Is there such a thing as being too good-looking? Can it work against you?
On occasion. Some casting agents think you can't play psychos. I guess they think most criminals are ugly, although I disagree with that. I definitely don't want to be stuck in the "pretty boy" category because that means you'll only get romantic leads and I want to go beyond that. What can I say? I want to be a great character actor like Dennis Hopper or Dean Stockwell. They are "da Guyz" in Hollywood!
How do you use your time off from the show?
Whether I'm on the set or getting some time off, I'm not one to let grass grow under my feet. There is always something to do- writing, reading scripts, fielding ideas off my family and friends and just about everyone on the That 70's Show set. I try to do something for charity every week, but I try to stay low-key about it. I don't want people to think I visit hospitals and talk to kids for a photo op. To me, that's using a charity to make a name as a "good guy." I have always felt that it's important to give back, you know that.
What music do you listen to?
All different types of music. The Beastie Boys' Hello Nasty and Hole's Celebrity Skin. It depends on what kind of mood I'm in, or want to get in. I like hard rap when I play sports, piano music when I'm writing, easy listening when I'm cleaning my house, etc.
What do you read?
I haven't been able to read a book in months. I've been so busy! I've been trying to read some of the books that were popular in the '70s to get even more in the mood for the show, but they don't always hold my attention. I guess I am too scattered to concentrate. All I get a chance to read these days are scripts!
Do you ever get time to just mess around and have fun?
I got to go to the beach a few times. I went snorkeling, which was fun. And I went nuts and drove over the Mexican border one day- it was kind of seamy, but it gave me some good ideas for a movie script! I hope to break into movies- it's just about finding the right script at this point, and finding the time to do it.
Were you recognized when you went to Mexico?
Well, they recognized me as a sucker, if nothing else! I ended up driving back with a carload full of piņatas and perfectly useless trinkets (laughs). And I ate some roadside food that I felt in my system for an entire week. It was almost the end of Ashton as we know him!