Sunday Q&A: Actor Michael Rapaport talks sports, podcasts

Actor Michael Rapaport, 46, is perhaps best known for his various TV and film roles. But he's also a huge sports fan and often delves into that subject on the podcast he co-hosts with childhood friend Gerald Moody. They're doing a live taping of a podcast Thursday at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis (more information at iamrapaporttour.com). Rapaport chatted recently with the Star Tribune's Michael Rand:

Q How did you become such a fan, and how have you been able to incorporate that into your career?

A I grew up always watching and playing sports. It was something that kept me out of trouble. I had goals and aspirations. As I became successful as an actor, I had chances to play in some celebrity games and got invited on shows to talk about sports. I love doing it, and I try not to take myself too seriously. I try to come at it like a fan.

Q I know you spent some time in the Twin Cities during the 1990s filming "Beautiful Girls." The Timberwolves now are a lot different, but what's your impression of that team?

A I think they're good. I think they have a bunch of good young players, and I love [Tom] Thibodeau. I've always liked the Timberwolves because when we spent time out in Minnesota we would go to a lot of games.

Q You directed an ESPN "30 for 30" film on the Knicks. How much fun was it to do that project and get a lot of the old players involved?

A I was like a kid in a candy store. Really, it was like the Garden of Eden. I had a lot of fun doing it. It was challenging, but it was well worth it. It was great just to be a part of the "30 for 30" family.

A We've done a few in front of an audience and it's fun because of the energy of the crowd. We try to involve the crowd, do it like a give-and-take instead of just like a regular podcast.

Q At the 2010 NBA All-Star Game, you got to play in the celebrity game and wound up as the MVP. Where do you rank getting that award among your career achievements?

A Oh, it's up there. It's like there's working with Woody Allen [on numerous projects] and then there's celebrity game MVP.

Q Take me back to your role in "The Basketball Diaries," which wasn't a huge role but certainly was an influential film. What was it like working on that?

A I only worked in one scene, but it was fun. There was a lot of excitement around Leonardo [DiCaprio]. I think everyone saw his potential to become something special. I've remained friends with him, and I'm not surprised by his success at all. It was a fun thing to be a part of.