Lassie. Flipper. E.T. Behind every pop-culture beast, it seems, is a devoted boy. Take Free Willy, the new film about a melancholy whale and the lad who befriends him. Below, its 13-year-old star, Jason James Richter, talks about fame, the perils of celebrityhood, and what a whale's tongue feels like.
Q: What were your first impressions of Willy?
A: Well, his real name is Keiko, and he was really cool. We made a
deal: As long as he didn't bite my hand off, I'd be his best friend.
He even let me pet his tongue! It felt like Bazooka bubble gum.
Q: If Free Willy becomes a hit, what will be your biggest
challenge?
A: Dealing with the press and figuring out who my real friends
are. Also, I'd have to figure out how not to get harassed every time
I go down to the Taco Bell.
Q: Of all the actors and actresses out there, whom would you most
like to meet?
A: I wish I could meet Spencer Tracy. I loved that movie A Guy
Named Joe. But he's dead. Now it would be probably be Sean Astin. Not
only was he in The Goonies, but he was in Encino Man!
Q: What kind of movie would you like to do next?
A: If the material is good, anything. But I won't do stupid horror
movies. Or trash, like Hoffa.
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