Being versatile helped Tom Arnold build a strong career in TV, film

He's a writer, a producer, a comedian and an actor. He has starred alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in "True Lies" and alongside Mike Meyers in "Austin Powers." he wrote for the hit show "Roseanne" and did work with FOX Sports on the "The Best Damn Sports Show Period."

Tom Arnold dropped by FOX 5 to talk about his start in show business and his current career.

FILMING "TRUE LIES" IN DC

Arnold said he had a great time filming "True Lies" right here in D.C. On scene in particular was his favorite. While filming in front of the U.S. Capitol, co-star Arnold Schwarzenegger took him and Bill Paxton on an unexpected sight-seeing tour while a piece of equipment was being repaired.

The repair took seconds - their trip took 20 minutes. When they got back director James Cameron had some words for the big man.

"Jim Cameron is waiting in the middle of the street because the light only took 10 seconds to switch. He's holding traffic up in Washington, D.C. he gets in the car…I crawl out of the car because I don't want to be part of this, and just starts screaming at him (Arnold). So then he gets out, I get back in and I go to Arnold, 'Are you going to take that from that guy?'" I had to - I screwed up, is what Schwarzenegger replied.

IOWA

Arnold grew up in Iowa and loves being part of that small fraternity. He said he thought any mention of his home state in TV or films was great. And contrary to the story Ashton Kutcher tells - Arnold said he was very nice to the young actor who approached him in a bar before he got his big break.

CAREER

Arnold has made a great career out of doing as many different things as possible. His start, however, came as a writer on the hit TV show "Roseanne."Another star that appeared on the show was George Clooney, who tells a funny story every time the two meet. "Every time I see him he'll say - this is my wife - Tom and I started together. You know, our careers are nothing alike - is what I want to say."

Arnold says working on "Roseanne" was a great experience and he worked with great people.

"My first writing job - 1988 - on the number one show. My first movie - True Lies - I assume it's going to be all like that. Well 130 movies later it's not all like that," he said jokingly.

FUTURE

Back in the comedy clubs is where Tom Arnold is now. "I love it. 75 minutes and no matter what's going on in your life you know that these people drove to see you and paid to see you, and you better be good."

He said he loves meeting and greeting fans and it makes hims feel good. And as far as hanging it up anytime soon. "I'm 57, I have four-month-old daughter and a three-year-old son," he said , "so I have to work forever."

Get more on Tom and his shows online: http://arlingtondrafthouse.com/drafthouse/event.aspx?eid=1441 | http://tomarnoldcomedy.com/