From Playgirl 1990 February.
Interviewer Susan Bax

Jeff Kober

The dense jungles of Vietnam are a far cry from the flat plains of Montana where Jeff Kober grew up, but like many other young people who came of age in the '60's, Kober's life was profoundly affected by the Vietnam war. While he didn't serve in the war itself, Jeff relives its drama and futility weekly as Dodger on the acclaimed ABC-TV series China Beach. He also co-stars with Lou Diamond Phillips in Transit, an action/adventure movie to be released this month. He plays a "local crazed serial murderer. "But", he says good naturally, "I'm a little higher class than (Friday the 13th's) Jason - I hope."


Playgirl-Are you surprised to be starring in both a TV series and a feature film?
Kober-For some reason, when I first started as an actor, I had a strong vision that I could do quite well at it, I knew it was a gamble, and I had to admit to myself that by the time I reached 50, I would be either a hero or fool in my eyes, depending on what I'd done. But I think in Hollywood if you hang around long enough you'll get a shot. And if being an actor is that important to you, you'll hang in there. I needed to act. And when I got my shot (reading for the pilot of China Beach), I was able to do something with it.

Playgirl-From the beginning, you always said you instinctively knew who Dodger was. How do you explain him?
Kober-He's a damaged soul who hasn't become cynical. I don't think you can be healthy when you're facing life and death daily, so I recognized the wounding of his humanity and his willingness to carry on.

Playgirl-You went to Vietnam to prepare for the show?
Kober- I went with Dana Delaney and I had no idea what to expect. But I felt so good there, I came alive. I fell in love with the people, the children, their ties to the land and religion and their devotion and respect for their ancestors. Surprisingly enough, there's almost no evidence of the war there, and the country is extremely beautiful.

Playgirl-Have your feelings on war changed?
Kober-I can relate to the Americans who were there. I understand who they are and what they were doing. I wouldn't say I'm a supporter of war, but I could understand why someone would do it. I feel empathy for those who fought.

Playgirl-Has having a son affected your thoughts on war?
Kober-My son is so cool. He's completely changed my lifestyle and expanded it for the better. I love him and enjoy being a father. I can't even imagine anyone sending a son off to war. People are more aware today and I think war can always be avoided. The important thing to remember is that people of the world don't want to fight-they want to communicate-and most realize we're all in this together. We're just one family with different points of view. I hope the world keeps moving in that direction so we never have to fight again.