'True Blood' star 'go-to guy' for panther work

[October 30, 2010]  NEW YORK (AP) -- "True Blood" star Ryan Kwanten says he's the "go-to guy" when a production calls for working with panthers though he has a healthy fear of them.

Real panthers were used in the HBO series, and Kwanten said Thursday he was supposed to work with a panther in his new Australian Western "Red Hill" until he learned the feline turned on its owner in a deadly attack. Another panther was filmed without Kwanten for scenes added in later.

Kwanten, who plays Jason Stackhouse in "True Blood," said the hairs on his back stand up when panthers are on the set, but the animals are always chained. He said, "You're definitely on your toes" when working with the big cats.

"Red Hill" debuts Nov. 5.

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Online:

http://www.hbo.com/true-blood/

[Associated Press; By LAURI NEFF]

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