RACE Star James Spader Talk his Affinity for Ruthless Characters with the New York Times

It is not typecasting: James Spader just has an affinity for playing the ruthless characters, according to the New York Times. And, the role of the slick lawyer, Jack Lawson, in David Mamet's RACE, Spader is right up Spader's alley, after having played several sleazy film roles, including Steff in Pretty In Pink and protagonist roles in Sex, Lies and Video Tape, Crash, and The Secretary.  His latest endeavor, starring as yet another slime ball on "Boston Legal", a role which won him three Emmys.

"I'm most drawn to characters who are compelling and repellant at the same time, very often right at the same moment, and who are frightening and funny all at once," Spader told the Times. "Mamet writes these characters better than anyone." The Times spoke to Spader and several of his costars of both past and present about his unusual acting style and his offstage/off-camera antics.

To read the full article from the New York Times, click here.

James Spader most recently received his third Emmy Award for his portrayal of lawyer Alan Shore on ABC's hit drama "Boston Legal". His numerous film credits include Steven Soderbergh's Sex, Lies, and Videotape, for which he received the prestigious Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival; the critically acclaimed Secretary, opposite Maggie Gyllenhall; David Cronenberg's Crash, opposite Holly Hunter; Mike Nichols' Wolf, opposite Jack Nicholson; Bob Roberts; Wall Street, and Less than Zero, among many others. He co-stars in Robert Rodriguez's film Shorts, to be released this late summer.

RACE began previews on Monday, November 16, 2009 at 8:00 pm at The Ethel Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th St.). The official opening night is Sunday, December 6, 2009.

RACE, the new play written and directed by David Mamet, stars James Spader, David Alan Grier, Kerry Washington and Richard Thomas.

RACE is produced by: Jeffrey Richards, Jerry Frankel, Jam Theatricals, JK Productions, Peggy Hill & Nicholas Quinn Rosenkranz, Scott M. Delman, Terry Allen Kramer/James L. Nederlander, Swinsky Deitch, Bat-Barry Productions, Ronald Frankel, James Fuld Jr., Kathleen K. Johnson, Terry Schnuck, The Weinstein Company, Jay & Cindy Gutterman/Stewart Mercer and Marc Frankel.

RACE feature sets by Tony Award winner Santo Loquasto, lighting design by Brian MacDevitt and costumes by Tom Broecker.

Tickets to RACE can be purchased through Telecharge.com or 212-239-6200. Visit Raceonbroadway.com for more information.