Jim Belushi: Steal my show!

Actor Jim Belushi recently arrived in Thailand to headline the Bangkok International Film Festival, spending a few days in Phuket before mugging for the cameras here in Bangkok on the red carpet Thursday night.

The 55-year-old stars in the long-running TV sitcom “According to Jim," and will be heard as the voice of the (formerly cowardly) lion in the upcoming animated movie “Dorothy of Oz." We sat down with the Chicago native for a rapid-fire chat following Thursday night’s festival opener.

CNNGo: Can you compare a Chicago bratwurst to a Thai sausage?

Jim Belushi: I haven't tried a Thai sausage yet, but it sounds good. I love the food here, and the heat is so much more intense than the Thai food I get in Chicago. I've been breaking out into a sweat when I eat here.

CNNGo: What have you been eating?

Belushi: I loved the fresh fish in Phuket, but I've been eating the very popular typical tourist stuff: pad thai, green curry with chicken. It's so much better here. 

CNNGo: What were your first impressions of Thailand?

Belushi: The airport was big. I saw a Starbucks; it felt like Miami. Actually, I immediately felt the sweetness here.

CNNGo: Have you seen your series, “According to Jim,” sold illegally on the streets of Bangkok yet?

Belushi: Yes, and I love seeing that, actually. It seems to be a popular title, too, which I think is great. I'm happy that so many people are watching it.

CNNGo: Are you planning on staying up until 3am on Monday morning to watch the Chicago Bears game? Football diehards in Bangkok have been known to do that.

Belushi: Oh, really? I didn't know I could watch the game here. Well, if I watch it at 3am, that will be a laidback night, comparatively. We've been pulling all nighters.