From Dead Poets Society to That 70s Show

Dead Poets Society has been digitally restored and presented for the first time in Blu-ray High Definition, and we spoke to Kurtwood Smith, who played Mr. Perry, the strict, disapproving father of drama student Robert Sean Leonard, who meets a tragic end. The Wisconsin native, 68, has also been seen in a number of films and television shows, namely 24 and That ’70s Show. Here’s what Smith had to say:

Were you expecting to be doing press for this movie after all this time?

I wasn’t, but it’s a movie I’m proud to have been in, and I’m always happy to see that it’s still playing in English classes. I think it’s a beautiful movie with great cinematography that can still be appreciated today. I liked the script overall, and I was really happy to be working with [director] Peter Weir. I was an admirer of his even then.

When you were approached for the role, were you hesitant to be cast as the bad guy?

 It was the one thing we were aware of. But Disney [executives] were pretty strong in their urging that my character maintained some of the weight because the story needed a protagonist, a purposeful villain. Most people wouldn’t argue that despite what Mr. Perry does, he loves his son. He just doesn’t know how to be effective with his love. It’s really unfortunate, but he wants what he wants.

A lot of the young cast has gone on to do interesting things. Do you keep in touch at all?

I did an episode of House a few years ago, and though I didn’t have any scenes with Robert we did get to talk quite a bit. I run into him at functions and saw him on Broadway. He’s a wonderful young man with deserved success and the more serious actor. Ethan was probably the bigger personality and real presence. He started exploding all over the place. I haven’t seen Josh for some time, but he also has done quite well with himself on The Good Wife.

You worked with Ashton Kutcher on “That ’70s Show’’ for a number of years. Do you watch him on “Two and a Half Men’’ now?

I think he’s doing great. When I first heard he was going to be in [ Men], I thought, ‘What?’ But after about a second, I saw it was perfect. What a great choice. Smart for him, smart for the show. We always got along well, everybody did on the set. He’s a super smart young guy and always has been. He was always working on his career in a larger sense so his success isn’t surprising.

This story was originally published January 16, 2012 at 10:01 PM with the headline "From Dead Poets Society to That 70s Show."