What was your first impression of David Gordon, the character you play in the upcoming movie "Custody," who is a dad trying to keep his kid from being taken away by her biological father?

I guess his gentleness kind of came out at me. Because he served both roles as parent, he had a kind of maternal side without being feminine that I kind of liked.

Do you think that you would've made the same choices that David made, if faced with his predicament?

I do, yeah. Once you have a kid, although it's not his kid, once you're there and you take on that responsibility, and you have some good values, that becomes the priority. In a way, becoming a parent was a relief. Because I knew, no matter what, I had to take care of my daughter. There were no questions. If it all goes to pot, I go get a job working wherever, and I'll take care of her. There's something comforting in that. You know your destiny on a certain level.

How has being a father affected the choices you're making in your career?

I'm on a series, in large part, because of the fact that I want to be around for my child. I get to be home for dinner and breakfast, so that's big. It's colored every decision I make. I make movies when I can. I did one while we were shooting last year. It's tricky and hard to schedule, but sure, if something interesting and worthwhile comes along, and I can work it into my schedule logistically, then I'll try to do it.

Were there any scenes while making the movie that really stood out to you?

All the scenes with Kay (Panabaker, who plays his daughter, Amanda). Tucking her in, taking care of her. She's such a sweetheart of a kid. She's actually come and babysit for me a couple of times now. I really like her.

Did you learn anything about today's teens from working with Kay?

Kay's an unusual one, in that she's very precocious and very mature on a lot of levels — and very goal-oriented. She's graduating college, and she's 17. Every generation gets a little smarter and hipper and wiser.

And what was your take on working with James Denton?

He's a sweetheart. A good guy. We didn't have a lot of scenes together, but he was a nice guy.

You have a background in theater. Do you prefer that to film acting?

Oh, no. They're so different. I love the subtleties and the shadings of film acting. I love that you can dial it in. But that said, there's something really liberating and fun about the theater. You're in charge of your own destiny each night, and each performance becomes its own thing. It's much harder in theater. But I love film acting, I really do.

Do you see yourself going back to the stage?

Absolutely. If plans mean anything, I hope to go back to New York, where I keep an apartment, after the series "Numbers" is done, and do some theater. It's hard for me to do plays now because I'm working 10 months of the year on a show, and it's hard to do a play in two months. But I started a theater company, Naked Angels, that's still around today, and I'd like to do more work there.

Speaking of your hit show, "Numbers," are there any spoilers you can give us about the upcoming season?

It's gonna be hot, I can tell you that. I'm calling it "Numbers 2.0". (Director) Tony Scott came in and directed the premiere of season 4, and he'd never directed one before. And Tony is something to behold. He just really revitalized us. He really just jacked things up in a cool way, and I think it starts the season off with a bang.

What do you do to unwind when you're not on the set?

I play the guitar. I drive a motorcycle. I do a lot of sports. I golf. I'm a big golfer. I read a lot. I smoke cigars. I play with my daughter. I meditate. I went sky diving a few years ago, with my sister. It was amazing. It was an extraordinary experience. Not one I plan to do again, but I really loved it.

Are you involved in any advocacy work, and if so, what motivated you to get involved?

I do a lot of stuff, but my main thing is this thing called "Project ALS," which I'm on the board of. Project ALS was started about nine years ago by a friend of mine who got ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), and since has passed away. Through her perseverance and commitment, she started this organization that has so far raised about $35 million dollars. It's a big showbiz cause. Brad Grey is on the board, and everyone gets involved at some point. George Clooney, Brad Pitt. Everybody.

Can you talk more about Project ALS and its efforts?

It's a really interesting organization because it supports a grassroots way of doing research and by being right in charge, we're able to cut through a lot of the normal bureaucratic channels, and put disparate institutions together and help move the potential for cures for any kind of neuromuscular disease — Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, spinal cord injuries — out into the open. It's been a big focus for me.

And if our readers wanted to get involved, is there a way for them to do that?

Absolutely. Go to www.projectals.com. It's a great organization. About 85 percent of what we take in goes directly to the program, which is a high number.

To read an interview with co-star James Denton, click here.