ACTOR TOM SIZEMORE SPEAKS OUT -- FRIDAY, APRIL 1 ON "DATELINE NBC"

ACTOR TOM SIZEMORE PASSIONATELY DEFENDS HIMSELF TO NBC'S KEITH MORRISON IN HIS FIRST PRIMETIME INTERVIEW SINCE HIS JAIL SENTENCE FOR VIOLATING PROBATION -- ON "DATELINE NBC," FRIDAY, APRIL 1

After Repeatedly Cursing the Press Sizemore Almost Walks Out on Interview

NEW YORK -- March 31, 2005 -- Actor Tom Sizemore passionately defends himself in his first primetime interview since his jail sentence for violating probation with "Dateline's" Keith Morrison. In the emotionally charged interview, Sizemore discusses his recent sentencing to 17 months in jail and four months in a drug treatment facility for repeatedly failing drug tests while on probation, his relationship with Heidi Fleiss, and how his longtime drug problems and repeated run-ins with the law have threatened to derail a career that was on the cusp of carrying him to leading man status ? and turned his riches into rags along the way. The exclusive interview to be broadcast on "Dateline NBC" Friday, April 1 (8:00 PM, ET/PT).

After categorically denying ever laying a hand on Heidi Fleiss, Sizemore says, "I don't know why people would believe it. I'm an actor. I pretend. I wear make-up for a living. I'm a sissy." And when asked if he was acting in court when he cried, Sizemore got volatile, saying, "I'm not acting right now. I said f--k the press. F--k the press. I'm done." However, after briefly walking away from Morrison he returned, apologetic, and continued the interview.

When asked about selling his old house, a saddened Sizemore reveals that he was living in a garage three and half weeks ago, "a garage...I have a pregnant girlfriend. No money. I'm thankful I come from poor beginnings because I was able to weather that storm."

With his appeal of the assault charges still pending, money sparse and his character in question, Sizemore seems confident about his future in the acting business: "Will Hollywood forgive me? Of course they will. But only if I stay clean and sober."

David Corvo is the executive producer of "Dateline NBC."