Jason Bateman is 'enormously grateful' for success

Jason Bateman feels "enormously grateful" that he's still working in Hollywood.

The 57-year-old actor first found fame as a child, when he appeared in TV shows such as Little House on the Prairie and The Hogan Family, and Jason is grateful that he's still working in Hollywood after so many years in the entertainment industry.

He told Variety's Awards Circuit Podcast: "I’m enormously grateful that I’m still working in this industry in this town.

"I mean, I’ve gained a lot of experience in this business, and one of the things that’s really clear to me is that the best people are not guaranteed employment."

Jason has made a successful transition from acting to directing during the course of his career.

The movie star admitted that he's always had an interest in directing.

He shared: "They are in both worlds at the same time, but they kind of always have been.

"That’s why I was so drawn to having the official job of directing.

"Acting at an early age became so comfortable for me that I was able to really observe all the incredible work going around me. All the technical work of the camera and sound and lighting and what might be happening with editing later. So I’ve always thought about all of that — what a team it takes."

Jason has just directed The Cackling of the Dodos, a new comedy film, for Netflix, and he's admitted to relishing the experience.

He said: "Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson brought me the script and said, ‘would you direct us in this?’ I didn’t even really need to read it, when you get that kind of call from those two guys.

"It’s a dark, dark comedy about these two guys who run a farm and they find a dead body in the grain bin and try to figure out how to get rid of it — and create a couple of more dead bodies doing it. It’s kind of like an old Coen Brothers-type of film."

Despite his success, Jason has always remained humble about his achievements.

Asked to share his favourite piece of advice, Jason explained: "This sounds a bit earnest and probably a bit cliche, but it really is true, and something that’s so needed for anybody that’s got the kind of complicated thing of fame and having a public job. But in any position of leadership, doing unto others as you would you want them to do to you."