Arkin as an Aryan?

When Adam Arkin signed on for “Sons of Anarchy,” he didn’t have reservations about his role as a slick white separatist or the FX drama’s dark heart.

But he admits to feeling a bit “intimidated” about working with co-star Henry Rollins, of Black Flag punk-rock fame.

“I’m a 50-something square character actor,” Arkin said. “There was every possibility he’d have said, ‘We’ll do our work together, but don’t talk to me.’ ”

Instead, Arkin found Rollins to be “incredibly warm,” and has equally kind words about “Sons of Anarchy” (Tuesdays, 10 p.m., cable channel 53 in Spokane, 65 in Coeur d’Alene).

He’s careful to correct a questioner who refers to the law-breaking motorcycle gang members as the drama’s heroes.

“They’re not heroes; they’re the protagonists,” said Arkin, whose TV (“Northern Exposure,” “Chicago Hope”) and film career includes the Coen brothers’ latest, “A Serious Man.”

His interpretation of his “Anarchy” character emerged after discussions with series creator Kurt Sutter.

“We talked about my own ethnicity and the irony of having someone with a Jewish background playing a white separatist, nationalist character,” Arkin says.

The idea of tackling a challenging part was part of the appeal. Which is not to say Zoebelle’s views are appealing.

“If it was glorifying white power and separatism… I wouldn’t be associated with it,” Arkin says.

“But that’s not what the job of this show is, not what I’m trying to do. He’s a fascinating character in a compelling story, and that’s what is interesting.”

The birthday bunch

Country singer Donna Fargo is 68. Actress-dancer Ann Reinking is 60. Actor-comedian Sinbad is 53. Actress Mackenzie Phillips is 50. Actor-comedian Tracy Morgan is 41. Actress Ellen Pompeo (“Grey’s Anatomy”) is 40. Actress Brittany Murphy is 32. Rapper Eve is 31. Country singer Miranda Lambert is 26. Actor Josh Peck (“Drake and Josh”) is 23.