Baltimore Mayor Appears in 'Ladder 49'

Full Coverage: On the Set with Ladder 49

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Mayor Martin O'Malley says his role in a new John Travolta film, ``Ladder 49,'' wasn't much of a stretch -- he played the part of a mayor.

``I never came out of character,'' O'Malley said.

His one day of work Thursday garnered him membership in the Screen Actors Guild and a $650 paycheck. O'Malley said he will donate the money to the Baltimore fire department's foundation.

In the scene, O'Malley's character bestows awards on two firefighters -- played by Joaquin Phoenix and Robert Patrick -- who rescued a child.

Whether O'Malley makes it to the big screen depends on editing. The film is scheduled to wrap in Baltimore on July 3.

``He took direction very well,'' said director Jay Russell. ``He's very comfortable in front of the camera.''

But Russell added: ``He shouldn't give up his day job.''