Black magic: though only 23. Lucas Black has already scored a lifetime's worth of great roles. He adds one more in Jarhead

Men's Fitness, Dec, 2005 by Brian Libby

At 11, with no formal acting lessons. Lucas Black starred with Kevin Costner in 1994's The War. Later came roles in the Oscar-winning Sling Blade and Cold Mountain. Now. MF's Ultimate Rising Star from last month is back and going to war in the Oscar-angling Jarhead.

Jarhead takes place during the first Gulf War, but it was shot in the Mexican desert--what was that like?

It was tough. We were on our feet all day every day, with all the soldiers' gent on. Base camp was miles and miles away, because if there was a 360-degree shot, everything had to be cleared out.

Did you and the cast get to do anything for fun?

We all worked long hours, from before sunup to after sundown. Afterward we were usually pretty tired, but most of the time we hung out at a gym together, lifting weights and playing Ping-Pong or basketball. When we were done with all that shooting in the desert, we'd take our aggressions out on the weights.

How was using a weapon in the film?

Some of it was fun as far as training and shooting the rifles. But I'm used to that because I'm from the country and I hunt. Every weekend during the fall and winter, if I didn't have ball practice, I'd go bow hunting. And I love to fish, too. When I was a kid, I as in about two bass-fishing tournaments a week.

Any memories of bagging a particular deer?

I was lucky enough once to get the fourth-biggest deer in the state of Alabama with a bow.

What's life like for an Alabama deer hunter in Hollywood?

It's pretty weird. I'm not a city person. It can get frustrating dealing with traffic and so much concrete. When I get a chance to go home, I get out of there.

Given that, where would you like to see your career go from here?

The Fast and the Furious 3 is my next film. But it's also probably going to be my lat for a while. I'm looking for ward to being back home in the country.

Won't you miss the spotlight?

I wish I could tell you that I can't wait to get in front of the camera. But to be honest, I couldn't care less. Taking care of my family and being financially set--those are probably the main reasons I act. If I had to pick a dream job, I'd be on the PGA tour. I like to see the ball go in the hole. Don't we all? But I am pretty good--I played golf on the set of All the Pretty Horses every day, so I think I can make it one day.