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Dolphin goes Hollywood

Sunday, April 18, 2004

Dwayne ''The Rock'' Johnson looks at Jason Taylor and sees the NFL star he never became -- not that he's complaining. Taylor looks at The Rock and sees the type of movie star he would like to become.

''I would like to follow in his footsteps,'' Taylor says of his friend, who has become the most successful athlete-turned-movie star in South Florida history. ``Acting really appeals to me.''

Taylor traveled to Los Angeles earlier this offseason to audition for two movie roles, one of which he later turned down because of the time commitment. The head of the production company that makes Spider-Man and Incredible Hulk movies has interest in using Taylor in a future project, his agent, Gary Wichard, said.

Having worked with an acting coach for three years, Taylor also has accepted a significant role in a dramatic film that will be produced by actor Nicolas Cage's company. Filming could begin in 2005.

Taylor landed a role in a movie, The Playmaker, last off-season but the project is on hold because of financing problems.

After holding his first charity golf tournament Monday in Davie, he will return to Los Angeles this week to discuss film projects.

For inspiration, Taylor, 29, can look to The Rock, the former UM defensive tackle who reportedly has earned $33 million from a three-year movie career that followed a lucrative run in pro wrestling.