SCARECROW Q's
What do you like best about doing a spy series?
I love action and adventure. I'm not into soaps. I wouldn't do well on Dynasty. I like things with humor in them like Magnum, Simon And Simon and Scarecrow & Mrs. King, of course. Look, you have to enjoy your work - goodness knows there are enough other problems. Most of my roles, as a matter of fact, have been adventures.
Are you afraid of being overexposed by being In a weekly series?
It's true people see you the same way each week, but that's better than what I felt before. Last year when I shaved off my mustache - it was the year of the Tom Selleck mustache, remember! - I thought my career was over!
What do you do in a weekly series to keep it Interesting then?
We try to get versatility in the shows - that's why Scarecrow is so good. It's got comedy, romance, adventure and we even get to wear disguises. That keeps it fresh.
What do you think is the most important element of the show?
Working with Kate Jackson. Lee and Amanda's relationship is the essence of the program.
Was there any truth to all the stories about problems on the set of Scarecrow?
Many shows lose their creators, crews, directors, etc That's part of the process of getting a show to gel. We had a rough time getting on schedule, then Kate tore some ligaments in her leg - which have given her trouble all season, by the way - so it was a difficult beginning. But the tension on the set was worked out and there certainly wasn't any more here than on any other set. It was more publicized, of course, because of Kate being a big star and all. We do get along. There are no horror stories to tell.
Do you do all your own stunts?
I do some of them - where I won't get my neck broken! Although sometimes ...
How much location shooting does Scarecrow & Mrs. King do?
That really depends on the show. Some shows are all interiors and they're shot on a set.
What's it like between you and Kate on the set?
Kate and I get crazy together. We cut up a lot. I don't feel reserved with her; there's no holding back at all. It's reflected in the TV relationship - we're like Tracy and Hepburn.
How is Scarecrow different from your last series, Bring 'Em Back Alive?
My attraction to that was its '40s look and the fact it was an adventure. I enjoyed doing it, but I'm still doing adventure in Scarecrow. Today, as a matter of fact, I'm shooting a scene that has me jumping on the back of Kate's trailer- while she's driving it!
What do you do during hiatus?
This year it's a short time away from the show, because of the Olympics. I'm vacationing this year, because I haven't had a real vacation in years. We'll probably be shooting on location in Washington in August just to stay out of L.A. during the crush of visitors from all over the world.
How do you spend weekends away from the set?
On weekends I like to get away from acting and cultivate the other relationships in my life.
PERSONAL Q's
Where did you grow up?
While I was born in Elgin, Illinois, I grew up in Crystal Lake and Mt. Prospect. They're northwest of Chicago.
Do you work out?
I used to lift free weights and do Nautilus, but I got hurt. Now I run with Heavy Hands, those hand-held weights. I worship the system! It's great!
Where do your sisters live?
Terry's a teacher in L..A. Nancy and Sandy are in lllinois. Nancy is a college actress right now.
Are you oldest, youngest or middle child?
I'm the oldest; Nancy's the youngest; Sandy's in the middle.
How do your parents feel about your work?
I think what I do is a bit awesome to them, but they're proud. They're from a small town, but they're very supportive.
Where do you live?
In L.A.'s West Valley - Hidden Hills. It's got lots of ranches and is kind of exclusive.
What kind of home do you have?
It's a ranch-style house with a pool and jacuzzi. I keep horses - their names are Rosie and Old '55. My son Sam is nearly four and he rides with me. He has no fear.
Do you collect anything?
I collect Western and American art, as a matter of fact. I have bronzes and paintings, antique furniture and all kinds of things. The house has an early American feel, a hacienda quality to it.
What kind of car of you drive?
I have several. A black Mercedes, a black Ford Bronco and a silver 280ZX. I usually drive the Ford.
Do you have pets be I sides horses?
We have two Persian cats named Schnitz and Rusty and a fairly new Boston bull terrier named Sweet Pea.
How long have you been married?
Kitty and I have been married seven years.
Does Sam show signs of wanting to be an actor?
Either an actor or a stunt man. He gets up on the couch and leaps off all the time! I bring him on the set sometimes; he's the most precious thing in the world to me.
Do you sing?
Only In the shower.
Who are some of your favorite actors?
All my heroes are dead! Errol Flynn, John Wayne, Bogart, but DeNiro's good, so are Martin Sheen, James Arness and Paul Newman.
Who are your favorite actresses?
Jane Seymour, Linda Evans, Kate Jackson, Kate Hepburn, Carole Lombard.
What kind of music do you listen to?
Music by the Stray Cats, Springsteen, the Blasters, rockabilly in general and Elvis Presley in particular.
What are your favorite TV shows?
Magnum, P.I., Simon And Simon, Hardcastle & McCormick and the A-Team. As a matter of fact, Sam would rather watch the A-Team than watch dad on Scarecrow!
Do you read much?
I love histories, biographies - especially of showbiz people, presidents and famous men performers.
When Bruce Boxieltner goes out on the town, what does he do?
I dress up and go to dinner and a movie. It's forty minutes to L.A. from the house, so we drive in to Morton's or the Palm restaurants. It's fun, but it's harder to see a film. Standing in line becomes a problem. People make your career and it's wonderful - it's just harder to catch a film, that's all. But it's wonderful - and worth it!
Thanks, Jim!
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