I almost got to do Saving Private Ryan, playing a German. I learned a German monologue in two days. I worked with Marco Hofschneider from Europa, Europa. We taped it and I went over it about a hundred times. It got down to me and Jeremy Davies. Even though it didn't work out I know he's (Steven Spielberg) got his eye on me now so that's kind of cool.
I'm a big fan of Gary Oldman - Sid and Nancy, Dracula, Immortal Beloved - I've watched every film he's ever done. I'd also love to work with some of the old school greats like Mike Nichols and Spielberg. And I think Gus Van Sant is totally cool.
I'm so busy trying to be other people. You start acting just as soon as you walk into the door of that casting office. You can't just be yourself because they don't want to hire you. I am not a killer. I don't beat my mother. I don't do these things, but you have to walk in there and be these things because they don't want to hire somebody who 'pretends to be gay' or 'pretends to be a gang member.'" - On auditioning
Enjoys snowboarding.
Speaks Spanish.
"I study like a madman." - On his preparation for auditions.
Was extremely proud of his grandfather, actor/comedian Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez, who was, for the most part, a victim of Latino stereotypes in 50s and 60s John Wayne westerns and TV sitcoms. As a tribute, Clifton changed his professional name to Clifton Gonzalez-Gonzalez in 1990, claiming that he was tired of people not knowing his grandfather or appreciating the significance of his ordeal. He reverted back to the name of Collins in 2000 after his father passed away.
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