Hal Holbrook was resting in his hotel in Worcester, preparing for another stage appearance as Mark Twain, a role he has performed over 2,000 times over the past 55 years.

The obvious question was how he has changed and adjusted “Mark Twain Tonight” since he first introduced the famous character in the late ’40s.

“Naturally,” he said, “I’ve grown older [He is 83] and I’ve made many changes over the years, as there have been many changes in history over the years.

“There are reference points and many events that lead me into what Mark Twain has to say about himself, the human race in general, and, of course, politics. I’ve become astonished at the accuracy of what he said 100 years ago…like he was talking about life today. The material is never outdated.”

Holbrook is always adding new material, rearranging his presentation, and taking things out.

“I was doing the show in Kentucky recently, when I remembered a scene that I had titled ‘Money is God’ - how many people have a love affair with money. Twain was talking about Wall Street, and he said something like, ‘Where theft has been a practicing profession.’”

While Holbrook now makes his home in Los Angeles, his family ties are in Weymouth, Mass.

“My great-great-grandfather came over on one of the early boats back in 1635,” he said. “His home is now the Weymouth Historical Society.”

“I was born in Cleveland, and was abandoned by my parents,” he recalled. “My 60-year-old grandfather raised me, plus my brother and sister. He was in the shoe business, and traveled all over the country. I often rode the train with him.”

At age 83, Hal Holbrook is still traveling the country, bringing Mark Twain to life for third generation audiences, and still getting rave reviews.

He has won an Emmy and an Oscar for “Mark Twain Tonight,” and more recently, an Oscar nomination for his poignant portrayal of an old man who befriends a young adventurer in Alaska in “Into the Wild.” He is the oldest actor ever to be nominated.

He has been in too many movies and television shows to list here, but all you have to do is type in “Hal Holbrook” on your computer, and the long list will appear. I’ll always remember him for his portrayal of Deep Throat in “All the President’s Men.”

Holbrook needs little makeup these days; with his wavy white hair and southern accent making you think that he IS Mark Twain.

Hal Holbrook will appear at the VMA this Saturday, Oct. 10 at 8 p.m. This is a rare opportunity for you to see this outstanding actor in an updated version of “Mark Twain Tonight.”

Tickets are $45 and $55. Call 421-ARTS for reservations.