Trace Adkins is turning into a regular old Hollywood cowboy, with his role on NBC's hit show 'Celebrity Apprentice,' previous acting gigs in 'The Lincoln Lawyer' and 'Wyatt Earp's Revenge,' and now a lead role in a Western movie called 'The Virginian.'

According to The Boot, Adkins was extremely surprised at the casting news. "I told the director, the first day that I met him up there on the set, I said, 'OK, let's get this out of the way first: I don't trust anyone who casts me as a lead in the movie. So let's just start from there,'" he recalls.

The 'Love Will...' singer has been shooting in Canada, and he talks a little about the history of 'The Virginian,' which has been the subject of more than one remake. "I think Gary Cooper was the first one that did it [in 1929]," he notes. The singer adds, "It's been done many, many times, and there was a series, 'The Virginian,' back in the '60s. Whoever's turn it was to have the title 'The Virginian' this year, made the movie."

Adkins isn't letting his lead role or his success within the country music industry go to his head, as he makes sure to put his heart into whatever job is in front of him. The 51-year-old Louisiana native is used to hard work and dedication, and his work ethic is portrayed in everything he does, whether it's film, TV, or music.

"I just keep going," he explains. "I come from the oil field and it doesn't really matter how good a job I did yesterday, I've got to get up and do it again today. You can't rest on your laurels. Every day you have to get up and prove yourself again, and earn your keep. That's just the way I approach this business."

The 'Honky Tonk Badonkadonk' hitmaker is definitely seeing his hard work pay off, as his forthcoming album, 'Love Will...' is set to be released May 14. Although 'The Virginian' doesn't have an announced release date yet, it should be out by the end of this year.

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