'Doc' Learns to Mend a 'Breaky Heart'

In the premiere last week of Pax's new dramatic series "Doc," Billy Ray Cyrus' heart was achy and breaky. The 39-year-old country-rock singer plays Clint Cassidy, a country doctor from Montana who had fallen in love with a journalist doing a story in his hometown. When she returned home to New York, Cassidy gave up everything he held dear to be with her in the Big Apple.

But his down-home compassion ran afoul of the by-the-book practices of the HMO where he found a job. To make matters worse, his relationship with his girlfriend also unraveled. But this is family-friendly Pax, so there is a silver lining. Cassidy has found a new purpose with his life when he gives a young orphan boy, Raul, (Tyler Garcia Posey), a home.

Cyrus, who was born and raised in Flatwoods, Ky., made his singing debut in his father's gospel group and formed his own band, Sly Dog, in 1983. He became an "overnight" sensation in 1992 with the release of the phenomenally successful "Achy Breaky Heart." The catchy tune topped the U.S. pop and country charts, as did his debut album, "Some Gave All." He recently released a new album, "Southern Rain," with several of the songs being used in "Doc."

Cyrus, his wife and five children live on a 500-acre farm outside Nashville. He talked about his experience on "Doc" from the Toronto location where the series shoots.

Question: You are working 12- to 17-hour days on "Doc." Is this the hardest job you've ever had?

Answer: I am going to be honest with you and myself, OK? This is the hardest I've ever worked in my life. Sela Ward, who is a good friend of mine, told me, I guess two years ago, that working on a series is the hardest work you'll ever do in your life.

I have been through a lot of hard work. Even as a kid I worked hard, cutting people's grass in the Appalachia foothills. You have to be part billy goat to do that. But I have worked hard my whole life and have always known that to have anything in life that is worth anything, it requires a lot of hard work. But I wasn't prepared for the amount of hours that go into doing this.

Q: How did you break into acting?

A: In 1999, what happened was I had taken a few little bit parts like "The Love Boat." While I was doing "The Love Boat," I went and auditioned for a part in David Lynch's [TV] film "Mulholland Drive." They hired me.