24 A quick chat with 24 bad guy Jon Voight

Jon Voight - aka bad guy Jonas Hodges in 24 - on playing a villain, showing off his Oscar and his plans for the future...

You last appeared in a TV series in the 1960s. What enticed you back?
"I'm a big fan of Kiefer Sutherland. Early on, I told him there was something special about 24, and seven years later the producers asked me to be his adversary. It's like closing a circle."

How would you describe your character, Jonas Hodges?
"Very evil. He's manoeuvring many different pieces and his plansare extremely disturbing."

Did you base him on anyone in particular?
"I did, but I'm not going to say who. I took a person who is a good guy in my life and I used those attributes. But I made a few little adjustments to make him dangerous and intimidating."

Do you enjoy your scenes with Kiefer?
"It's like playing tennis. You hit the ball over as hard as you can and you're so grateful when somebody hits it back with spin. With a really great player like Kiefer, it's like playing on Centre Court at Wimbledon. That's fun."

24's been given the OK for an eighth series. How much longer do you think it will go on?
"I think there are lots more stories to tell in this area. I want Kiefer to keep going as Jack Bauer. He's an exciting actor and a big talent."

What have you learned during your career?
"I've made mistakes and I've had to face them, but that makes you a better person and a better artist. If you hide from things, it diminishes you."

What is your favourite movie you've made?
"I've made so many great ones. But Midnight Cowboy is always going to be a great one so we'll leave it at that. I don't have a least favourite one. I've really liked everything I've done."

Where do you keep the Oscar you won for Coming Home? I have it on my mantelpiece. My mother used to have it until she passed away. One Christmas, she put it in a fish bowl with marbles and a light underneath, and when people came to visit, she'd say, Do you want to hold the Oscar? There it is. Pick it up."

Do you plan to keep on acting?
"Absolutely. The one thing about being an actor is that you can always find roles for whatever age you are. I can always play grandfathers or mad old men."

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