Jason Priestley Juggles His New 'Life'

The Former Teen Star Dishes on His New Show, New Baby and the Need for Speed

Related Links More About Jason Priestley More About 'Side Order of Life'

Aug. 3 -- Did anyone ever imagine Brandon Walsh changing diapers? Most likely not, but Jason Priestley is relishing his new role as a super-dad to daughter Ava who was born on July 2. He's also loving his career right now too. He's starring on Lifetime's sexy new dramedy 'Side Order of Life' as Ian, the jilted fiance of Jenny ('Boston Legal' alum Marisa Coughlan), but the duo have some unresolved issues that often result in them winding up in bed together.

The 'Beverly Hills, 90210' alum caught up with AOL TV's Angel Cohn to talk about why everyone should everyone should tune into his new show and the things he loves most about being a first-time father.

Us Weekly has you has you on their cover as one of Hollywood's hottest dads. How does that feel?
At this point in my life, I'll take it. I ain't stupid. I'm in pretty good company. I'm very honored to be there.

There are lots of cute pictures of the beautiful little Ava.
Thank you. She's gorgeous and I just love her to pieces, both her and my wife, Naomi. I'm a very, very, very lucky man.

Ava is only a month old. Are you sleeping?
I do sleep pretty well for the limited amount of time that I sleep. She is a good sleeper and a good eater and we are all doing really well. It is a team effort. It is just the three of us, we don't have any help. We are all in it together. I feel like I'm the cook and the manager and the diaper changer. I've got to make sure that I keep my wife fed and watered so she can keep our baby fed. It is Ava's job to sleep and to poop. It is a beautiful cycle of life going on. I love it. I'm so lucky and blessed to be able to have this time with my wife and daughter. I'm just drinking up every second of it. Before I know it, I'll go to sleep one night and wake up and she'll be asking me for the car keys.

Speaking of which, you drive race cars -- will Ava? Could she be the next Danica Patrick?
[Laughs] That is a very loaded question you are asking me. According to me wife, "No!" According to me, "Very possibly." I'm sure you'll start a big fight in my house. Right now my wife says it is OK if she wants to drive Formula One cars. That would make me very happy. I was a pro-rally driver for a long time before I moved into racing road courses. If my daughter wanted to race GT cars and go-carts and all of that, she can absolutely do that. I'd love to see my daughter racing go-carts!

So after your car accident, you are still gung-ho about racing and letting your daughter race?
Yes, and I think for little kids racing go-carts is phenomenal. I think any sports for kids is wonderful. Racing is a team sport. The driver is just part of the last element within the team. There is the crew and the spotters and managers.

The driver is the most glamorous part.
It is certainly the most glamorous and that's why I was always drawn to it. [Laughs]

How is it juggling work and the baby?
My role on 'Side Order of Life' for the last couple of weeks has been pretty light, which is alright for me.

I was wondering if you'd still be on the show since they recently aired an episode where Jenny gave you the ring back.
Don't worry. Ian is not going anywhere. It has been a little light the last couple of weeks which has been fantastic for me for real reasons. But I think in a week my work will get heavy again.

Is that a hint about what happening with your relationship?
Ummm ... don't be surprised when it gets heavy again. Here's the thing with 'Side Order,' I am a huge fan and I love going to work there every day. We have such fun making that show. I think we're making such a good quality product. I really think there is nothing like it on television.

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