Q&a Oliver Platt

SI: Have you ever fired your manager?

Platt: Yes, but I have a different style than George. I'd like to think I have a little bit of a softer touch. I probably give people too many chances to screw up.

SI: Have you perfected the Steinbrenner look?

Platt: There is the white-shoes Florida George, and of course the white turtleneck and blue blazer is one of his iconic looks. And we put a lot of energy toward the hair.

SI: John Turturro plays Steinbrenner's foil, Billy Martin, in the miniseries. How is his performance?

Platt: From what I have seen so far, it is going to be extraordinary. I didn't want to sign on to the project till I found out who was playing Billy Martin. This thing lives or dies by that portrayal. When I found out John was doing this, it was one of the motivating factors to sign on. I think it's great casting. God knows he has the intensity.

SI: As the son of a diplomat, you spent a lot of time in Asia growing up. What sports were you exposed to?

Platt: Not so much cricket, but definitely soccer. But I was coming back and forth [to Washington], and we had season tickets to the Redskins.

SI: What is your greatest athletic achievement?

Platt: It's a short list, pal. I was the fastest guy at the Victoria Barracks Infant School in Hong Kong in 1966. I won the sprint.