Hamming it up

10-year-old Dominic Scott Kay voices Wilbur the pig in the new "Charlotte's Web."

By Elizabeth Kaye McCall

Dominic Scott Kay is a real Hollywood player. Already an accomplished actor, writer and director, he has two production companies in the works to make films that "move people," he says. He also gives voice to the world's most huggable pig in the new "Charlotte's Web." out in theaters Dec. 20.

"I feel like I have a lot in common with Wilbur," says Dominic, who happens to be just 10 years old. "We're both curious, funny and outspoken. We love people."

Dominic has more than 20 acting credits to his name, having cut his teeth as Tom Cruise's son in "Minority Report" when he was 5. But the ill-fated pig from the classic 1973 cartoon and E.B. White's 1952 book affected him more than any other role. "The story teaches faith, sacrifice, love and friendship," Dominic says. "It's good for kids and adults."

Unlike his co-star and fellow kid actor Dakota Fanning, who plays Fern and shot her scenes on location in Australia, Dominic recorded his part mostly on the Paramount lot in Los Angeles -- with some memorable exceptions. "I went to New Mexico every time Julia recorded," he says of his work in tandem with Julia Roberts, who voices Charlotte. "There were some funny times." Reluctantly, he gives up that the pair had a goofy inside joke. "In one scene, Charlotte says if she eats a fly, it's good for everybody," he explains. "Our joke is Wilbur's next line: 'Except for the fly!' We said it a lot."

Born in L.A., Dominic is no stranger to the biz. His dad is Scott Kay, the drummer for the post-Lionel Richie Commodores. Dominic, who is home schooled, has thrived in his surroundings -- making his directing debut at 9 with "Saving Angelo," a short film about a dog the family rescued. Nearly a black belt in karate, he also has risen quickly through the Hollywood ranks. Dominic already has experienced two of the industry's most significant rites of passage: He was hired by Steven Spielberg (for "Minority Report"), and he's well within "six degrees" of Kevin Bacon. After starring in the Bacon-directed "Loverboy" in 2006, Dominic cast the ubiquitous actor in "Saving Angelo."

Soon, Dominic will start filming his part in next summer's "Pirates of the Caribbean 3" with Johnny Depp. But that won't stop the high-energy boy from finding time to surf, bike, play keyboards and even knit. Acting may be his passion, but clearly it isn't the only one. Says the pint-size multitasker: "I'm going to be doing it all."