Denis Leary On Michael J. Fox's 'Rescue Me' Role (Dish Of Salt)

Access Hollywood - January 14, 2009 11:55 AM PST
Story photo: Denis Leary On Michael J. Fox's 'Rescue Me' Role (Dish Of Salt)Access Hollywood

By Laura Saltman

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- It's not easy getting Michael J. Fox , who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991, to say "yes" to many acting gigs. His good friend Denis Leary , however, was able to lure him back to television for a five episode stint on F/X's "Rescue Me" beginning in April.

According to Leary, Fox has always been a big fan of the show ever since Leary sent him the pilot, "He called back and he said, this is really good television. So, I've asked him other questions about casting and stuff over the years."

VIEW THE PHOTOS: 2009 Golden Globes Red Carpet

Leary says he had also been asking Michael for years to come on the show but Fox always told him he was to busy with work and his kids.

"We wrote this role without thinking of Michael and we got done with it and we said, Peter Tolan ["Rescue Me's" Executive Producer] said, 'Let's call Michael.' So, it started as a lark. I think he liked it because it wasn't just funny, it was also dramatic."

VIEW THE PHOTOS: The Latest Star Sightings

Fox plays a paralyzed boyfriend of Leary's character (Tommy Gavin's) ex-wife, Janet.

"I think it was a challenge for him because he was playing a guy who was very still and he got to do these really heavy dramatic seasons."

Leary realizes having Fox on might get him a few more eyeballs to his critically acclaimed show, "How much do you want to bet that the posters for and advertisements for 'Rescue Me' say Michael J. Fox in 'Rescue Me'! So, people are like 'I hate that show but now I'm gonna watch it!'"

VIEW THE PHOTOS: TV Guide's 2008 'Hot List: 30 Smokin' Reasons To Love TV'

One actor who will never been seen on the show - Sean Penn . Leary says he asked Penn, who is a pal, to come on the show and got a "no." His dream "get" right now he says would be recent Golden Globe winner, Mickey Rourke .

"I've heard that there was a producer one time that didn't like the fact that Mickey wanted to have his dog in the movie. I'll tell Mickey he can carry his dog in his fire helmet. He could have his Chihuahua attached to his fire element just so I could have Mickey on the show!"

Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
PLAY IT NOW: Dish Of Salt: 2009 FOX TCAs: Paula Abdul Talks 'American Idol'
PLAY IT NOW: Kevin Spacey, Laura Dern & Denis Leary Talk 'Recount'

MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Dish Of Salt - TV - Sean Penn

comments

show comments

comments

  • angry_in_Michigan
    Leary, I used to think like you. I've spent some time with these kids. It has changed my opinion. These kids DON'T WANT TO BE TOUCHED. If you hug one it is almost like it hurts them to be touched. It reminds me of Schizophrenia. They will just be happy in their own little world rocking like a rocking chair in a corner somewhere. That ADD and ADHD is caused by crappy parents. TRUST
    report abuseposted July 20, 2009 8:24 AM PDT
  • angry_in_Michigan
    Michael J. Fox in 'Rescue Me'! I hate that show but now I'm gonna watch it! There it is Leary. You asked for it, you got it. I actually don't hate the show, but you are right I'll watch a few episodes now. I just don't like shows that have the main character as a bad guy. You're not a bad actor, I just don't like bad guys. You
    report abuseposted July 20, 2009 8:17 AM PDT
  • SouthernChick88
    *Michael J. Fox - 1 Hell Of An Actor! Good Luck Michael, Your In Our Thoughts *&&* Prayers Always....But I Also Can't Wait To See Him In ACTION AGAIN! AWESOME!!! =)*
    report abuseposted February 14, 2009 7:28 AM PST
  • NYSicilian
    Michael J Good luck Mike were all praying for you, GOD bless
    report abuseposted February 13, 2009 8:39 PM PST
  • anonymous
    I can't believe someone with a disability would be such good friends with a putz like denis leary. He laughs and makes jokes about children with autism, and says the parents caused it by not giving their kids attention.
    report abuseposted January 23, 2009 7:35 AM PST
  • sooner
    yea i loved those commercials he did with bo jackson
    report abuseposted January 14, 2009 4:59 PM PST
  • JACKIESUE
    i'd watch rescue me if no one was on the show but denis...he fecking rocks
    report abuseposted January 14, 2009 1:06 PM PST
  • Ronda R
    I love Rescue Me and can't wait for the new season to begin!!!!
    report abuseposted January 14, 2009 1:05 PM PST
  • Cassie
    That's fantastic! Can't wait to see Michael in action again!
    report abuseposted January 14, 2009 12:25 PM PST

Post A Comment

sign in to post a comment.

sign in

RELATED ARTICLES

RELATED PHOTOS

RELATED VIDEOS

Updates

Manage My Updates
Manage My Updates
More Updates »

omg!

MORE ENTERTAINMENT

ALSO ON YAHOO!

Help us to improve! - Send Your Suggestions