Michael T. Weiss may have the best job in Hollywood. The Chicago-born actor gets to delve into a new role on each episode of his hit NBC-TV series “The Pretender.” Weiss plays Jarod, an unfathomable genius who escapes from a slightly demonic psychological research institute, The Centre. The actor stretches his acting chops every Saturday night as he assumes the identity of a new character — be it a stunt man, race car driver or doctor — in the pursuit of justice and to evade the wily agents in hot pursuit from the institute.

“Sometimes it’s dark and twisted, sometimes it’s emotional and endearing,” elaborates Weiss from “The Pretender” set. “Other times it’s just plain fun.”

The 37-year-old USC graduate and veteran of series and pilots that have stumbled and sputtered, was not oblivious to the pitfals awaiting “The Pretender.” “The writers created a world that on paper could be cartoonish,” admits Weiss, “But they made the character in that world so human that it works.” The surreal story lines and conspiratorial overtone, not to mention Michael T. Weiss’ considerable visual appeal, have made “The Pretender” a stunning ratings success and launched literally hundreds of websites devoted to the show.

Not all the sites are dedicated to plot points and character development. Weiss’ single status and sleek good looks have inspired adoring fan pages to be hurled into cyberspace.

“We have the most loyal and wonderful group of fans,” the actor says humbly.

Later this winter at the home of Weiss’ parents in Boca Raton, friends and family will be clustered around the television set to celebrate his debut as director of the series. The actor recently wrapped the episode, “Ghost From the Past,” revolving around a white supremacist group hijacking a rural church.

“It was amazing,” he beams. “It is the most enlightening thing for an actor to do. You see the other side of the coin.”

CARING IS COOL

When on break from his show, Weiss will often travel to the other side of the continent to visit his family. In the alluring waters of the Atlantic Ocean, he can indulge in the sports and recreation often denied on the California beaches.

“Florida is wonderful,” he says appreciatively. “But water is a natural resource and it is not unlimited.”

Along with such actors as Ed Begley Jr., Ted Danson, Meryl Streep and the musician Sting, Weiss has been at the forefront of Hollywood eco-environmentalism. Long before rabid female fans chased him down streets during his stint as Michael Horton on “Days of Our Lives,” Weiss served as a spokesman for Earth Communications Office.

“The environment is the ultimate issue,” he insists. “We can’t take it for granted or assume it will heal itself.” Much of the beauty of Florida, he adds is offset by the omnipresent strip malls seen on every street corner. Our consumption in America is unbelievable. I am trying to teach that we need less and that caring for the environment is cool.”

Despite the largesse of a hefty Hollywood paycheck, Weiss lives simply. His proudest possession is a Toyota hybrid, a half gas, half electric car the actor is currently testing in Los Angeles. “It drives exactly the same only better; because there is no noise,” he claims. “It’s thrilling for me to be on the cutting edge of the wave of the future.”

IN-THE-SHOES ACTOR

In the recent past, Weiss earned plaudits as a playwright. But routine 14-hour days that are the measure of the best job in Hollywood obliterate any writing duties. Weiss is thankful. “I don’t really like writing,” he confesses. “The muses nag me. I wrote a play once and I have no idea how it came out of me. It’s just something that torments me. And I have to do it.”

The fun is in the filming. “It’s like guerrilla film making,” Weiss says about the hit show, “you literally make a new film every two weeks. As drained as you are, you feel charged by the creative juices. You are so in the moment you don’t realize how tired you are until Saturday rolls around and you feel like a clubbed seal.”

On breaks from “The Pretender,” Weiss will take the odd vacation or squeeze in a film. He models for Victor Skrebneski and Saks Fifth Avenue, which is fitting, because if clothes don’t necessarily maketh the man — in the case of Weiss — they maketh the actor.

“The minute I put on the wardrobe of that character, it changes me. I am an in-the-shoes type of actor.”

And once the director yells “Cut!” does the actor revert back to being Michael T. Weiss?

“I don’t remember what Michael T. Weiss was like because I play Jarod more than I play Michael T. Weiss. Michael is just the guy that goes home and goes to sleep.”