JAMES CAAN - CAAN 'TORTURES HIMSELF' OVER TV WORK

JAMES CAAN is "torturing himself" over his new debut TV series LAS VEGAS despite its warm reception - because of the stigma of small screen work.

The veteran star, 64, who has won plaudits and an OSCAR nomination in films such as THE GODFATHER and MISERY, has never appeared in a TV series before Las Vegas - and, despite its successful debut last week (24SEP03), Caan admits he's still ill at ease with his new role.

He explains, "I'm still torturing myself about it because there used to be a stigma about doing television. It was like you lost your job. I'm doing it but I'm still not quite comfortable.

"I care very much about acting, I want to be the best actor in the world. But that can't be your life."