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Q.Hi, Johnny - What do you like best about 21 Jump Street?
A."Lots of things but the best is that it's not just another show about cops going out and doing whatever. Jump Street deals with real issues, important issues."

How do you compare your character, Tommy Hanson?
"I think in every character you play there's always a bit of yourself, but basically we're pretty different. He's a straight-laced sort of guy who's done very well in school. I wasn't a straight-A student- in fact, I wasn't very good in school.

Do you ever contribute to the 21 Jump Street scripts?
"Not really, but if something's inaccurate I tell the writers. I learn a lot, from talking to the high school kids up in Vancouver where we shoot. I talk to them and find out what's real and what's not.">

Do you have a favorite episode?
"We did an episode called "Blindsided" about a girl who was abused by her father that I think is one of our best. I'm glad our show has a social conscience and isn't just mindless entertainment."

Will future Jump Street episodes deal with more personal aspects of the characters' lives?
"Well, that's OK to an extent, but if they play on that a lot it gets too soap opera-y. It'll get boring."

Does your family watch 21 Jump Street?
"Yeah, my nieces and nephews all watch the show, and my dad watches it every week. He calls me up after every episode and comments- he's very supportive."

All About Music

When did you first become interested in music?
"I've always had a real love for music, even as a really little kid. My brother turned me on to Derek and the Dominos and Van Norrison when I was seven."

When did you learn to play guitar?
"My mom bought me my first guitar when I was 12 and I became obsessed with it. I locked myself in my room and learned. I bought a chord book - with pictures of where your fingers should go - and after I'd learn the basic chords I started picking things up off records.

When did you start playing in bands?
"I joined my first band, The Flames, in 1976- I was 13. Since then I've been in tons of bands.

Will you ever cut an album?
"Not right now, but I'll play on my friends records. My old band Rock City Angels - now they're called Smoke Stack Lightning - are putting out an album, and I'll play on that. But I don't want to do a record now and capitalize on the fact that I'm on TV. I don't want to do, 'Hi, I'm on this show so buy my record.' I want to pursue my music when it's right."

Will you sing on Holly Robinson's album?
"I don't know yet, but I'd be glad to."

All About Growing Up

Where did you grow up?
"In a small town called Miramar."

Any brothers and sisters?
"I'm the youngest of four. I have a brother Danny, and two sisters, Debbie and Christie."

What were you like as a kid?
"Feisty! I got into trouble like all kids, but I was basically a good, normal kid."

When you were in school, did you have to deal with peer pressure?
"Yes, and the majority of it was all about drugs or drinking. I learned that (drugs and alcohol) don't get you anywhere and hopefully, kids can see from the show that it's just a temporary high and then it's over with."

Is it true that you dropped out of high school?
"Yeah, in my junior year. I regret it now though, because there are a lot of important things you learn in high school. Plus, it's a breeze, man. I mean yeah, you've got the peer pressure and you've got the tough guy picking on you and you've got the girl you love who doesn't look at you. But compard to life, it's a breeze. Compared to going out and getting a job and worrying about paying the bills... At least I can say I've learned from my mistakes."

All About Acting

How did you et into acting?
"My friend, Nicholas Cage, sparked my interest in acting. I was hunting for a job and he arranged for me to meet his agent, who sent me to read for Nightmare On Elm Street, and for some reson or another, they hired me!"

What's you're favorite acting role so far?
"Platoon (I played a guy named Lerner) was the best experience of my life, absolutely. The camaraderie that built up, the friendship, is still there to this day."

How do you feel about being in the spotlight?
"It's hard to answer that. I'm just doing a job. I love acting and I want to keep some things private. I'm not a real attention hog. I'm not real good at being the center of attention - I just like to work."

What's the best adress to write you?
"I'd love to hear from you! Write to me... (Past Address)