evil Ivy Leaguer in 2000's ``The Skulls''His other films include ``Pleasantville'' and ``She's All That.''``Just being able to step in and play someone entirely different every three, four months - that's really cool,'' the 27-year-old says.He didn't dream of becoming an actor, although, as a kid, he had guest roles on ``just about every sitcom there was,'' including ``Diff'rent Strokes,'' ``Highway to Heaven,'' ``Charles in Charge'' and ``Who's the Boss?''
     Walker, who has a keen interest in marine biology, is instantly recognizable as a Southern California beach enthusiast, thanks to his deep tan, light sandy hair and relaxed manner. But he's considering a move to New York, he says, so he can enjoy Manhattan's ``spice and flair.''``The Fast and the Furious'' also stars Vin Diesel.

1. What kind of car do you drive in real life?
Walker: After this movie I went out and purchased one of the import cars. It's called a Nissan Skyline. It's my toy. The steering wheel is on the right-hand side, so it's really kind of bizarre and going through the drive-through is a problem. I pull up to the drive-through window and then I get out of my car, walk around, hand them the cash and then walk back around with the food, get in and go.

2. You do a lot of your own stunts in your films. Do you consider yourself an adventurer?
Walker: I'm a bit of a thrill-seeker. ... I big-wave surf, I travel around the world and surf 25-foot-plus waves. I snowboard. I'm into extreme skateboarding and downhill skateboarding where you're going 45 miles per hour on a skateboard, which is pretty fast - and I wear a helmet. I sky dive.

3. Do you ever sit still?
Walker: I'm really into ceramics and I love playing my guitar. I just started spinning porcelain, which is really hard.

4. Have you crossed over from being a teen heartthrob to serious adult actor?
Walker: I want to be challenged but I don't want to turn my back on the teen audience. They are the main reason I am where I am. I still want to nurture that. I'd like to think I could walk the line. ... I think you can make a good movie that appeals to teens.

5. What would be your ideal role?
Walker: I love epic adventure stories. For instance, I loved `The Last of the Mohicans,' something like that would be great. `The Great Escape' is a great movie, and even `Braveheart.' I guess there's something about wearing armor.