Actor Ricky García might not be a “household name” just yet, but that didn’t stop him from recently earning the most rewarding role of his young career.



In the new family comedy “Furry Vengeance” – which stars Brendan Fraser and Brooke Shields – García, 37, plays Frank, a construction foreman who leads a crew in the building of a new housing subdivision for a real estate developer (Fraser). Plans change, however, when the wild animals of the forest they are about to bulldoze emerge to defend their home.



Born and raised in Manhattan, García, who is half Spanish and half Sicilian, dreamed of acting since he was a kid.



“I always wanted to be on ‘Miami Vice,’” García told EXTRA during a phone interview. “I wanted to be Don Johnson. But when you’re 4’11 and chubby, you’re not going to be Don Johnson.”



During our interview, García talked about his experience on the set of “Furry Vengeance” and how his three kids keep him feeling young at heart.



EXTRA: How did you get involved in the project?

Ricky García: I auditioned for this movie three or four times. The first time I went, in I saw [director] Roger Kumble and made him laugh. Then, nothing happened. I got called back again and I made him laugh again, but nothing happened. He said, “Listen kid, you’re not a household name, but you’re hysterical.” They were looking for someone with a bigger name, which is understandable. Finally they said, “You’re funny and we hope you stay funny because you got the part.”



Was the audition process daunting for you since they had you going back and forth?

Not really. I’ve been acting ...