I first did this interview with actor Zack Ward last year. I would like to share it with the readers of On The Avenue to help celebrate the season, as Zack starred in one of the best Christmas movies ever, “A Christmas Story”. From the infamous Scut Farkas himself, Zack discusses his interests, his career, and the film which helped launch his acting career.

Tell us something about yourself. What are some of your personal and professional interests?

My professional interests? I've been writing and "producing" for the last 3 years. The quotations around producing are because nothing has been made, but it's still a full time job creating opportunities from flecks of ideas. It's coming along and will break soon and then all humanity will worship at my feet and shake in fear!!! Or I'll just get to direct and make a great movie, which I'd prefer.

My personal interests? Martial arts, physical training. Motorcycles. Movie poster art. Cool hats. My cat Kona. Loving my family the best I can. Growing up to be the person I hoped I would become when I was a kid. Always thinking about getting my next tattoo, and then chickening out.

You have been an actor for many years, how did you first get into that?

My mother, Pam Hyatt, has been an actress all her life, training at RADA (Royal Academy Dramatic Arts. England) and working in film and theatre. I grew up surrounded by it and was allowed an opinion. Slowly, I built up the nerve to test it and begged to act. My mother said, "no, I want you to have a normal life". To which my older brother, Carson Foster, said "Mom, what is normal?". So I started in commercials and auditioned for everything I could. Long road starts with a single step.

I have to ask about 'A Christmas Story' as it has become a classic. What was that experience like?

The experience becomes more technicolor with age, but like any childhood adventure, it was far more complex than I could comprehend yet simple enough to make me laugh. I was 13, shooting my first movie, my mom was there as my guardian. I wasn't spoiled or entitled or used to the film set. I'd done commercials, but that was acting in increments, no real lines of dialogue, just reactions. This was fun and scary and I wanted to do well, to make Bob (director Bob Clark) proud of me. He evoked that desire in us, to earn his praise, because he meant it with respect when it came. We knew nothing of the films potential impact on Americana, no one did, especially not children. We were young and goofy, having snow ball fights and "doing a movie": we were in heaven in Cleveland.

How do you feel about the film still getting as much attention as it does?

The film deserves it. As does Shawshank Redemption, as does Serpico, or Taxi Driver, Star Wars, or The Producers, Pan's Labrynth. It's a flawless film. Every moment is honest to the story. Every character, dialogue, set dress, wardrobe, camera move, reaction is true to the world it's taking place in. That rarely happens, and it's art when it does. It shouldn't be taken for granted.

What are some of your current and future projects?

Transformers coming out in 10 days, not like they need my help. Trade, with Kevin Kline, about the child sex trade. I believe it's coming out on August 31st, my birthday. Postal, a riduculously dark comedy coming out October 5th. It's a big deal for me as I star in it and it's $15mill, so go see the damn thing. I just finished a film called The Suit, a sci-fi movie. Not sure when that's being released. Bloodrayne 2 comes out to DVD in October and to theatres in Russia, weird, I wonder what I sound like dubbed in Russian. I did Kissing Cousins, Repo and Dead and Gone last year and don't know when they'll land, but they were fun. Keep your eyes open for red heads.

What would be the role you would most like to do?

Rorschach in The Watchmen. I'm perfect for it. After my older brother was mugged by 6 guys when I was 16, I geared up and walked the streets at night looking for payback. The pain and honor of Rorschach, the simple right and wrong of him is so beautiful and heroic. That's the part I was made to play.

Which actors and directors would you like to work with?

Johnny Depp, Tim Roth,Paul Giamatti, Alec Baldwin, William H. Macy. The Cohen brothers, Dennis Hopper, Zack Snyder, Cameron Crowe... again (great guy)

What do you like to do in your leisure time?

I'm learning that right now. I don't understand "leisure time". It just seems like time wasted. I always want to be learning, or growing, or getting stronger and faster. I'm not good at sitting down.

For a little fun...you have 3 wishes, what would they be?

First wish: 10 picture deal with final cut, no budget restrictions.
Second wish: To be able to do anything I see or read. Like juggling, backflips, lockpick, magic tricks, kung fu, just by watching it.
Third wish: Read minds. Then I'd just mess with lawyers for the fun of it.

Any additional comments?

Good questions. Keep in touch. Z

Check out Zack's full list of credits at the Internet Movie Database http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0911934/